This route leads from Azerbaijan’s buzzing capital along the Caspian Sea coast and into the heart of the Caucasus Mountains. Expect outdoor adventures such as hiking, kitesurfing and paragliding, culinary surprises and some of the best scenery anywhere in the Caucasus.

 

Visit some of Azerbaijan’s most picturesque places
Travelling from Baku to the northern regions of Azerbaijan, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy kicking back and relaxing in some of the most picturesque parts of Azerbaijan. Stretching from the lowest lying national capital in the world to the highest peak in the country, this unique route has something to be admired by everyone. You can take a tour to the Chirag-gala fortress and be hosted by the local people of Khinalig village, whose population is a completely unique ethnic group. And if you’re a fan of active tourism, enjoy kitesurfing during summer in Shuraabad or visit the state-of-the-art ski resort near the Shahdag National Park.

Ancient traces epic landscapes
You’ll be following in the footsteps of ancient travellers and merchants on this scenic route along the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains.

Between Baku and Balaken
Whether it be visiting wineries, hunting out historical relics, sampling local dishes or hiking into the Caucasus Mountains, there’s something for everyone between Baku and Balaken. Highlights include feeling the Silk Road vibe in charming Sheki, discovering ancient crafts in remote mountain villages, hiking to hidden lakes and waterfalls and throwing yourself into outdoor adventures in the countryside resort hub of Gabala.

Healing nature inspiring history
Naftalan’s healing oil is one of Azerbaijan’s great natural wonders but the western region is also packed with heart-stopping history and breathtaking landscapes.

From German heritage to medicinal oil
Bordered by the majestic Caucasus Mountains and the Kura River, Azerbaijan’s western region is brimming with history and beautiful landscapes. If you like the sound of discovering the story of the Caucasus Germans, visiting some of the country’s oldest wineries and visiting luxury spas offering curative oil therapy, then this route has plenty for you.

From semi-deserts to lush forests
To truly experience Azerbaijan’s natural diversity, head south to Lankaran, Lerik and Astara to a land of hot springs, nature reserves and the majestic Talysh Mountains. The local cuisine is pretty great too – don’t leave without trying dishes like fish lavangi or parcha-dosheme plov and enjoy endless cups of freshly grown Azerbaijani tea.

 

Enjoy citrus, tea, mountains, sea… and learn the secrets of longevity
Bordered by the Caspian Sea and the lush Talysh Mountains, the Lankaran region’s countryside is diverse and eye-catching. The zone is home to two protected areas, the Gizil Aghaj Reserve and the Hirkan National Park, offering a surprising variety of vistas for such a small area – you can journey between dramatic mountains, calm seaside and ancient forests all within the space of just a few hours. What’s more, with the curative black sands of Caspian-lapped beaches, aromatic tea, fragrant citrus fruits and a number of hot springs, this subtropical corner of Azerbaijan is naturally therapeutic.

Enjoy the Caspian sea & beaches
The shores of the Caspian Sea have plenty of excellent beach clubs to enjoy, from the Absheron Peninsula resorts easily reached from Baku to the water sports centre at Shuraabad. There, you will find the perfect conditions for learning to kitesurf on the scenic lagoon and once you’ve mastered the basics you can take your board out into the open Caspian. Both professionals and amateurs can take windsurfing sessions at some Baku beaches. However, if it’s tranquillity and romance you are seeking, make your way to less crowded beaches such as Bilgah, Mardakan, Pirshagi, Nardaran and Zagulba.

 

Stroll along the Caspian seaside boulevard in Baku
Beyond the Old City there is no better way to get a feel for Baku’s relaxed, Mediterranean atmosphere than by strolling along the much-loved Seaside Boulevard – the capital city’s promenade. This beautiful sweep of coast offers hours of pleasant strolling along the waterfront with ever-changing views of the city. You’ll be able to stop for a ride on the Baku Eye, float along the canals of Little Venice or take a short romantic cruise across the Baku Bay. In the midst of all the strolling, don’t miss dining at one of several contemporary restaurants serving great national cuisine, often accompanied by local folk music, and pause for tea at a classic Azerbaijani teahouse.

 

Visit the mountain village of Khinalig
One of Azerbaijan’s top ethno-tourism spots, the picturesque village of Khinalig is located at over 2,000 metres and is said to be connected to the story of Noah, who some believe dropped anchor here during the Great Flood. Due to the steep terrain, the village’s 380 houses – many between 200-300 years old – are built very close together, with each roof doubling up as the courtyard for the house above. As descendants of one of the ancient Caucasian Albanian tribes, the locals speak a completely unique language. Travelling here will allow you to discover an intriguing local culture while experiencing the full majesty of the Caucasus Mountains.

