Iran is renowned for its diverse and captivating natural landscapes, which encompass a variety of geological features, including natural spas and hot springs. These thermal springs are scattered across different regions of the country, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the therapeutic benefits of mineral-rich waters in a tranquil environment. These Iran’s natural spas have garnered attention for their potential health benefits, with some people seeking relief from various ailments through hydrotherapy. Iran’s hot springs are not only appreciated for their potential wellness advantages but also their contribution to the overall appreciation of the country’s geographical diversity. Visitors interested in exploring these natural phenomena can find various options that provide a chance to connect with Iran’s geological heritage and its subtle yet significant impact on the region’s culture and traditions.
Hot & Mineral Springs in Iran
Hot and mineral springs hold a special place within Iran’s natural landscape, reflecting the country’s geological richness. Iran is home to an array of hot springs, each unique in its mineral composition and temperature. These springs have been recognized for their potential health benefits, drawing people seeking relief from ailments such as arthritis, skin conditions, and muscular discomfort. The high mineral content of the waters is believed to offer therapeutic properties, and many visit these Iran hot water springs with the hope of experiencing the soothing effects that have been attributed to them for generations.
Benefits of Hot Springs
The benefits of hot springs are primarily attributed to the mineral-rich content and warm temperature of the water. The minerals found in hot springs, such as sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, are believed to offer a range of potential health advantages. These minerals can be absorbed through the skin during bathing and have been associated with soothing effects on various conditions, including arthritis and muscular discomfort.
The warm temperature of hot spring water can promote relaxation and improved blood circulation, which in turn might aid in reducing stress and tension. Additionally, the thermal properties of hot springs are thought to help dilate blood vessels and enhance oxygen flow to different parts of the body. This could potentially contribute to a sense of well-being and comfort. Additionally, the minerals present in the water are thought to have skin-nourishing properties, making hot springs not only a place for physical healing but also a potential destination for individuals seeking a rejuvenating experience. Next up, we’re gonna introduce the most important Iran’s Natural springs and spas.
List of Hot Springs in Iran
Sarein Hot Springs
Sarein, one of the most important Iran’s Natural Spas, grabs the attention of both local and international tourists every year due to its bubbling hot springs. The history of using these warm waters dates back thousands of years before Christ. The temperature of Sarein’s hot springs usually reaches around 43 degrees Celsius or even higher, and they’re packed with minerals like bicarbonates, calcium, magnesium, and sodium. Since Sarein is nestled near the Sabalan mountains, the weather is usually mild and pleasant throughout the year except in winter. There are more than 20 wellness centers and hot spring spots in Sarein, offering facilities like buffets, cafés, sports shops, as well as recreational features including jacuzzis, regular hot pools, VIP units, and equipped massage rooms.
Sahand
Sahand is the name of a mountain range in the south of Tabriz city, north of Maragheh, and east of Lake Urmia. This mountain is one of the tallest in Azerbaijan and is Iran’s most significant dormant volcano. The southern slopes of Sahand, between the counties of Maragheh, Hashtrud, and Charavimagh, boast numerous small and large springs. Some of the most famous hot springs on Sahand Mountain include Bostanabad and Tap Tapān. The water temperature of this Iran’s Natural spring is estimated to be over 41 degrees Celsius and can be reached by heading south from Bostanabad’s exit towards Sarab. The Tap Tapān spring is located 5 kilometers away from Azarshahr on the road from Tabriz to Maragheh. The water collects in a natural basin and is put to use there. Every year, the slopes of Sahand Mountain are utilized by nature enthusiasts as one of the natural attractions of the province during the spring and summer seasons.
See More: Top 10 Iran Mountains
Khoy-Maku
The county of Maku is bordered by Turkey to the north and west, the Aras River and Nakhchivan to the east, and the cities of Khoy and Chaldoran to the south. About 13 kilometers from the Maku-Bazargan road lies the Bashkandi Hot Spring. In this area, there’s a wide valley oriented from west to east, with the hot spring located on the right side of the riverbed and the southern slope of chalky hills. The spring’s water flow is approximately 6 liters per second. The basin’s base is triangular, measuring 6 meters on its sides, and each of the two adjacent sides is 9 meters. The basin’s depth is 40 centimeters. On the left side of the riverbed and opposite this basin, as well as from several other points, water or gas bubbles emerge, forming a marshy area. This water belongs to the category of carbonated calcium mineral waters and is warm.
