Travel Tips
Azerbaijan - gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and the petroleum boom in the country, the region has been developing fast as a major tourist centre. Every city in the country has got its own related testimonials and experiences, which focus on the region's ancient history. Also with time, new construction projects along with improved technology are coming together to provide a wonderful blend of contemporary services & entertainment and classic Azerbaijani culture & history. Azerbaijan, the nation and former Soviet republic, is bounded by the Caspian Sea and Caucasus Mountains, which span Asia and Europe. Its capital, Baku, is famed for its medieval walled Inner City. Within the Inner City lies the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a royal retreat dating to the 15th century, and the centuries-old stone Maiden Tower, which dominates the city skyline.
Trip Planning: The planning stage of your trip can be instrumental in its success and an enjoyable part of the experience itself. You have a world of options...and plenty to consider.
Entry and Exit formalities: Visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months & beyond at the time of entering the country. Some nationalities can obtain visa on arrival and for nationalities who requires visa please refer to Azerbaijan consulate website: www.dubai.mfa.gov.az
Transportation: Figuring out how to get around is one of your biggest pre-trip decisions. Get our holiday expert best advice on deciding between your options.
Based on your trip itinerary, our experts will help you choose wisely. You'll also find a wealth of practical travel tips.
Money: Use your money wisely. Know the best time to use cash or card — and how to avoid unnecessary fees either way — as well as tipping etiquette.
Phones and Technology: Phones and other smart devices can be huge time-savers...or expensive distractions. Get our tips for making the best use of technology during your trip, and for calling home with or without your own phone.
Packing Light: On your trip you'll meet two kinds of travelers: those who pack light and those who wish they had.
Sleeping and Eating: Your hotel and restaurant choices can be a matter-of-face chore…or they can provide rich opportunities to connect with locals and their culture.
Health & Hygiene: Take comfort: Doctors, hospitals, launderettes, and bathrooms aren’t that different. Dealing with them can even be part of the fun of travel.
Sightseeing & Activities: Once you're on the ground, the real fun begins…but it pays to have a thoughtful plan. Our experts will help you get oriented to your surroundings, use your sightseeing hours wisely, and find your way off the beaten path.
Things to see & do:
Baku- the capital and commercial hub of Azerbaijan, is a low-lying city with coastline along the Caspian Sea. It's famed for its medieval walled old city, which contains the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a vast royal complex, and the iconic stone Maiden Tower. Contemporary landmarks include the Zaha Hadid–designed Heydar Aliyev Center, and the Flame Towers, 3 pointed skyscrapers covered with LED screens.
Ganja- is a city in western Azerbaijan. In its east, the Nizami Ganjavi Mausoleum honors the revered 12th-century local poet. Not far from the center, the ancient city of Ganja is an archaeological site with the ruins of a walled fort. The Imamzade complex features religious buildings with ornate blue tile work. Other notable landmarks include the Juma Mosque, with its large dome and ornamental fountains.
Gabala (also known as Qabala)- is a city in northern Azerbaijan. To the southwest, Chukhur Gabala village has ancient ruins, including imposing gate towers, from the city’s time as capital of Caucasian Albania. On the city’s northeastern outskirts, the Tufandag Winter–Summer Mountain Resort offers ski runs. An ancient Albanian church is in Boyuk Amili, nearby. To the west, Nij is home to the native Udi people.
Absheron Peninsula is a peninsula in Azerbaijan. It is the location of Baku, the biggest and the most populous city of the country, and also the Baku metropolitan area, with its satellite cities Sumqayit and Khyrdalan.
Gobustan State Reserve- located west of the settlement of Gobustan, about 40 miles southwest of the centre of Baku was established in 1966 when the region was declared as a national historical landmark of Azerbaijan in an attempt to preserve the ancient carvings, mud volcanoes and gas-stones in the region.
Mingachevir- is the fourth-largest city in Azerbaijan with a population of about 104,500. It is known as city of lights because of its hydroelectric power station on the Kur River, which splits the city in half. The current city was founded in 1948, partly by German POWs captured during World War II.
Stepanakert, or Khankendi- is the de facto capital and the largest city of the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh, though the city is within the internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan.
Shaki- is a city in northwestern Azerbaijan, surrounding the district of the same name. Shaki is in northern Azerbaijan on the southern part of the Greater Caucasus mountain range, 240 km from Baku.