 

Stargazing at Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory
Located 22 kilometres north of Shamakhi’s city centre along a scenic road leading into the Caucasus Mountains, the settlement of Pirqulu is home to the largest astrophysical observatory in the Caucasus. Named after 13th-century astronomer Nasreddin Tusi, the observatory was established in the Soviet era when it was used to great effect to study the stars and secrets of the universe. While it continues to be at the forefront of Azerbaijani astrophysics today, there are also facilities for visitors: you can browse a small museum, admire the largest telescope in the region and even do some stargazing if visiting after dark.

 

Admire the curves & collections of the Heydar Aliyev Centre
Designed by the illustrious architect Zaha Hadid, since opening in 2012 the Heydar Aliyev Centre’s astonishing curved, wave-like shape and innovative use of space have made it an iconic landmark in Baku and beyond. But besides its extraordinary appearance, inside you’ll find a world-class exhibition and museum complex with a great range of permanent and temporary curations exploring the best of local and global art and culture, as well as a stylish cafeteria, state-of-the-art auditorium and even an impressive collection of vintage cars.

Bathe in Naftalan oil
Approximately one hour’s drive from Ganja is Naftalan – a resort town named after a rare type of oil which for centuries has been extracted and used here to cure all sorts of ailments. According to popular legend, the oil’s healing properties were first spotted by a Silk Road merchant who left one of his sickly camels for dead by a pool of naftalan oil and later returned to find it fully recovered. Later, the town’s sanatoriums were a big hit with Soviet health seekers suffering from skin, muscle, joint and bone conditions, and following a decline in the 1990s, the town has recently re-emerged as one of Azerbaijan’s leading health tourism destinations. Treatment typically involves taking daily baths of crude oil for at least a week at one of the town’s many wellness centres.

 

Health & wellness experiences in Lankaran
Nature in this subtropical corner of Azerbaijan isn’t just pleasing on the eye, but also naturally therapeutic. Scattered throughout the region are thermal water springs (called ‘istisu’ in Azerbaijani) that have long been used by the local population to cure all sorts of ailments. They tend to be very simple sanatoriums offering bathing booths filled with the hot, mineral-rich water flowing naturally from underground. Bathing in these is surprisingly relaxing, but the village of Haftoni has taken the procedure to an entirely new level. A popular sanatorium opened around the many hot springs here way back in 1958 and became a hit with Soviet health seekers. However, since summer 2019 the village is home to the luxurious Lankaran Springs Wellness Resort.

 

Duzdag experience the power of nature
Salt therapies are offered in health resorts all over Azerbaijan, but for the most authentic experience head to Duzdag, 12 kilometres from Nakhchivan City. Duzdag or ‘Salt Mountain’ is a former salt mine whose underground tunnels have been converted into a leading salt therapy centre serviced by a wonderful team of physicians and physiotherapists. The mountain is thought to contain some 130 million tons of pure natural salt, which is prized for its ability to cure respiratory illnesses. For the full experience, soak up the salt and silence while spending the night in one of the centre’s underground caverns. An affiliated above-ground well-equipped resort is located 2 kilometres away.

Wellness in Azerbaijan

Stroll through the Khan’s Park & around
Spend half a day strolling the city centre, home to Ganja’s main historical attractions. On the central square, browse the Shah Abbas Mosque complex and medieval baths, built during the Safavid dynasty that governed Azerbaijan for over 200 years. Discover the nearby mausoleum to Javad Khan, the last khan of Ganja, following whose death Ganja became part of the Russian Empire and then the Soviet Union. Traces of that are clearly visible in several more buildings around the square: the grand city hall exudes Socialist Classicism, while the Ganja Hotel and Academy of Sciences opposite are grand, imposing and Stalinist. From the square head south-west to the Khan’s Garden, a six-hectare urban oasis that’s one of Azerbaijan’s oldest parks, and don’t miss the nearby Agricultural University building, which briefly housed the government of Azerbaijan’s first independent republic in 1918.

 

Explore thermal springs in Gabala
There are more than 30 deposits of thermal mineral waters with different concentrations, sulphur levels and organic substances in the Caucasus and three of them are located in the charming city of Gabala, which is located at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains. The city’s Yengija and Gamarvan thermal springs are popular in Azerbaijan and beyond, and today are the basis of balneotherapy treatments at world-class health and wellness resorts in Gabala, a scenic city where you recuperate to a mountainous backdrop and even experience state-of-the-art cryotherapy.

 

Relax at Baku’s traditional hammams
Hammams in Baku were traditionally places to gather, relax and socialize. Few of the old ones remain, however centrally located Agha Mikayil, Akhund and Tezebay hammams are still visited by locals. Head to any of these for the essential Azerbaijani hammam experience, which entails completely immersing yourself in warm water, visiting the steam room and an all-over body scrub, which can be particularly relaxing during the cooler months. All hammam procedures should be followed by a tea ceremony with friends.

