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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Music Box • Geography

Hormuz Island

Hormuz Island is an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz, about 8 km off the southern coast of Iran in Hormozgan Province.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Hormuz Island is an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz, about 8 km off the coast. It is known for its striking multicoloured landscapes and strategic location.

What it is

Hormuz Island is part of Iran's Hormozgan Province, located in the Strait of Hormuz roughly 8 km from the mainland. It is a mostly barren, hilly island with a small settlement also named Hormuz.

Why it matters

The island holds strategic importance because of its position near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route. It is also known for its vivid red, pink, yellow, and orange soils, which attract tourists and give the island its distinctive appearance.

Key details

The island's red soil is rich in iron oxide or haematite, creating its colourful terrain. Visitors typically reach Hormuz by passenger ferry from Bandar Abbas or Qeshm Island.

In short

  • Hormuz Island is part of Iran and lies in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • It is widely known for its colourful terrain and red soil.
  • The island has tourism value and strategic importance.
  • The red soil is due to iron oxide or haematite.

Quick questions

Where is Hormuz Island?
Hormuz Island is in the Strait of Hormuz, off the southern coast of Iran in Hormozgan Province, about 8 km from the mainland.
What is Hormuz Island known for?
It is known for its colourful scenery, especially its red and orange soils and unusual landscapes.
How do you get to Hormuz Island?
The usual way is by passenger ferry, most commonly from Bandar Abbas, and sometimes from Qeshm Island.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hormuz_Island
    Supports: Location in the Strait of Hormuz; Iranian island; administrative placement; about 8 km off the coast.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Hormuz
    Supports: Hormuz located on the Strait of Hormuz; about 8 km off the coast of Iran.
  3. TasteIran — https://www.tasteiran.net/stories/10051/hormuz-island
    Supports: Colourful rock formations and iron oxide explanation for the red/pink soil.
  4. Iran on Trip — https://www.iranontrip.ir/page/en-460/Hormuz-Island
    Supports: Area, settlement, province, red ochre, and general island description.
  5. WorldAtlas — https://www.worldatlas.com/islands/hormuz-island.html
    Supports: Strategic location and nickname tied to colourful soil.
  6. BBC Travel — https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20211020-the-rainbow-island-most-travellers-dont-know
    Supports: Striking multicoloured terrain and red soil caused by haematite/iron oxide.
  7. Tripadvisor — https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g19393184-d12048696-Reviews-Hormuz_Island-Hormoz_Hormoz_Hormozgan_Province.html
    Supports: Passenger ferry access from Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island.
  8. Adventures of Lil Nicki — https://adventuresoflilnicki.com/hormuz-island-guide-iran/
    Supports: Ferry access from Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island; general travel logistics.