Lankaran- is a city in Azerbaijan, on the coast of the Caspian Sea, near the southern border with Iran. It is next to, but independent of, Lankaran District. The city forms a distinct first-order division of Azerbaijan.
Babək- is a city and municipality in and the capital of Babek Rayon, in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. In 2015, by decree of President of Azerbaijan Republic, Qoşadizə village was liquidated and added into the administrative territory of the city of Babek.
Sumgait- is the third-largest city in Azerbaijan, located near the Caspian Sea, about 31 kilometres away from the capital, Baku. The city has a population of around 265,000, making it the third-largest city in Azerbaijan after the capital Baku and the city of Ganja. The city has a territory of 83 square kilometres.
Naftalan- is a city in Azerbaijan, surrounded by the district of Goranboy. It is located on an agricultural plain near the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. The word naftalan also means a petroleum product which can be obtained there.
Barda- is the capital city of the Barda District in Azerbaijan, located south of Yevlax and on the left bank of the Tartar river.
Shirvan- is a city in Azerbaijan, located on the Kura River. Shirvan was called Zubovka until 1938, in 1938-1954 it possessed the status of village, and on July 28, 1954, it got the status of the hillside district. Shirvan obtained status of the city of Republican rally on January 4, 1963.
Nakhchivan- is the capital of the eponymous Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan, located 450 km west of Baku. The municipality of Nakhchivan consists of the city of Nakhchivan, the settlement of Əliabad and the villages of Başbaşı, Bulqan, Haciniyyət, Qaraçuq, Qaraxanbəyli, Tumbul, Qarağalıq, and Daşduz.
Shamakhi- is the capital of the Shamakhi District of Azerbaijan. The city's estimated population as of 2010 was 31,704. It is famous for its traditional dancers, the Shamakhi Dancers, and also for perhaps giving its name to the Soumak rugs.
Yevlakh- is a city in Azerbaijan, 265 km west of capital Baku. It is surrounded by, but administratively separate from, the rayon of the same name. The city forms a distinct administrative division of Azerbaijan.
The Baku Governorate- was one of the guberniyas of the Caucasus Viceroyalty of the Russian Empire, with its centre in Baku. Area: 34,4000 sq. versts, population: 789,659. The only foreign border of the governorate was Persia to the south.
Beylagan- is the capital city of Beylagan rayon of Azerbaijan. During the Soviet era, it was renamed Zhdanov after Stalinist politician Andrei Zhdanov. This move was reverted in 1991 when the city assumed its original name again. Beylagan is one of the oldest towns in Azerbaijan.
Göygöl- is a rayon in northwestern Azerbaijan. Formerly known as Khanlar, the region was renamed "Göygöl" after Lake Göygöl, the famous blue lake, by the decision of the Parliament of Azerbaijan on April 25, 2008. The administrative center of the rayon is the city of Goygol.
Qusar- is the capital of Qusar Rayon, Azerbaijan. Qusar is located in foothills of Greater Caucasus, over the Qusarchay River, 35 kilometers southwest from Khudat railway station and 180 km from Baku.
Lankaran- is a rayon. It surrounds, but does not include, the city of Lankaran. Lankaran district was established as an administrative district on August 8, 1930. The territory of the district is 1,539 km², with 66,700 hectares covering dry areas.
Neftçala- is a city and the capital of the Neftchala Rayon of Azerbaijan. In the city, there is palace of culture, regional study museum and gallery museum.
Khachmaz- is a town in the Khachmaz Rayon of Azerbaijan.
Qazakh District- is a rayon of Azerbaijan. It has two exclaves inside Armenia, Yukhari Askipara and Barkhudarli, Sofulu both of which came under Armenian control during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. In July 2020, Qazakh became a site for the clashes with Armenia.
Şabran- is a city in and the capital of the Şabran Rayon of Azerbaijan.
Siyazan or Siazan- is a rayon in Azerbaijan, capital Siyəzən. The area has population 37,900.