Despite being housed in a former oil-boom mansion, Tezebay was only converted into a hammam about 20 years ago. It’s eccentric, modern and a little more expensive, but offers a wider range of procedures and treatments.

Explore the mud volcanoes of Baku
Home to the world’s greatest concentration of mud volcanoes, the landscape around Baku might be described as messy, bubbling, and sometimes explosive. The country is thought to have nearly 400 mud volcanoes and while they never grow to the size of a normal volcano, topping out at around 10 kilometres in diameter and 700 metres in height (among the largest mud volcanoes in the world are Boyuk Kanizadag and Toraghai, both in Azerbaijan), they do occasionally get the chance to show off.

Mud volcanoes occur where tectonic movement allows subterranean gases to escape to the surface. A few of these gas leaks are constantly on fire, shooting small perpetual flames into the air, and some believe that these perpetual flames are strongly connected to the appearance of Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan about 2,000 years ago. Located a 1.5-hour drive from Baku, the mud volcanoes at Dashgil near the Gobustan Reserve are the most popular to visit.

 

Hiking Guba’s mountain villages
Surrounded by such outstanding mountain vistas and unique flora and fauna, there is no better way to appreciate the magic of Guba’s many mountain villages than on foot. Visitors are more than welcome to join eco-friendly hiking tours through settlements such as Griz, Galakhudat, Laza and Khinalig located near the Shahdag National Park and its iconic peak, Mount Shahdag. You’ll be able to experience the majestic landscapes of the Caucasus Mountains and its multi-ethnic peoples accompanied by experienced guides who will be happy to share local stories and traditions.

 

Be inspired by Lake Goygol
Thirty kilometres from the city of Goygol, visit the Goygol National Park for its stunning, crystal-clear lakes, the largest of which is Lake Goygol. Sitting 1,500 metres above sea level surrounded by lush forests in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, many consider Goygol (meaning Blue Lake) to be Azerbaijan’s most beautiful lake. It formed after an earthquake in 1139 sent rocks tumbling from the peak of Mount Kapaz, which towers above adding drama to the wonderful scenery. Given its beauty, Lake Goygol has long been a source of inspiration for Azerbaijani artists, musicians and writers, including the great Nizami Ganjavi who lived in the region in the 12th century.

 

Explore Lankaran’s nature reserves
Bordered by the Caspian Sea and the lush Talysh Mountains, Lankaran is ideally placed between two of Azerbaijan’s best nature reserves. The swamps of the Gizil Aghaj reserve on the Caspian coast just north of Lankaran city are famous for being home to a multitude of water birds, not least the flamingo which migrates here from Africa each winter. Meanwhile, the vast Hirkan National Park spreads throughout the Lankaran and Astara regions. It’s a botanist’s paradise home to a huge variety of trees, including ancient iron trees that survived the last ice age as well as the very endangered Caucasian leopard. Over a dozen marked routes offer great hiking opportunities, some with lunch stops and tea breaks along the way in timeless local villages.

 

Skiing at Tufandag
For skiing enthusiasts tired of the traditional slopes, Azerbaijan’s two ski resorts in the Caucasus Mountains are a spectacular change of scenery. The one at Tufandag, just 4 kilometres from Gabala city centre, offers 12 kilometres of slopes, with a mix of challenging reds and blacks for experts and easy options for beginners. The slopes are kitted out with state-of-the-art snow guns and accessed by a network of cable cars, which offer gorgeous views of the Caucasus Mountains. There’s also an a ski school and a range of accommodation options including several luxury and upper-mid level hotels. In summer visitors can enjoy plenty of outdoor adventures, from hiking and cycling to paragliding and jeep tours.

 

Winter & summer adventures at Shahdag
For skiing enthusiasts tired of the traditional slopes, Azerbaijan’s two ski resorts in the Caucasus Mountains are a spectacular change of scenery. The luxury resorts at Shahdag have world-class amenities, 14 well-prepared slopes, friendly instructors and diligent staff. Piste quality is ensured by state-of-the-art snow guns and accessed by a brand new network of world-class cable cars and ski lifts. For more advanced skiers, black runs await at the Tufandag Mountain Resort in Gabala. But even for non-skiers there’s plenty to do: besides rental and repair shops, both resorts are well equipped with cafes, bars and restaurants; and both are open in summer, allowing visitors to soak in the fabulous scenery all year round and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and paragliding.

