Azerbaijan Top 15 Attractions

Azerbaijan, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, offers a diverse blend of culture and natural wonders, from subtropical resorts to flaming mountains and mud volcanoes. If you want to travel to Azerbaijan, you will need an Azerbaijani visa.

The country combines ancient hillside towns with modern architectural marvels like the Flame Towers in Baku, creating a captivating mix of history and innovation along the Caspian Sea coastline.

Baku: The Capital of Azerbaijan

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is situated along the Caspian Sea. It's a unique blend of the ancient walled city of Icheri Seher and a modern building boom featuring numerous skyscrapers adorned with LCD screens.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY OF AZERBAIJAN

Baku's modern landmarks include the captivating Flame Towers, designed to resemble flames and illuminated with a bronze glow at night. The Museum of Contemporary Art boasts over 900 artworks by emerging regional artists, offering insights into the modern art scene. For culinary delights, explore Teze Bazaar, known for cheeses and spices, and savor local delicacies like kebabs at open restaurants.

Icheri Sheher: The Old City and UNESCO Heritage Site

Icheri Sheher, also known as the "Old City" and "Fortress," occupies a central place in Baku and holds the prestigious status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This well-preserved quarter of the city boasts remarkable architectural wonders.

Icheri Sheher boasts architectural marvels like the 12th-century Maiden Tower and the 13th-century Shirvanshah Palace. Explore local handicrafts, including ceramics, carpets, and traditional clothing. It's also a shopping haven with numerous shops, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll and souvenir hunting in the historic heart of the city.

Absheron National Park: A Natural Gem in Baku

Located in the Ezizbeyov region within the city of Baku, Absheron National Park covers an expansive 783 hectares of protected land, offering a splendid opportunity to witness Azerbaijan's diverse flora and fauna. This national park is a sanctuary for a wide range of local wildlife, including gazelles, birds, jackals, badgers, and Caspian seals.

Absheron National Park showcases dry steppe terrain with rolling sand dunes and swaying grasses. Its waters are crystal clear, teeming with aquatic life, including occasional sea snake sightings. To spot Caspian seals, visit from September onward for a chance to see these remarkable marine mammals in their natural habitat.

Naftalan Oil Resort: Where Healing Meets Luxury

The Naftalan resort has gained international renown for its unique Naftalan crude oil, believed to possess therapeutic properties, igniting a surge in medical tourism to the region.

The Naftalan resort, located in the Naftalan town within oil fields, offers oil-based treatments for pain and inflammation relief. Guests can enjoy oil baths and a range of therapeutic treatments at the spa, making it a unique and indulgent experience.

Garasu Volcano: Azerbaijan's Unique Natural Wonder

Azerbaijan is home to over 350 mud volcanoes, including the famous Garasu Volcano, known for eruptions sending mud over 1,000 metres high. These volcanoes result from the accumulation of subterranean gases forcing mud to erupt naturally.

The origins of mud volcanoes in Azerbaijan date back a remarkable 25 million years. Visitors who venture to Garasu Volcano often describe the landscape as reminiscent of the moon's surface, offering a surreal and otherworldly experience.

The Caspian Sea: Earth's Largest Lake

Contrary to its name, the Caspian Sea holds the distinction of being the largest lake globally, covering an immense expanse of 371,000 square kilometers. 

The Caspian Sea, despite its appearance, has lower salt content than typical seas, making it suitable for swimming without significant skin irritation. It offers diverse activities like boat cruises, diving, and fishing, making it an attractive destination for travellers.

Gobustan: Azerbaijan's Prehistoric Treasure

Gobustan, south of Baku, is often compared to Azerbaijani Stonehenge, featuring a prehistoric cromlech. More significantly, it's an archaeological reserve with over 6,000 rock drawings spanning 537 hectares, providing insights into ancient civilizations.

Gobustan's archaeological findings provide compelling evidence of habitation dating back to the Stone Age. In addition to the captivating cave and rock drawings, the site reveals traces of ancient human settlements and even ancient tombstones, painting a vivid picture of the past.

Nabran: Azerbaijan's Coastal Resort Village

Nabran, once a humble village, has transformed into a thriving resort zone in Azerbaijan, situated approximately 3 hours northeast of Baku. Nestled along the shores of the Caspian Sea, Nabran boasts an appealing climate with ample sunshine during the summer months.

Nabran offers water-based activities and aqua parks for daytime fun, along with multiple pools for relaxation. When night falls, the village comes alive with a lively nightlife scene, including bars, restaurants, and nightclubs for those looking to experience Azerbaijan's nightlife.

Shirvan National Park: Azerbaijan's Protected Oasis

Shirvan National Park, protected since 2003, was once underwater, spanning 54,000 hectares south of Baku. It showcases a semi-desert with sand dunes and houses gazelles and diverse wildlife like turtles, hedgehogs, jungle cats, and jackals.