Astara- is a city in and the capital of the Astara District of Azerbaijan. Astara is a short walk across the border from Astara, Iran. Famed for being one of the most beautiful areas of the country, surrounded by forest and mountains, the city of Astara itself has picturesque cafes and local restaurants, as well as a museum. The museum is dedicated to archaeological finds in the region. These include coins and stone work such as statues of human figures and animals that are said to be over 2,000 years old. If you venture just outside of Astara, you will find charming mountain villages that feature ancient mosques, towers, bathhouses and mausoleums.
Goychay- is a city and municipality in and the capital of the Goychay Rayon of Azerbaijan. The municipality includes the city of Goychay and the nearby village of Qızılqaya.
Masallı- is a city in and the capital of the Masally Rayon of Azerbaijan.
Qubadli District- is a district of Azerbaijan. The region holds rich subsoil resources and mysterious natural beauty, and is situated between Mount Zangazur and Nagorno Karabakh mountain range. It was established in 1933 as an administrative unit. Its area covers 802 square km.
Quba- is a city and the administrative centre of the Quba District of Azerbaijan. The city lies on the north-eastern slopes of Shahdag mountain, at an altitude of 600 metres above sea level, on the right bank of the Kudyal river.
Shusha- is a city and the centre of the Shusha District of Azerbaijan. Situated at an altitude of 1,400–1,800 metres in the Karabakh mountains, Shusha was a mountain recreation resort in the Soviet era. According to some sources, the town of Shusha was founded in 1752 by Panah Ali Khan.
Ağdaş- is a city in and the capital of the Agdash Rayon of Azerbaijan. Ağdaş suffered considerable damage during the June 4, 1999 earthquake but has since been thoroughly repaired.
Oghuz District- until 1991 known as Vartashen District, in a rayon of Azerbaijan. Its capital is Oğuz.
Ordubad- is a rayon of Azerbaijan in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Ordubad district was established in 1930. In 1963, the district was abolished and given to the Julfa region. Since 1965, it has been an independent district.
Şərur- is a rayon of Azerbaijan in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The district was established on August 8, 1930. In the north and north-east it is bordered by the Armenia, and in the south and south-west by the Iran. The area of district is 872.26 square kilometres.
Şəmkir- is a city in and the capital of Shamkir District in western Azerbaijan, located in the northern foothills of the Lesser Caucasus, on the coast of the Chagirchay River on Tbilisi-Yevlakh highway, about 4 kilometers from Dallar railway station. It is the eighth largest city in Azerbaijan by population.
Gədəbəy is an administrative center of Gedebey Rayon in Azerbaijan. The distance between Baku and Gedebey is 444 km.
Salyan is a raion of Azerbaijan. Its capital is Salyan. It lays adjacent to the Kura River. To the north are several productive oilfields operated by the Salyan Oil company. It also comprises most of the Shirvan National Park.
Daşkəsən is a city and municipality in and the capital of the Dashkasan Rayon of modern Azerbaijan. The municipality consists of the city of Daşkəsən and the village of Alunitdağ.
Tovuz- is a rayon of Azerbaijan. It is situated between Shamkir and Agstafa, 360 km from Baku and 107 km from Tbilisi city. A major train line runs through the center, stopping at Tovuz Stansiya. Tovuz also borders Armenia near the village of Alibeyli.
Saatly District - is an administrative entity in Azerbaijan. It was established in 1943 and has a current population of 87,000. The district's centre is in the city of Saatlı.
Zardab - is a rayon in Azerbaijan; its capital is Zardab.
Tartar District - is a district of Azerbaijan. It consists of the former Tartar Rayon and a part of former Mardakert District the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast.
Cəlilabad- is a city in and the capital of the Jalilabad Rayon of Azerbaijan. The city is named after Jalil Mammadguluzadeh.
Goranboy- is a city in and the capital of the Goranboy District of Azerbaijan. The municipality consists of the city of Goranboy and the nearby villages of Qarasüleymanlı, Şahməmmədli, Yerevanlı, and Şurakənd. Vougar Aslanov is from Garanboy.
Biləsuvar- is a city in and the capital of Bilasuvar Rayon in Azerbaijan. The area's considerable agricultural potential depends on irrigation. It is situated near one of the country's four border crossings with Iran. The city is located in the Central Aran region.
Şahbuz- is a city and municipality in and capital of Shahbuz District, in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan.