 

Hiking in the Candy Cane Mountains
One of Azerbaijan’s most beautiful stretches of road leads for about 40 kilometres from the Guba-Baku highway west towards the mountain village of Altiaghaj. Roughly mid-way between the two one passes through a dramatic valley flanked by rolling shale mountains whose astonishing red, orange, pink and chalk-coloured swirls led British travel writer Mark Elliott (author of the very popular ‘Azerbaijan’ guidebook) to dub them the Candy Cane Mountains, a name that’s stuck with travellers ever since. The astonishing colours are said to be due to groundwater that’s altered the oxidation state of iron compounds within the rock. If taking an organised hike here, which can be booked through tour companies in Baku and is preferably undertaken in autumn or spring, glance down beneath your feet: you may discover tiny fossils and perhaps even a squid-like belemnite from the cretaceous period.

 

Discover the mysteries of Beshbarmag Mountain
Just over an hour’s drive north-west of Baku along the Guba highway is a 382-metre high mountain whose bizarre shape long ago led to it being called Mt. Beshbarmag, which is Azerbaijani for ‘Five-finger Mountain’. Legend has it that sometime in the ancient past a prophet called Khidr ventured here in search of a ‘potion of life’ and having drunk from a spring at the summit achieved immortality. Today the mountain is shrouded in mystery with locals coming here to pray for strength and good fortune. As a tourist attraction, it’s well worth climbing to witness a number of age-old spiritual rituals as well as for the fantastic views of the Caspian Sea from the summit. What’s more, the general area is also one of Azerbaijan’s best birdwatching sites, with the corridor between the mountains and the sea acting as a bottleneck for hundreds of migrating bird species.

 

Visit the mountain village of Khinalig
One of Azerbaijan’s top ethno-tourism spots, the picturesque village of Khinalig is located at over 2,000 metres and is said to be connected to the story of Noah, who some believe dropped anchor here during the Great Flood. Due to the steep terrain, the village’s 380 houses – many between 200-300 years old – are built very close together, with each roof doubling up as the courtyard for the house above. As descendants of one of the ancient Caucasian Albanian tribes, the locals speak a completely unique language. Travelling here will allow you to discover an intriguing local culture while experiencing the full majesty of the Caucasus Mountains.

 

Tee off in Baku
Golf may not be the first thing travellers associate with Azerbaijan but Baku’s Dreamland Golf Club is an 18-hole course offering golf enthusiasts plenty of thrills, challenges and impressive landscapes. The course is scenic yet challenging and suited to golfers of all abilities. It spreads across 330 hectares of Baku’s lush green suburbs, offering a unique Caucasian golfing experience with a Mediterranean feel. Baku’s famous winds present an added challenge!

 

Play golf in the beautiful country side of Guba
Golf may not be the first thing travellers associate with Azerbaijan but two 18-hole courses offer plenty of thrills, challenges and impressive landscapes. Dreamland Gold Club has a scenic yet challenging course suited to golfers of all abilities that spreads across 330 hectares of Baku’s lush green suburbs, but golfers with more time to spare should travel north to Guba’s National Golf Club course in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. This was the first course to open in Azerbaijan and played host to the Azerbaijan Challenge Open in 2014, the country’s first professional tournament. It has a purpose-built clubhouse with luxurious locker rooms, a shop to suit every golfer’s needs and some truly unique dining options. But it’s the idyllic Caucasian countryside and mountain views that really make playing here an unforgettable experience.

Boutiques & bazaars in Baku
From carpets and antiques to cosmetics and cars, Baku’s many malls, boutiques and showrooms have all the luxury brands. The oldest part of the city – Icherisheher (Old City) – is scattered with characterful antiques and souvenir shops, yet hands down the busiest shopping and strolling area is around Nizami Street in the city centre. For a real local experience, though, head to one of several traditional bazaars which are infused with the aromas of fresh produce brought daily from the country’s fertile regions. The city also boasts several contemporary malls (Ganjlik, 28, Port Baku) packed with international brands, coffee shops, cinemas and restaurants.

 

From Village to City market
Besides traditional bazaars, you can find excellent organic produce at competitive prices at the Kendden Shehere (Azerbaijani for From Village to City) chain of markets. From Village to City is an innovative agro project launched by the Ministry of Agriculture to bring the country’s best produce to the capital to satisfy local demand while also creating new opportunities for people living in the countryside. The benefit for travellers is that you can get hold of the best local Azerbaijani produce without leaving the city centre. At the store located on Nizami Street you’ll find everything from fruit and veg to fish, meat and dairy produce as well as nuts, dried fruits, sweets, jams and drinks.

 

Yashil Bazaara world of aromas
Located a little further from the city centre, Yashil Bazaar (Azerbaijani for Green Bazaar) is Baku’s largest food bazaar packed with organic (and often exotic) fruit and veg, herbs and spices, nuts and dried fruits, juices, compotes and jams, as well as local delicacies like caviar and saffron. Strolling from row to row will allow you to experience a world of flavours and aromas from diverse corners of the country. Hence this is one of the most popular food shopping spots among Baku locals. Vendors will be happy to assist and let you try before you buy, but don’t be afraid to haggle over prices. Get ready to experience the hustle and bustle of an Eastern bazaar!