Shirvan National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering sightings of swans and flamingos around Flamingo Lake. It also features mud volcanoes, notably Bandovan Mountain. Accommodation options include quaint bungalows for nature immersion, and camping permits are available for those seeking a closer connection with the park's environment.

Sheki: An Ancient Gem in the Caucasus

Sheki, located west of Baku, is one of the Caucasus' oldest human settlements with a 2500-year history. It was a prominent Silk Road stop known for its exquisite silks and textiles, a tradition still vibrant today, offering visitors the chance to explore ornate embroidery and local handicrafts.

Sheki City is a treasure trove of heritage and architecture, featuring castles, mosques, ancient bathhouses, and the remarkable Palace of Sheki Khans dating back to the 18th Century. Notably, the palace was built entirely without nails, showcasing its architectural marvel. Don't miss the opportunity to admire the splendid wall paintings and intricately carved windows during your visit.

Yanardag: Witness the Eternal Flames

Yanardag beckons visitors to witness the mesmerising phenomenon known as the "burning flame outlets." Translated as "burning mountain," Yanardag features hills that seem to be continuously ablaze, courtesy of the underground gas deposits beneath the sandstone terrain.

Yanardag, a captivating natural wonder in Azerbaijan, is best experienced at dusk when the flames are most vivid. It features charming tea shops for observing the spectacle while enjoying local beverages. Unlike mud volcanoes, Yanardag lacks lava or mud eruptions and holds significant religious importance, being linked to the practice of fire worship in Zoroastrianism.

Baku Seaside Park: Capital City's Recreational Haven

When in the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku Seaside Park and Boulevard are must-visit destinations offering a plethora of activities. Here, you'll discover charming old-fashioned tea shops and cafes, ideal for leisurely moments and enjoying classic seaside delights like locally crafted ice cream.

Baku Boulevard spans 5 kilometres along the coastline, featuring attractions like amusement arcades and the Carpet Museum of Azerbaijan. The Baku Crystal Hall, known for hosting Eurovision 2012, hosts concerts and art exhibitions, offering diverse cultural experiences for visitors.

Astara: A Picturesque Azerbaijani City

Astara, located in the Astara Rayon district of Azerbaijan, sits adjacent to the Iranian border. This city is renowned for its stunning natural surroundings, nestled amid lush forests and majestic mountains. Within Astara, visitors can enjoy delightful cafes, local restaurants, and a museum.

Astara's museum exhibits archaeological treasures, including ancient coins and stone artefacts, some dating back over 2,000 years. Beyond the city, picturesque mountain villages with historic mosques, towers, bathhouses, and mausoleums provide insights into the region's rich cultural and historical heritage.

Ateshgah: The Temple of Eternal Flame

Azerbaijan's historical nickname, the "Land of Fire," stems from the natural oil and gas fires that have burned beneath the Earth's surface, inspiring the fire-worshipping traditions of the Zoroastrian faith. In ancient times, these burning gas vents were believed to contain evidence of divine presence, leading to the construction of temples at these sites.

The Ateshgah Temple, situated in Surakhany near Baku, is a historical testament dating back to the 17th century. The temple complex is hexagonal in shape and features a central fire altar. While the original natural gas source has depleted, the fire is now sustained through a gas pipeline from Baku, preserving the temple's ancient legacy.

Yanar Bulag: Witnessing the Phenomenon of Burning Water

For a remarkable encounter with burning water, a visit to Yanar Bulag is an absolute must. This intriguing natural phenomenon is situated along the road that connects the towns of Astara and Lankaran.

Yanar Bulag features water that can be ignited due to natural methane content, turning water into flames. Locally, it's believed that this water possesses healing properties, and it's collected for drinking to potentially treat various ailments.

FAQS

What are some must-visit places in Azerbaijan?

Some must-visit places in Azerbaijan include Baku, Sheki, Gobustan, Naftalan, and the Caspian Sea, to name a few.

What can I see in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan?

In Baku, you can explore the Old City (Icheri Sheher), visit the Flame Towers, discover the Museum of Contemporary Art, and enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant nightlife.

Are there natural wonders in Azerbaijan?

Yes, Azerbaijan boasts natural wonders like the mud volcanoes at Garasu Volcano, the eternal flames at Yanardag, and the scenic beauty of Shirvan National Park.

What cultural sites are worth exploring in Azerbaijan?

Cultural sites worth exploring in Azerbaijan include Ateshgah, the Palace of Sheki Khans, and the Carpet Museum of Azerbaijan in Sheki, as well as the archaeological treasures at Astara's museum.

What are some outdoor attractions in Azerbaijan?

Outdoor attractions in Azerbaijan include the beaches and water-based activities in Nabran, the diverse wildlife in Absheron National Park, and the ancient rock drawings in Gobustan.

Is there a place for relaxation along the coast in Azerbaijan?

Yes, Baku Seaside Park and Boulevard offer a great place for relaxation, with cafes, amusement arcades, and cultural attractions along the Caspian Sea.