Kürdəmir- is a town in and the capital of the Kurdamir Rayon of Azerbaijan. It is located in Aran economic region of Republic of Azerbaijan. The district shares borders with Hajigabul and Sabirabad in the east, Imishli from the south, Zardab, Ujar and Goychay in the west, and Ismayilli and Aghsu in the north.
The Palace of the Shirvanshahs-located in Baku, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 15th century by the Shirvanshah dynasty. This monument is the biggest piece of architecture under the Shirvan-Absheron branch and includes the main building, Diwan Khana, The Mausoleum, The Palace Mosque and The Palace Bath-house. The construction of the palace was initiated under the rule of Ibrahim I of Shirvan dynasty.
Maiden Tower-is one of the most dominant architectural pieces, due to its vague design and the stories that surround it. Said to be built in the 12th century originally on the shore of Caspian Sea (later due to land reclamation, the tower is no more near the Caspian Sea), it was supposed to serve as a watch tower. But the construction and architecture, points the needle to nearly 2,500 years back. It's an important part of Azerbaijani history considering that it features on the country's currency notes and other documents.
Atashgah Fire Temple-The Fire Temple of Baku is situated at Surakhani near Baku. This castle-style temple was nominated for World Heritage Site status in 1998 and declared a historical-architectural reserve by decree by the Azeri President in 2007. The inscriptions in either Sanskrit or Punjabi state that the place was a Hindu place of worship, unlike claims indicating it was a Zoroastrian Fire Temple. Today, it houses a museum and is no longer used as a temple.
Yanardag - known as burning flame outlets. Yarnadag can be translated as “burning mountain” and the hills here appear to be permanently ablaze due to the gas deposits under the surface of the sandstone found here. Visitors flock to this impressive natural phenomenon at dusk when the flames are most clearly visible, and the area is also studded with quaint teashops where you can sit in comfort and watch the spectacle as you sip a local beverage. Yanardag is different from the mud volcanoes also found in Azerbaijan as there are no deposits of lava or mud that erupt from the hills, and the region is also one of great religious significance. The fires are said to have inspired fire worship in the Zoroastrianism.
Oil Rocks-Azerbaijan made advancement in its economy due to its oil reserves. So the oil rocks complex near Baku has become an attraction for many. But prior permission from the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan is needed to view the complex.
Public Baths (Hamam)-A hamam or public bath is a type of a sauna that originated in the Middle East. In Baku, the main "hamam" lies near the Baku Soviet Metro railway station as it is the oldest public bath in the city. Known as Hamam Mahallesi, different days are allotted for men and women with Monday's and Friday's for women and the rest of the days for men. Another public bath, only for men, is located in the old town and is known by the name of Teze Bey Hamami.
Icheri Sheher-The Old Inner City is the oldest part of Baku and is surrounded by fortification walls dating back to the 9th century. The streets inside the historical core of the city have been designed to block the strong winds coming from the Caspian Sea.
Nizami's mausoleum-Situated just outside the city of Ganja, the tomb was built in honour of poet and writer Nizami Ganjavi. The monument was rebuilt in 1991 on the existing old structure which dated back to the 1940's. The mausoleum is 20m tall and the area surrounding it displays the poet's books inscribed on metal.
Bottle House-In the city of Ganja, lies a two storied building, aptly named "Bottle House". It is decorated with nearly 50,000 glass bottles. A private family house, the decorations include a portrait of a member of the family who went missing during WWII.
Juma Mosque of Ganja-The Shah Abbas or Juma Mosque includes two a 17th century minarets built as a tribute to the independence of Ganja from the Osman Empire. The red bricked building has been designed by Sheykh Baga-ud-din and has been decorated by "Shebke" stained glass paintings.
Old Prison & Lighthouse (Maiak)-This is quite a famous place in Lankaran and the story goes that the prison held Joseph Stalin for a time. A historical monument that became well-known when the then President of Azerbaijan helped Stalin escape from the prison through an underground tunnel.
Tombs of Seyid Khalifa-are situated in the village of Jil, nearby Lankaran. The tombs are supposed to have been built in the 19th century with tall and heavy stones / slabs inscribed with pictures of arrows, shields, words, footprints and hands.
Yanar Bulag- meaning "burning spring" is a hot water spring that emits water and fire simultaneously. The water is said to have remedial properties. Yanar Bulag, a curious natural phenomenon that is located on the road between the towns of Astara and Lankaran. The water is pumped out of a pipe and can be set alight due to the levels of natural methane contained within, making the oxymoron of flaming water a reality. Locals in Azerbaijan believe that the water here has healing properties and much of it collected as drinking water to cure a whole host of ills.
