Manjil

Manjil (منجیل) is a town in southeastern Gīlān Province, situated in the Alborz mountain foothills along the Sefidrud River. It is famous for its Manjil wind — powerful, near-constant winds that make it the centre of Iran's wind energy industry, with hundreds of wind turbines dotting the hills. The town is also known for its olives and olive oil production.

Manjil has a drier, warmer climate than the rest of Gilan due to its rain-shadow position. Summers are hot, winters are mild.

By Plane

Rasht Airport (RAS) is about 70 km northwest. Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) is about 250 km southeast.

By Car / Road

Manjil is on the Qazvin–Rasht freeway, about 250 km northwest of Tehran (3 hours). Frequent buses pass through on the Tehran–Rasht route.

The town is small. Taxis are available for exploring the wind farm and olive groves.

• Manjil Wind Farm — Hundreds of modern wind turbines covering the hillsides — a striking sight.
• Sefidrud River Valley — Scenic river canyon with turquoise water.
• Manjil Olive Groves — Vast olive orchards producing some of Iran's best olive oil.
• Tarq Dam — A dam and reservoir on the Sefidrud.

Photograph the wind turbines at sunrise. Visit olive oil pressing workshops (autumn harvest). Drive through the Sefidrud canyon.

Olive-based dishes, local bread and cheese. Small restaurants serve kebabs and traditional Persian food.

Traditional tea. Olive-infused herbal drinks are a local curiosity.

• Budget: Roadside guesthouses and motels on the Tehran–Rasht highway from 400,000 rials.

Olive oil and olives from Manjil — among the best in Iran. Also pickles and preserved olives.

• Rasht (70 km, 1 hour) — Food capital of Iran.
• Rudbar (20 km, 20 minutes) — Neighbouring town also known for olives.
• Qazvin (90 km, 1 hour) — Historic Safavid capital.
• Tehran (250 km, 3 hours) — National capital.