Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan
There are many natural wonders in Azerbaijan, such as the Caspian Sea, the Ghizil-Agaj State Reserve, and the Absheron National Park. There are also magnificent monuments and architectural gems to explore, such as the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum and the Maiden Tower. Plus, visitors can enjoy a range of exciting activities, from hiking, mountain biking, and skiing, to sampling the local cuisine and learning about the country’s rich cultural heritage. Another substantial reason to visit Azerbaijan is its people. Azerbaijani people are incredibly welcoming and eager to share their culture and traditions with visitors. Plus, Azerbaijan is one of the safest countries in the world, so travelers can explore without worry. All things considered, Azerbaijan is a fascinating destination that offers something for everybody. From breathtaking landscapes and historical sites to a dynamic culture and delicious cuisine, there are innumerable reasons to visit Azerbaijan.
Top locations
BAKU
Baku is a truly contemporary city criss-crossed by history. From the modern elegance of the Flame Towers standing proudly above to the medieval UNESCO-listed Old City at its core, there is something for everyone in our stunning capital. In Baku you will discover a constantly evolving tapestry of life and energy from bazaar to penthouse. Being a coastal city, Baku is intrinsically open-minded and hospitable. Guests are welcome to stroll along the Caspian promenade (the Boulevard), visit the Old City (known locally as Icherisheher) and enjoy the unique architectural blend of East and West.
GUBA
GUBA – unspoiled nature & preserved traditions. A gateway into the majestic Caucasus Mountains, Guba is a glorious stretch of countryside and a great destination for lovers of ecotourism and outdoor adventures.
Located in the north-east of Azerbaijan, Guba is a great place to experience the Caucasus Mountains. Timeless mountain villages are populated by diverse peoples and offer great hiking and ecotourism opportunities. In the city itself you can discover some intriguing culinary secrets while in the surrounding villages local women weave some of the finest carpets in the Caucasus.
GANJA
Ganja is the second largest city of Azerbaijan, located on the northern slopes of Less Caucasus range about 375 km west from Baku. Being a monument of the ancient culture and the industrial center of western Azerbaijan Ganca has population about 323,0 thousand people.
The city is situated in a middle of the way between Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, and Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia. Ganja has always played central role to the political-economic and cultural life of the country since the earliest of times. The city is considered the country’s literary and cultural center and was the birthplace of great Azerbaijani poets Nizami Ganjavi, poetess Mahsati Khanim Ganjavi, Mirza Shafi Vazeh. With ample streets and avenues and well-designed parks, Ganja is one of the prettiest Azeri towns. The city retains a strong German influence in its architecture.
GABALA
Gabala, a unique town on the slopes of the Greater Caucasus Range, is famous for its rare combination of beautiful mountain landscapes, historical monuments and a lot of tourist attractions. Gaba ala is considered a popular tourist destination due to the combination of a very good spring climate, woodsalong the mountains and beautiful nature was exploited by the construction of large numbers of hotels and apartments in city. The city contains “Gabaland” amusement park, There are all conditions for recreation and entertainment for children an ice skating rink Gabala has several shopping malls; the most famous city center mall is Gabala Mall. Tufan Dag Ski Complex, one of the biggest mountain resorts in Caucasus located in Gabala Since 2009, city has been home of Gabala International Music Festival, which included performances from classical and jazz performers Here tourists are available for restaurants and hotel services at a high level. Around the mountains covered with forests, it is Funfair, which is unparalleled in the South Caucasus and other tourist facilities in a beautiful corner of nature.
SHEKI
Sheki is one of Azerbaijan’s beautiful towns which is snoozing among green pillows of forested Great Caucasus Mountains. This is a small city, located in Sheki- Zagatala region of Azerbaijan on the southern picturesque slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains range about 325 km away from Baku and not far from Georgian border. Being most popular tourist destination in Azerbaijan, Shaki has population of about 63,000 people. City has a rich history the real atmosphere of authentic Azerbaijani town can be discovered here. Despite the many historical and architectural attractions, tourists here also enjoy strolling along the narrow streets with tiny houses famous for their red tile and carved wooden gates. Almost every house is surrounded by a garden and a fence made of river stones. Etymology of the town’s name is derived from the ancient tribe named “sakas” which inhabited in Azerbaijan 6-7 age BC.
LANKARAN
Wedged between the Caspian Sea and the lush Talysh Mountains, Lankaran is a region of unique natural diversity. The city itself is an old port that used to be surrounded by fortifications, and it’s ideally placed between some of Azerbaijan’s best nature reserves. The swamps of the Gizil Aghaj reserve lie to the north and are rich in birdlife, while the Hirkan Forest to the south is home to ancient iron trees as well as the endangered Caucasian leopard. The region is also famed for its citrus fruits and flavoursome cuisine, as well as being the centre of Azerbaijani tea growing.
Top things to do
Hike between timeless mountain villages
Shrouded in myth and legend and populated by a myriad of multicultural peoples, the spectacular Caucasus Mountains have attracted intrepid travellers and explorers for centuries. Azerbaijan is blessed with a glorious mountainous stretch spanning the entire north of the country which is dotted with timeless mountain villages linked by an emerging network of hiking trails.
Marvel at Baku’s modern wonders
Over the last decade Baku’s skyline has been transformed by some spectacular modern architectural masterpieces. The crown jewel is the futuristic Heydar Aliyev Centre, but the Flame Towers, Carpet Museum and others are equally innovative and inspiring.
Relax by the Caspian Sea
Azerbaijan has over 500 km of Caspian Sea coastline. You’ll find scenic views from north to south and plenty of sun-soaked beaches just a 30-minute drive from Baku. There, each summer the golden sands of the Absheron Peninsula come alive with luxury resorts and water parks, local fish restaurants and scenic beaches.
Go wildlife-spotting in national parks
Home to nine of the world’s 11 climate zones, Azerbaijan’s natural diversity is likely to surprise and delight. A great way to experience it is by visiting some of the country’s 9 national parks that protect rare fauna and flora in important wilderness zones.
Raste Azerbaijan’s favourite food
Azerbaijani cuisine (Azerbaijani: Azərbaycan mətbəxi) refers to the cooking styles and dishes of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The cuisine developed significantly due to its diversity of agriculture, from abundant grasslands which historically allowed for a culture of pastoralism to develop, as well as to the unique geographical location of Azerbaijan, which is situated on the crossroads of Europe and Asia with an access to the Caspian Sea. The location has enabled the people to develop a varied diet rich in produce, milk products, and meat, including beef, mutton, fish and game. The location, which was contended over by many historical kingdoms, khanates, and empires, also meant that Azerbaijani cuisine was influenced by the culinary traditions of multiple different cultures, such as Turkic, Iranian, and Eastern European.
Sample Azerbaijan’s new wines
Boasting beautiful terroirs and saline soils, Azerbaijan’s wine industry is undergoing a major revival. Stunning flavours are being produced from foreign and native grapes at a growing number of wineries in diverse corners of the country, and several chic wine bars are bringing European style to the rapidly developing Azerbaijani capital.
Embrace the tea culture
Tea is synonymous with hospitality in Azerbaijan where tradition dictates that a guest should not be allowed to leave a home without being offered it. Azerbaijani tea ceremonies have evolved over centuries to have their own rites and rituals. It is served in a special pear-shaped glass with lemon and sugar, and often a tray of delicious honey, jams and sweets. This is an experience you can have anywhere in the country, from upmarket hotels to quiet village teahouses