Need a great gift?Buy some ‘jorab’ socks
While weaving and knitting are widespread across Azerbaijan, one place where these closely linked age-old crafts are especially prevalent are the mountain villages of the Gusar region. The inhabitants of these villages – largely formed of Lezgis, an ancient people of the Caucasus Mountains – have been keeping sheep since time immemorial, meaning there’s always been an abundance of wool for local women to make carpets and clothes to keep everyone cosy and warm in winter. Skills and knowledge have been passed down from generation to generation and still today young girls learn to weave and knit from an early age.

One of the Lezgis’ most symbolic products are thick and vibrantly patterned slipper socks called “jorab”, which are worn indoors to keep feet warm in winter and traditionally included in a bride’s dowry. What’s more, these hand-knitted winter warmers make an ideal gift or souvenir which you can buy at the local bazaar in Gusar or even online from outside the country.

 

Kelaghayi making in Basgal
The legacy of the Silk Road is still visible in the picturesque village of Basgal, the home of Azerbaijani kelaghayi making. Traditionally worn by Azerbaijani women, kelaghayis are exquisite silk headscarves with patterns made using the batik technique – a method of stamping on hot wax to prevent the dye from colouring the fabric. In the past, silk weaving and kelaghayi making were practised at every household in the village, yet these crafts found themselves on the verge of disappearance by the end of the Soviet period. The revival began in the early 2000s when a kelaghayi factory was established in Basgal, and today a new generation of designers are being inspired by the headscarf’s symbolism and beauty to modernise it and make it fashionable again. Call into the factory for an impromptu lesson in kelaghayi making, then soak up the old-world atmosphere of Basgal’s cobblestone streets.

 

Call into Sheki’s craft shops
Once an important trade hub along the Silk Road, Sheki continues to exude a spirit of the past. On the historic trading street named after legendary local writer Mirza Fatali Akhundzade, step into small boutiques and admire the authentic craftsmanship, whether it be witnessing patterns being printed onto the colourful kelaghayi headscarves traditionally worn by Azerbaijani women or decorating clothes and cushions with intricate floral designs using a technique known as takalduz embroidery. Meet talented artisans making pots, papags (a national hat), miniature caskets and national instruments whose skills have been passed down through generations. In the Sheki Fortress, call into the shebeke workshop to see spectacular mosaics being painstakingly composed of thousands of tiny pieces of stained glass held together in wooden lattices of all shapes and sizes.

Dining in Baku
From traditional bistros serving local delicacies to chic Western-style restaurants, Baku offers diverse dining experiences to tickle all travellers’ taste buds. You’ll find plenty of places to sample the best of Azerbaijani cuisine, alongside a growing mix of popular international franchises, contemporary cafes, caravanserais, chocolate shops and steakhouses.

 

Adventures in the great outdoors in Gabala
Just 260 kilometres away from Baku, Gabala, located at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains, is Azerbaijan’s prime outdoor activities hub. The city offers great skiing in winter at the Tufandag Mountain Resort and adrenaline-fueled adventures in spring and summer. Paragliding is also available at Tufandag Mountain Resort, as are jeep safaris that whisk you off into the spectacular Caucasus Mountains with stops for traditional Azerbaijani breakfasts, or lunch and dinner in authentic country villages. Rafting can be enjoyed in the village of Savalan on the banks of the Turyanchay River where local company Gabala Rafting operates between May and September, offering rides along a scenic 11-kilometre stretch of the Turyanchay river.

 

Go off the beaten track to Saribash
Located on a plateau 1,602 metres up in the Caucasus Mountains is a historic village called Saribash, which is so remote that at some times of the year it can be completely cut off by a fast-flowing river. Even at the best of times you’ll need a 4×4 to get there, but it’s well worth making the effort in order to explore the village’s unique stone architecture and stunning mountain views. The village today is only home to about 30 people in winter, with many having left in recent decades due to its hard-to-reach location, but they’ll happily show you around and treat you to tea with delicious local jams. This is also a great place to try surhullu, a dried-meat dish unique to the Gakh region. Locals claim that nowhere does it better than Saribash.

 

Experience Ganja’s local cuisine
Ganja blends an ancient history and youthful energy, but it is no less interesting from a culinary perspective – the region has several of its own special desserts and dishes. Unlike its Baku counterpart, Ganja’s version of pakhlava is lighter in colour and baked on a copper tray over a campfire. It’s extremely tender and has a taste exuding hints of roses and saffron that melt in your mouth. Of the region’s other specialties, during a trip to Ganja don’t miss trying: Ganja dovga, a yoghurt-based soup with herbs and veg such as mint, spinach and celery; keta which are meat or herb qutabs with white cheese; and of course, shah (king) pilaf, a rice dish resembling a massive pie packed with meat, dried fruit and onions and baked with a covering of lavash flatbread.