Read More: 15 Most Beautiful Places In Iran
Mahallat
The Mahalat Hot Springs is a collection of six hot springs situated in the northeastern highlands of Mahalat. The depths of these Iran’s Natural springs vary in different parts, reaching up to 20,000 meters in some spots. The temperature of the Mahalat hot springs changes according to the depth and speed of the water, ranging from 50 to 100 degrees Celsius at times. These hot springs are groundwater sources that, due to the pressure of the underlying layers of the earth, rise to the surface at different speeds. The heat present in the deeper layers of the earth dissolves minerals and calcium sulfate. It’s these minerals in the water that provide its therapeutic properties. Because of the healing qualities of the Mahalat hot springs, many tourists visit this area to take advantage of their therapeutic benefits.
Tekab-Hashtrood
Tekab, a town in West Azerbaijan Province, hosts various hot springs in Takht-e Soleiman and Gaynarja Village. Within Takht-e Soleiman, therapeutic hot springs with adjacent cold water springs have been modernized, forming part of the complex accessible to the public. This complex offers hydrotherapy amenities like swimming pools, saunas, and Jacuzzis, alongside resorts, suites, a children’s park, cycling area, and a theater salon. Gaynarja Village, known for its natural beauty including waterfalls and hot springs, attracts tourists with its curative effects.
Damavand
The outskirts of Tehran have a lot of natural attractions, including Mount Damavand, which is Iran’s highest peak. The Damavand region, with its abundant natural wonders, offers tourists the chance to enjoy being in nature with minimal cost and time. One of the natural blessings of this area is its hot and cold springs. Some of these Iran’s Natural springs include: Ab Ali Spring, Siah Sang Spring, A’la Spring, and Tizab Spring.
Geno, Bandar Abbas
Mount Geno, with an elevation exceeding 2,300 meters, is the sixth tallest mountain in Hormozgan Province. On its eastern side lies the picturesque Geno Hot Spring, characterized by its blend of chloro-sulfate and calcium minerals. Every year, numerous tourists visit this Iran’s Natural springs for potential treatments of skin conditions, rheumatism, and other ailments. Currently, the Geno Hot Spring is part of the recreational and accommodation complex known as “Geno,” which offers visitors multiple pools supplied by the spring’s water. The complex also features various amenities for comfort and leisure. The spring’s water maintains a temperature around 40 degrees Celsius, providing a pleasant experience, especially during colder days. Notably, the water from the spring is used for irrigating date palm groves, and the Geno blind cave fish is a unique animal species found exclusively in this spring. The Geno Hot Spring is located approximately 37 kilometers northeast of Bandar Abbas, alongside the road connecting Bandar Abbas to Sirjan.
Baliran, Mazandaran
The Baliran Hot Spring is a tourist destination and a notable spot in Amol. It’s located in the village of Baliran in the Sardasht district of Amol, along the old Amol-Babol road. Besides the Baliran forest, this village is home to the beautiful Garmaroud or Garmrood River and mineral springs like “Goru” and “Lalezar.” These two Iran’s Natural springs, due to their various mineral compositions, have therapeutic properties for skin conditions and joint pains. The turquoise-colored hot water of Lalezar Spring flows into the Sarazir River from the left side, while the white-colored hot water of Goru Spring faces Lalezar Spring. Near the point where the hot water meets the river, you can even distinguish between the hot and cold water based on their colors. You could put one foot in the cold water and the other in the hot water. The best time to visit this area is from spring to early autumn.
Sari Badab-e Surt, Mazandaran
The beautiful Badab-e Surt Springs, also known as the Colorful Springs, are a captivating attraction in Sari that lures many tourists. These stunning springs not only boast unique beauty but also hold remarkable therapeutic value, and they’re found in only a few places on this planet. The Badab-e Surt Springs are remarkable natural pools made of travertine, positioned at an elevation of 1841 meters above sea level. The surroundings of the springs are covered with wild barberry shrubs, and their distinct orange color results from the high concentration of iron oxide sediment. These springs consist of several pools with entirely different water colors, scents, tastes, and volumes.
