Places you should visit in Azerbaijan 2023
Welcome to Azerbaijan, a land of enchantment where ancient traditions coexist with modern marvels and breathtaking beauty is everywhere. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and experience the vibrant colours, rich history, and warm hospitality that make this destination unforgettable.
Experience Azerbaijan’s unique cultural identity by exploring its captivating blend of Eastern and Western influences. Discover its rich history, witness stunning traditional arts performances, and explore ancient sites. Engage with local communities to immerse yourself in the country’s fascinating heritage.
Explore the true essence of Azerbaijan!
Experience the perfect blend of tradition and innovation in Azerbaijan’s culture. Every moment is a sensory journey filled with intricate details, historical tales, and a captivating embrace from the land that soothes the soul. Come and join us for an adventure that you’ll never forget!
Baku
Explore the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Baku, located in Azerbaijan, which offers a unique blend of ancient history and modern marvels. Begin your journey in the UNESCO-listed Old City, also known as Icherisheher. Explore the charming narrow streets made of cobblestone and look at the legendary Maiden Tower and the stunning Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Witness the mesmerizing light illuminating the three Flame Towers. The Heydar Aliyev Center is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. The lively hub of Fountain Square offers beautiful fountains, gardens, cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a great place to relax, people-watch, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss out on visiting The YARAT Contemporary Art Space, the Baku Museum of Modern Art, and the National Museum of Azerbaijan Literature.
Astara
Welcome to Astara, a charming town in southern Azerbaijan near the border with Iran. Nestled between the majestic Talysh Mountains and the Caspian Sea, Astara boasts a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Enjoy the Talysh Mountains with a picturesque backdrop that offers numerous opportunities for hiking, trekking, and exploring beautiful trails. Relax on the sandy beaches nearby the Caspian Sea coastline. Visit Hirkan National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its lush forests, pristine rivers, and rare plant species. Astara Fortress is an ancient defensive structure that offers panoramic views of the town and the Caspian Sea. Visit Local museums and art galleries if you are interested in history.
Absheron national park
Absheron National Park is a must-visit destination on Azerbaijan’s Absheron Peninsula. The park boasts diverse landscapes, from the sprawling steppe areas to the coastal wetlands and Caspian Sea beaches, making it a picturesque sight. You can hike along the park’s trails and marvel at the stunning scenery, including serene lakes, rolling dunes, and verdant vegetation. The park also features the fascinating mud volcanoes of Gobustan, which are within its boundaries. Moreover, the Gala Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum Complex showcases traditional Azerbaijani architecture and historical artefacts. You can also check out the Chirag Castle Ethnographic Village within the park.
The Caspian sea
Azerbaijan’s coastline boasts a range of sandy beaches and water activities along the Caspian Sea’s shores, the world’s largest enclosed body of water. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, relax on the beach, and participate in popular water sports like jet skiing, sailing, windsurfing, and fishing. Accommodations in towns like Novkhani, Shikhov, and Nabran range from hotels to beachfront cottages, and visitors can enjoy restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues. A cruise along the Caspian Sea is an excellent way to explore the coastline, with departures from Baku. It stops at coastal towns and attractions for scenic views and cultural experiences.
Sheki
Discover the enchanting city of Sheki, located in the northwest of Azerbaijan. Admire the grandeur and finesse of the Sheki Khanate era at the magnificent 18th-century Sheki Khan’s Palace. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sheki’s Old City is a history and culture treasure trove. Wander through its narrow streets, lined with traditional houses, and visit the ancient Caravanserai, once a hub for trading goods. Don’t miss the Church of Kish, also known as the Albanian Church, one of the oldest Christian churches in the region, dating back to the 1st century AD. Sheki’s architecture and culture have been heavily influenced by its strategic location on the Silk Road. Explore the remnants of this historic trading route. Sheki offers a beautiful combination of history, architecture, cultural traditions, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Azerbaijan.
Lake Goygol
Lake Göygöl, also known as Lake Goygol or Blue Lake, is a true natural gem amidst the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains; this stunning lake is famous for its breathtaking beauty. The crystal-clear waters reflect the lush forests and mountain peaks, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting perfect for hiking. Several scenic trails offer panoramic views and fresh mountain air. From the reflections of the mountains on the calm waters to the vibrant colours of the changing seasons, there’s no shortage of photo opportunities. The peaceful atmosphere also makes it a perfect spot for relaxation and picnicking. Lake Göygöl is a serene and picturesque retreat that provides a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Goyazan mountain
Located near the villages of Abbasbeyli and Alpout, Mount Goyazan is a mountain situated in the northwestern Qazakh District of Azerbaijan. Goyazan Mountain stands out against the flat background of rolling fields and plains. Its summit reaches 857.9 meters above sea level, and it is situated 20 kilometres away from Azerbaijan’s Gazakh district. The mountain’s strange beauty makes it a must-see destination in Azerbaijan. Tourists often visit to witness the tremendous 14th-century fortress located here.
Nabran
Nabran, located in Azerbaijan, is a popular tourist destination that offers breathtaking natural landscapes, stunning beaches, and various recreational activities. The Caspian Sea coastline boasts long sandy beaches with clear waters and soft sands, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation. Nabran offers an array of water sports, including jet skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing. The Aqua Park is a must-visit attraction with water slides, pools, and other aquatic activities for all ages. Visitors can also enjoy amusement parks, mini-golf courses, go-kart tracks, and paintball fields, making it a perfect destination for family outings and entertainment.
Garasu Volcano
Azerbaijan is known for having the most mud volcanoes in the world, earning it the nickname “mud volcano capital.” Despite this title’s initial lack of prestige, witnessing these natural phenomena is awe-inspiring. Garasu Volcano is one of the most prominent mud volcanoes globally, with a towering height of 350 meters above sea level.During its eruption, it has been known to spew mud up to a height of over 1000 meters. Tourists flock to the area to visit the Naftalan Oil Resort, known for its high-quality unrefined petroleum with unique therapeutic properties. Garasu Volcano is one of the world’s top tourist attractions, and visitors who take the time to visit it never regret the experience.
Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
Visit the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum in Baku to explore the fascinating history of Azerbaijani carpet weaving. The museum features an extensive collection of carpets and rugs, highlighting this ancient tradition’s beauty, craftsmanship, and cultural significance. You can admire carpets from different regions of Azerbaijan, showcasing diverse designs, patterns, and techniques used throughout history. The building is an impressive piece of contemporary architecture, shaped like a rolled-up carpet and designed by the renowned Austrian architect Franz Janz to reflect the importance of carpet weaving in Azerbaijani culture. Don’t miss the museum’s souvenir shop, which offers authentic Azerbaijani carpets, rugs, and other handicrafts.
Epilogue
If you want an unforgettable journey, consider visiting Azerbaijan in 2023. The country has been working hard to improve its tourism infrastructure, facilities, and visitor experiences. By going there, you’ll witness the progress firsthand and have the opportunity to enjoy new attractions, accommodations, and services!