TEHRAN—The touristic Mazandaran province, which is bounded by mountains and sea, has registered more than 70 million overnight stays mainly by domestic travelers in the first six months of the current Iranian calendar year (started on March 21).

Overnight stays at Mazandaran’s accommodation centers such as hotels, traditional lodging houses, apartment hotels, and guest houses reached 70,650,508 from Farvardin 1 to Shahrivar 15, the deputy provincial tourism chief said on Wednesday.

Of the figure, over 34 million is related to overnight stays made since the beginning of summer till Shahrivar 15  (Sep. 6), Mehdi Eshaghi said.

Statistical estimates show an increase in the number of travelers visiting and staying in this province compared to the same period last year, the official said.

The official, however, did not mention a specific number concerning overnight stays in the same period last year.

Last week, the province’s governor general announced a development program to attract more foreign tourists, saying “We have set a goal to host two million foreign tourists per annum in the Iranian year 1404 (which starts in March 2025).”

Though it is a major destination for domestic holidaymakers, Mazandaran is still unknown to potential foreign travelers, Seyyed Mahmoud Hosseinipour said.

Mazandaran only attracted some 65,000 foreign tourists last year, which is insignificant, the governor general noted.

Sandwiched between the towering Alborz mountain range and the Caspian Sea, Mazandaran’s ever-present green landscapes provide a perfect backdrop for hiking, biking, and exploring. Visitors can take a stroll at the stunning Larijan hot springs, one of the most famous natural attractions in the region, and relax after a long day of exploring.

From a geographical point of view, Mazandaran can be divided into two parts, i.e. coastal plain and the mountainous area. It has a variety of climates, including the mild and humid climate of the Caspian shoreline and the moderate and cold climate of mountainous regions. The Caspian Sea, the largest lake in the world, is a major draw for nature enthusiasts. Mazandaran's coastline is dotted with some of the most beautiful beaches, such as Ramsar Beach, Sisangan Beach, and Tonekabon Beach. Sunbathing and taking a dip in the sea are popular activities at these beaches.

Home to countless villages and small towns, Mazandaran is a food lover's paradise as well. It is well-known for its diverse cuisine made with fresh and organic ingredients. Many of its popular dishes have a flavorful mix of white rice, fish, and herbs, cooked with sour orange juice. Its distinctive dishes include: Aghuz Mossama (walnut dish), Tah Chin, Torsh Torshu, Do Pati, Espenasak, pumpkin soup, Esfenaj Marji, Kahi Anar (a dish made from pumpkins), Naz Khatun, Qaliye, Khoresht-e Alu and Aghuznun.

AFM