Ballabur Castle-Nearby Lankaran is the Ballabur village where once stood the ancient Bazz castle used by Khuramid chief, Babek to defend his kingdom against Arab invasion. Babek lost and was beheaded and the castle was also demolished, but its remains can still be seen.
Gizil Agaj State National Reserve-Spread around 88,360 hectares, this reserve is home to thousands of land and aquatic animals, both resident and migrants. Rare species of migratory birds such as flamingos, ducks and swans fly from Eastern countries during winter to Azerbaijan.
Caravansarai-Located on the M.F. Akhundov Avenue, Caravan Sarai or Caravan Palace is a historically cherished monument that was built by the Sheki Khans. The Caravan Palace was built as a resting place for the caravans that passed along the Silk Road through Azerbaijan. The site on which Caravan Sarai is built is said to be one of biggest stopovers for caravans in the Caucasus region. The Caravan Sarai has been decorated with traditional stained "Shebke" glass and frescoes and finds its notation among many poems of Ajerbaijan.
Khansarai-The Palace of the Sheki Khans has been the summer residence of the famous Sheki Khans and its palace, gardens and fortification walls has been constructed by Khan Hussein. The palace offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and you can also have a look at the tea house, parks and museums nearby the palace.
Silk Factory-Sheki has been an important city along the Silk Road and a major manufacturer in silk products for the last four centuries. It's difficult to see the working of the Silk Factory which is situated nearby the town, but one can buy silk items from the adjacent store.
Heydar Aliyev Park-A beautiful, well designed landscaped park with an array of sites which includes a park, cafe, the Heydar Aliyev Museum, tea houses, a chess school and the Khazar Cinema Club.
Sarkartapa-Sarkartapa is an archaeological site that belongs to the Bronze Age. It is also known as the Sarkar Winter Camp and is an interesting place for those who love to research on human life in prehistoric times.
Icheri Seher - Known as “Old City” and “Fortress”, Icheri Seher is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the centre of Baku, and you will find amazing architectural feats all over this protected quarter of the city. These include Maiden Tower that dates from the 12th century and was part of the ancient walled city of Baku, as well as Shirvanshah Palace that was constructed in the 13th century. Come here not just for the architecture but also for the handicrafts, such as ceramics, as well as textiles like carpets and traditional Azerbaijan national clothes. There are a wealth of shops located in Icheri Seher that are perfect if you want a leisurely stroll around the historic centre of the city and the chance to pick up some souvenirs.
Absheron National Park- Sitting in the Azizbeyov region of the city of Baku, Absheron National Park spans 783 hectares of protected land and is the perfect place to come to witness the stunning flora and fauna of Azerbaijan. The national park has a whole host of local wildlife such as gazelles, birds, jackals, badgers, and Caspian seals. The land here is mostly dry steppe, which lends itself to romantic rolling sand dunes and reed like grass that sways in the wind. The waters here are also known to be crystal clear and teaming with wildlife including the occasional sea snake.
Garasu Volcano - Azerbaijan has the highest number of mud volcanoes in the world. 350 to be exact! One of the best known is Garasu Volcano, that has been known to spew mud over 1,000 metres into the air. The volcanoes are caused when gases under the earth build up and push the mud high into the air as a release. The first mud volcanoes are said to have erupted in Azerbaijan 25 million years ago, and visitors to Garasu often say that it looks like the surface of the moon!
Naftalan Oil Resort -Naftalan resort is famous due to the Naftalan crude oil found here that is said to have healing properties, and has sparked a boom in medical tourism to the region. The resort is located in the Naftalan oil fields in the town of Naftalan, and visitors come here to bathe in the oil or to undergo a range of oil based treatments that are said to help with pain relief and anti-inflammatory healing.
Gobustan - Gobustan is often referred to as the Azerbaijan version of Stonehenge in the United Kingdom, as it features a prehistoric cromlech (a circle of stones that have been positioned vertically). It doesn’t end there however, as Gobustan is an archaeological reserve that lies to the south of Baku and offers a fascinating insight into ancient civilizations due to over 6,000 rock drawings that span over 537 hectares. The findings in Gobustan point to evidence of habitation dating back from the Stone Age, and aside from the cave and rock drawings, there is also evidence of human settlements, and even ancient tombstones.