Tours to wineries
Tours of Chabiant
Half hidden among hilltop vineyards in a deeply rural corner of Ismayilli district, Chabiant’s winery (aka Chateau Monolit) is one of Azerbaijan’s most appealing destinations for wine tourists thanks to a quality guesthouse with open-air swimming pool, a splendid tasting room and impressive wine storage caves designed to look centuries old. Over recent years the winemaking here has undergone a major rethink and now aims to “bring new life to local viticulture in Azerbaijan”. The winery is in the tiny settlement of Hajihatamli, on a small country lane that links Goychay and Ismayilli. Besides great food and wine, tours may also feature live music and other activities. Chabiant also organises a harvest festival (late August) and a Vino Nuovo celebration (late November) mimicking Beaujolais Nouveau festivities worldwide.

 

Tours of Savalan Wines
In the short decade since its founding in 2007, Savalan has become one of Azerbaijan’s most popular and widely distributed ranges of premium quality wine. The winery conjures up attractive imagery of crystal-clear Caucasian mountain streams watering its sunbathed vines which cover very considerable areas of rolling terroir south of the foothill city of Gabala. The company’s international winemaking team combine expertise from Italy and Azerbaijan to create a range that includes nearly 20 different wines. The winery offers tours with various options for tastings. On a clear day there are glorious mountain views from the site that sits on the edge of a plateau 25 kilometres south of Gabala, which is Azerbaijan’s foremost rural resort city.

 

Tours of Sharg Ulduzu
Close to Shamkir, backed by starkly arid hills, is the Sharg-Ulduzu winery. Meaning ‘Star of the East’, Sharg-Ulduzu produces a range of dry red single grape wines (Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Saperavi) along with blends in which a traditional cooling technique stops fermentation to produce low-alcohol semi-sweet wines maintaining much of the natural sugar. Examples include Shemkirskaya Krepost (Merlot-Cabernet-Sauvignon), Shishtapa (Saperavi-Merlot) and Skazka Vostoka (Saperavi-Tavkveri). The whites follow a similar pattern and include a good dry Bayan Shira. The winery organises tours of the site and degustations of the various wines on offer, accompanied by tasty snacks. Also included is a visit to the winery’s museum, offering a glimpse into the winemaking traditions of the Shamkir region.

 

Tours of the Az-Granata winery
In the small town of Agsu, Az-Granata’s giant modern plant processes a wide range of fruits into wines, liqueurs and juices. The word ‘granat’ from which the winery takes its name means ‘pomegranate’ in Russian (the word is ‘nar’ in Azerbaijani), and indeed a major product here is pomegranate wine, as well as an impressive range of spirits and inexpensive, easy-drinking table wines made from a range of European and Caucasian grape varieties. Tasting a glass of pomegranate wine is a unique experience you can enjoy during a tour of Az-Granata which culminates with tastings in a room adorned with barrels and an exhibition of sepia photos illustrating the history of winemaking in Azerbaijan. Tastings might encompass flavoured vodkas and ‘Azerbaijan’s first Raki’.

 

Take a wine bar crawl
Baku is alive with a smorgasbord of enticing drinking holes across all price ranges, most serving a range of local wines, while specialist wine bars such as KEFLI, Enoteca Meydan, Saqi, CafeCity, PORT Wine & Grill and others provide truly authentic wine experiences for both connoisseurs and beginners. And some tour companies offer wine crawls, allowing you to savour wines made from native grapes while enjoying traditional snacks and discussing the country’s wine heritage at multiple local bars in the historic city centre. Don’t miss trying a glass of pomegranate wine, a local delicacy.

Baku’s Old City
Baku’s medieval core is a UNESCO-protected site surrounded by 12th-century walls, brimming with history and Eastern architecture. Here you’ll find the Maiden Tower, Baku’s most mysterious site – no one knows for certain what it was originally built for! Meanwhile, occupying the highest spot in the citadel, the Shirvanshahs’ Palace was the 15th-century residence of Azerbaijan’s medieval rulers. Beyond its main attractions, the ‘Inner City,’ as it’s called by the locals, is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways home to some of Baku’s oldest residents, as well as artists’ workshops, souvenir stalls and traditional restaurants serving classic Azerbaijani dishes.

