Ardabil

The city of Ardabil, as the capital of the province, is located at a distance of 639 kilometers from Tehran, west to the volcanic mountain of Sabalan. The weather of the province varies between extreme cold on the mountainous areas, to moderate on the plains. The name of Ardabil came from a Zoroastrian name of "Artavil" (mentioned in Avesta) which means a holy place. Some historians attribute the foundation of Ardabil to "Bazan Firuz". Archaeologists have recently found some historical vestiges in Nameen, a nearby town, which belong to the 12th-16th centuries BC. Some Orartoie inscriptions belonging to the 7th-9th centuries BC. were found in Arasbaran which reveals that civilized people lived in the region.

Khalkhall

The city of Khalkhall is located in a mountainous region south of the province, 549 kilometers from Tehran. The climate of the city is very cold in the eastern parts and moderate in the north and south. The Tallesh Mountain Ranges extends from eastern Khalkhall southward as a barrier between the Caspian Sea and Gilan and Azarbayjan provinces causing less annual precipitation in western parts, compared to that of eastern side, with poor vegetation. There are rich pastures, resort areas, eye-catching landscapes and natural promenades around the city.

Meshkin Shahr (Khiyav)

The city of Meshkin Shahr is located in the northwestern Iran, at the center of the province, and 839 kilometers far from Tehran. Being near the high Sabalan Mountains it enjoys a moderate mountainous climate. Formerly, it was known as "Khiav". The Sabalan summit can be seen in the south of the city with an eye catching scenery. The antiquity of the city dates back to the early centuries of Islam but in the Safavid age it was thriving even more.