The Caspian Sea - The Caspian Sea is actually the largest lake in the world, and measures a whopping 371,000 square kilometres. The Caspian Sea is sits on what looks like an ocean bed, and the water here is indeed salty, although the saline content is lower than that of other seas and oceans, meaning that it is the perfect place for swimming as it is less likely to cause irritation. Popular activities on the Caspian Sea include bot cruises, diving opportunities, and fishing.
Shirvan National Park - formally established as a protected area in 2003, used to be located under the Caspian Sea, and now spans over 54,000 hectares to the south of Baku. This protected area is made up largely of semi-desert landscape meaning that you will find ambling sand dunes that are the perfect hideaway for the gazelles found here, and nature lovers may also spot a diverse array of species including turtles, hedgehogs, jungle cats, and jackals.
Nabran - is a village that has turned into something of a resort zone in Azerbaijan and is found approximately 3 hours outside of Baku, to the northeast. Nabran lies on the banks of the Caspian Sea, and one of the great attractions here is the climate which provides plenty of sunshine in the summer months. As such, Nabran has a plethora of water based activities that make the most of the ambient weather, including an aqua park and a variety of swimming pools all over the area.
Sheki City - Found to the west of Baku, this is famed as one of the oldest human settlements in all of the Caucasus and is said to date back 2500 years. Sheki City was a stop off on the Silk Road and was famous for exquisite silks and other textiles. This tradition is still very much alive in Sheki City today, and visitors here will find ornate embroidery and other local handicrafts on offer. In addition to the arts and crafts found in this city, there are also castles, mosques, and even ancient bathhouses, as well as the Palace of Seki Khans that has stood since the 18th Century. This is even more impressive as an architectural wonder when you consider that the palace was built in its entirety without the use of nails.
Baku Seaside Park & Boulevard- is the place to come for those visiting the country’s capital, and you will find a wealth of activities here, including old fashioned tea shops and cafes that are perfect for whiling away the hours or indulging in a classic seaside treat like locally produced ice cream. The boulevard stretches over 5 km along the coastline from National Flag Square to the International Baku Port.
Carpet Museum of Azerbaijan- for those who want to learn more about the rich history of the textile industry in Azerbaijan.
Baku Crystal Hall - that is famous for hosting the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, and there are regular concerts, musical programs, and art exhibitions hosted in the venue.
Ateshgah - Azerbaijan has long been known as the Land of Fire, due the burning of natural oil and gases under the earth, said to have inspired the fire worshippers who later founded the Zoroastrian faith. In the days of old these burning gas outlets were thought to contain evidence of a divine being, and ancient temples were built upon the sites. One of these temples is Ateshgah, located in the suburb of Surakhany in just outside of Baku. Ateshgah is said to date from the 17th century, and the temple complex is built in the shape of a hexagon. There is a fire alter in the centre, although the natural gases that led to the original construction of the temple have now been exhausted and the fire is produced via a gas pipeline from Baku.
Göygöl National Park -The national park includes one of the most beautiful and cleanest lakes in Azerbaijan, Lake Göygöl. The reserve is intended to protect the natural ecosystem of the subalpine zones of the northern slopes of the Lesser Caucasus.
Hiking-Hiking is great in the northern region of Azerbaijan with a wide range of hiking & walking routes available. In Sheki there are many hiking trails such as the Sheki-Bash Kyungyut-Bideiz-Sheki route,Sheki-Kish-"Gelersen-Gorersen" fortress-Sheki route, Sheki-Oraban-Bashkeldek.
Khinalig village -which has been included in the UNESCO list of world historical monuments, resembles a museum in an open air. It is the highest, most remote and isolated village in Azerbaijan and among the highest in the Caucasus. Located in the middle of the Greater Caucasus mountains, Khinalig, is an ancient Caucasian village going back to the Caucasian Albanian period.
Afurja Waterfall - is located on the Velvelichai river. Afurja Waterfall listed in the “Nature Monuments of Azerbaijan” and is protected by the state. The waterfall flows from a high rock situated near the village. A narrow 3-4-meter wide gangway leading underneath the waterfall causes a rush of adrenaline. The country's highest waterfall begins in the mountains and from about 70 meters high rock.