Discover the legacy of ancient fire worshippers
Baku’s extraordinary landscape, rich in oil and subterranean gases, has intrigued travellers since time immemorial and for centuries the Ateshgah Fire Temple in the village of Surakhani has been attracting crowds of thrill seekers. Built in the 17th–18th centuries around naturally burning flames which were previously worshipped by Zoroastrians, the site was then an important place of pilgrimage for fire-worshipping Hindus until the 1880s. Today it houses a well-designed museum and is often coupled with a trip to nearby Yanardag, the Burning Mountain in Mammadli village where a 10-metre wall of flames blazes day and night at the base of a hillside. These natural flames were described by Marco Polo in the 13th century and continue to mesmerise those who visit the site. Today you can learn all about them at the beautifully arranged new museum complex.

Discover Gobustan’s ancient rock art
From prehistoric rock art to musical stones, the Azerbaijani people’s age-old past is dramatically brought to life in the UNESCO-listed Gobustan Reserve, where an astonishing collection of over 6,000 ancient petroglyphs chart ways of life dating back as far as 40,000 years. The reserve is located among the Boyukdash, Kichikdash and Jingirdagh mountains, about 60 kilometres south of Baku, and is also home to the remains of once inhabited caves, settlements and burial grounds, all reflecting intensive human use from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Middle Ages. What’s more, just a short drive away you’ll find some of Azerbaijan’s astonishing number of mud volcanoes, one of the world’s most intriguing natural wonders.

Soak up the history of old Gabala
History enthusiasts shouldn’t miss calling into the village of Chukhur Gabala, 15 kilometres south-west of Gabala, to discover the ruins of the ancient city of Gabala – a major trade and social hub along the Silk Road between about 4BC and 18AD and once the capital of the ancient state of Caucasian Albania. The site has been researched by archaeologists since 1929, revealing many historical treasures including a medieval water supply system, coins and ceramics, burial sites and the remnants of buildings harking back to diverse historical eras. The highlight, though, are two round brick towers and parts of a fortress wall that once formed the city’s southern entrance. After exploring the 25-hectare site’s excavation areas by car and on foot, browse the nearby contemporary museum which tells you all you need to know about the area’s history.

Visit Baku’s Carpet Museum
The Carpet Museum, situated on the Seaside Boulevard, is another of Baku’s modern architectural wonders – it’s shaped like a rolled-up rug! And inside it’s home to the largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets in the world (over 6,000!). There’s simply no better place to begin your journey into the world of Azerbaijani carpet weaving. Strolling around the exquisitely curated exhibits, you’ll discover how our carpets are made through live demonstrations, how they have evolved throughout the centuries and you’ll also be able to compare and contrast hundreds of stunning examples from across our seven regional carpet weaving schools.

Visit the first museum of Mountain Jews
Located opposite Guba city on the northern banks of the Gudiyalchay river, Red Settlement (also known as Girmizi Gasaba or Krasnaya Sloboda) is a truly unique place to visit. Characterised by its red-tiled roofs, this village is thought to have once been the only entirely Jewish settlement outside of Israel and the United States and the world’s last surviving shtetl. Its residents are Mountain Jews whose ancestors have been living in the Guba region for centuries. Founded in the mid-18th century, the village thrived under the protection of the ruling Guba khan, becoming a diverse yet closed community of Mountain Jews. And in the centuries since it has survived plenty of upheavals, maintaining its own culture and traditions, as well as the unique Juhuri language. A landmark new museum opened here in 2019.

Discover traces of Caucasian Albania near Sheki
Just five kilometres from Sheki, travel to the picturesque village of Kish to explore Albanian temple, one of our greatest monuments of Caucasian Albania – an ancient state that existed here from about 3BC to 8AD. The core of this beautiful church is thought to date to 1AD, yet archaeologists have discovered evidence that a cultic site existed here as early as 3,000BC! The church now functions primarily as a museum to Caucasian Albania and features a host of Bronze Age ceramics discovered during excavations carried out in the early 2000s by a joint Azerbaijani-Norwegian team, as well as glass-covered vaults displaying ancient graves with two-metre long skeletons.

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES
Experience the Silk Road in Sheki
Take a break from an itinerary packed with sightseeing and spend a morning or afternoon simply wandering the cobbled streets of Sheki’s historic old town, an area that was recently added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Soak up the bucolic atmosphere, admire the intricate brickwork and hunt for some historical relics. This upper part of the city is made up of 19th-century merchant housing with distinctive gabled roofs, mosques and hammams, reflecting Sheki’s long history as a former hub of the silk trade. You can visit house museums to local literary heroes Mirza Fatali Akhundzade and Bakhtiyar Vahabzade and call into the Sheki Khans’ House. For a Quintessential Silk Road experience in Sheki, stop for tea and sweets or better still spend a night at Karvansaray, an authentic 18th-century caravanserai-turned-hotel.

