RAMSAR

Known as the bathing resort of the Caspian and by far the most beautiful site of the whole coast, it is unique in terms of scenery including forest, forested hills, and proximity to the Caspian beach. Wooded hills roll down nearly to the beach itself while the powerful outlines of the Alborz mountains range from an impressive background. The last Shah built a palace (now a pa/ace museum, or Muzeh kakh-e Shah) in the thickly wooded hill overlooking Ramsar, the setting of which is one of the most magnificent anywhere along the Caspian coast.

The thin coast strip is covered with rich vegetation including palm and orange trees among the flower beds. There isn't much in the way of activities here, nor is there much of historical or architectural interest, but the breathtaking scenery is enough for most holiday makers. Since the mountain stops only a few hundred meters short of the coast in this point, the town is squeezed into little more than one main street, and the natural limits to its development have helped to make this the most attractive of the seaside resorts.
Ramsar's two luxury hotels are constructed on two adjacent terraces looking out upon a restful landscape. The oldest hotel, today looking more like a museum than a hotel, has an old-fashioned charm as well: extra-ordinary cast-iron statues covered with aluminum paint produce a wildly rococo effect.

The new hotel designed as a modern accommodation equipped with all facilities for the tourists, forms a large white splash amidst the greenery. A long alley of palm- trees leads from both hotels to the beach. The hotels have six restaurants with qualified personnel capable of providing the tourists not only with all sorts of services but also excellent local and foreign dishes. Furthermore, other facilities such as the handicrafts shop, bookstore, prayers hall, volleyball ground, swimming pools (for both sexes), cinema, children's play ground, a number of mineral water springs; post and telecommunications, and finally a convenient and spacious parking lot for those traveling by car, are provided for you. Towards Chalus, the forest sweeps down to the sea.

Large picnic sites have been organized under the oaks and elms. There are motels and places of entertainment along the coastal road. Towards Rasht and Bandar-e Anzali. the landscape widens up as one approaches the Sefid Rud river delta. Tea plantations and rice paddies occupy all the land.