Natural Minaret - One of creations of the nature warn by the water in the rock is a Minaret. It is believed that its tectonic processes and river erosion were formed in the IV century. Minaret also serves as a natural bridge at a height of 10-15 meters.
Chenlibel Lake -The lake is located near Nugedi village of Guba region. The place is beautiful, especially at dawn, as the mist above the water reflects the light of the rising sun.
Qechresh - is one of the largest villages in the Guba region. It is located 12 km from the district center. There are many recreation centers in the village. The area is covered with forest on all sides. Qechresh is famous for its natural springs and plants. The wild walnuts, hazelnuts, cranberry, hawthorn, hips, apples, pears and pine trees grown there. As for the animal world, the village is a home for gazelles, wolves, bears, foxes and other animals. It is also possible to catch fish in Gudjalchay, which gives a special beauty to the village.
Tengealti - The meaning of the name of village is "the place between the mountains." Valvalachay river passes through two mountains on the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus. The road that passes through two mountains, steep cliffs as well as beautify forest make the view of this village charming.
The Quba Genocide Memorial Complex is a museum in Quba, Azerbaijan, which was built between 2009 and 2013. It is dedicated to the memory of victims of March Days and is now a museum and tourist destination under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The village of Laza - in the north-east of Azerbaijan is an undoubted rural highlight of the country. Prepare to be dazzled by the beauty of its untamed scenery as this ancient village is nestled between mesmerizing mountains and home to wondrous waterfalls. In winter these freeze over while in summer they offer an enticing escape from the sizzling heat. There is more to do in Laza, like hiking in its surrounds, staying with local families and simply reconnecting with nature.
Nariman Narimanov Park - in Gusar, north-eastern Azerbaijan. The centuries-old park features quiet alleys lined with towering trees. Look out for the white Soviet-era statue of Nariman Narimanov, the first leader of Soviet Azerbaijan, and stop to refresh in one of the traditional teahouses. Use our Gusar day trip tool to add Nariman Narimanov Park and other attractions to your Gusar vacation plans.
Mt. Beshbarmag – the 382-meter high which is Azerbaijani for ‘Five Fingers.' Legend has it that sometime in the ancient past a prophet called Khidr came here in search of a ‘potion of life’ and indeed became immortal after drinking from a spring at the summit. Today the mountain is considered holy and locals make pilgrimages here to pray for strength and good fortune. It is well worth climbing to witness old spiritual rituals practiced by the pilgrims, as well as for the fantastic views of the Caspian Sea from the summit. It is also one of Azerbaijan’s best birdwatching sites, attracting hundreds of migrating bird species.
Red Village - whose inhabitants are Mountain Jews, Six-Domed Synagogue was erected in 1888, designed by local architect Hillel Ben-Hayyim. Oriental in style, it is topped by six domes symbolising a six-day journey undertaken in the 18th century by Jews migrating to Red Village from elsewhere in the region. During the Soviet era it was repurposed as a sewing factory, but reopened for prayers in 1991. A 5-year restoration project completed in 2000 later gave the synagogue a new lease of life and cemented it as an iconic landmark in north-eastern Azerbaijan.
Tengya Alti Gorge - is a great destination for a road trip. The road leading through it is incredibly scenic, especially in autumn when the mountainsides are flooded with colour. Continue a little way beyond the rocky gorge and call in to Afurja village to admire its secluded waterfall. For travellers who use our world travel planner, Guba holidays become easier to arrange, with trips to the Tengya Alty Gorge and other attractions mapped out and timetabled.
The National Golf Club - is situated in Guba in north-eastern Azerbaijan, sitting at the foot of the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains. Designed by Jon Hunt from International Golf Design, in 2014 it became the first golf course to open in Azerbaijan. It was also the first to host a professional event, the Azerbaijan Challenge Open 2014. A fully equipped purpose built clubhouse offers luxurious locker rooms, a professional shop to suit every golfer’s needs and a truly unique dining experience. The welcoming interiors and magnificent views of the golf course with its charming surrounding landscape. Positioned within 75 hectares of idyllic Azerbaijani topography, the undulating fairways and deep bunkers are stand-out features.