Take a tour of Sheki Khan’s palace
Resting in the shade of 500-year-old plane trees at the top of Sheki, the lavishly decorated Palace of Sheki Khans is our most exquisite architectural monument of the khanate period. It was built in the late 18th century as the ruling Sheki Khan’s summer residence in the cool foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. The local rulers clearly had an eye for detail: the palace is laden with intricate details both inside and out, from sprawling frescoes to geometrically patterned tiles. The palace’s windows are also the best place to see one of Sheki’s signature crafts – shebeke, a technique of filling wooden lattices with thousands of pieces of coloured glass fitted together without glue or nails. Take a tour with one of the knowledgeable onsite guides who will help bring the place to life.

 
 

Carpet weaving in Guba
Along with its beautiful nature and magnificent mountains, Guba is an ancient city with colourful traditions. People here have been weaving carpets since time immemorial, which you can learn about from local weavers at several carpet factories open to curious visitors. Over 30 types of carpet are woven, traditionally by women, in villages such as Pirebedil, Devechi, Gonagkend, Zeiwa and Garagashli, as well as the neighbouring region of Gusar.

What’s more, each village’s carpets have their own characteristics, for example carpets woven in Pirebedil are famous for their elaborate floral designs on blue or ivory backgrounds, while those woven in Gonagkend often have a central medallion, and those called ‘Butali’ usually feature buta elements, representing fire. One great way to experience these age-old traditions is by booking a masterclass through private guides or the Guba Destination Management Organisation.

 

Take a day trip to Lahij
About three hours’ drive from Baku via a geologically spectacular canyon, the pretty little village of Lahij woos visitors with its antique cobbled streets, stone houses, souvenir shops and crafts. In the past over 40 different crafts were practised in this historic village, which is now a historical and cultural reserve and whose inhabitants converse in their own language. They included hat making, leather production and carpet weaving. However, Lahij is most famous for its unique copperwares, which in the past were sold all across the Caucasus and the Near East. It was always thought that the best coppersmiths hailed from Lahij. The cool mountain air makes travelling here especially appealing in summer, which is also a great time to try some of the many hikes (offered by Baku-based tour companies) that start or end in or around this timeless village.

 

Visit German-inspired Goygol
Ten kilometres south of Ganja, the story of Azerbaijan’s German colonists began in 1819 with the founding of a village called Helenendorf (now Goygol). Besides becoming a hub of German culture in the Caucasus, Helenendorf was also famous for its burgeoning wine industry that sold wine and spirits throughout the Russian Empire. The Germans may have gone – they were deported by Stalin in 1941 – but the Goygol Winery still functions and their presence continues to be felt in the town’s old German streets lined by towering plane trees. Over 300 distinctly German houses remain, one of which is the Victor Klein House, the former residence of Goygol’s last German and now a museum. Nearby is Azerbaijan’s first Lutheran church which was built in 1854 and today also houses a small museum collection. All the main sights can be discovered with the help of interactive info boards.

 

Visit Shamkir’s German heritage
Modern Shamkir began life as the German colony of Annenfeld which was founded in 1819 and went on to become a hotbed of winemaking in Azerbaijan. The Germans were tragically deported from here in 1941 but today the city centre has kept a uniquely Germanic feel – think long straight streets with original German country housing, a Lutheran church dating back to 1909, and a German park with café, paths and benches. What’s more, the centrally located Excelsior hotel serves authentic craft beer homebrewed according to a German recipe.

 

Visit Ganja’s Imamzadeh Mausoleum
Located roughly 7 km north of Ganja is one of Azerbaijan’s most important religious sites. The Imamzadeh Mausoleum (also known as the Goy dome, the Goy Mosque or the Goy Imam) was built in various stages beginning from the 14th century around the grave of one of the sons of the 5th Shiite Imam, Muhammed al-Baqir. Over the years the grave developed into a mausoleum and then a complex. A series of mosques and caravanserais surrounded by fortress walls appeared and disappeared until between 2010 and 2016 the complex was completely restored. Look out especially for the mausoleum’s exquisite blue-tiled dome, decorated with peacocks and floral patterns.

 

Stroll through the Khan’s Park & around
Spend half a day strolling the city centre, home to Ganja’s main historical attractions. On the central square, browse the Shah Abbas Mosque complex and medieval baths, built during the Safavid dynasty that governed Azerbaijan for over 200 years. Discover the nearby mausoleum to Javad Khan, the last khan of Ganja, following whose death Ganja became part of the Russian Empire and then the Soviet Union. Traces of that are clearly visible in several more buildings around the square: the grand city hall exudes Socialist Classicism, while the Ganja Hotel and Academy of Sciences opposite are grand, imposing and Stalinist. From the square head south-west to the Khan’s Garden, a six-hectare urban oasis that’s one of Azerbaijan’s oldest parks, and don’t miss the nearby Agricultural University building, which briefly housed the government of Azerbaijan’s first independent republic in 1918.