Kandovan (Candovan) is a tourist village located near the city of Tabriz, in Iran. Its name is the plural of “kando”whiche means bees nest.

Legend says the first inhabitants of Kandovan moved here to escape from the invading mongols, They dug hideouts in the volcanic rock and ultimately ended up transforming them into permanent houses. It is now one of Iran‘s most popular tourist destinations and the rock-houses rival the famous Cappadocia Hotel.

The main occupations of Kandovan‘s inhabitants are agriculture and animal raising.