PEAKLIFE

Mesmerising sights, thrilling excursions and a syncretic culture await travellers in Azerbaijan. In its flourishing natural landscape, abundant reserves of pristine beauty, heritage, tradition, art, and architecture combine to delight and enthrall the senses.

‘Azerbaijan’ literally translates to ‘protector of fire’, which harkens back to the country’s famed reputation as an erstwhile centre for fire worshipping, the contemporary reflection of which can be seen in the landmark Flame Towers of the capital city, Baku. Located along the borders of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Azerbaijan harbours a unique confluence of cultures that is evident in its grand old cities as well as its modern multicultural landscape, and the enduring traditions of warm hospitality, which stretch from the days of the Great Silk Route.

Embrace the Enchanting Countryside

Surrounded by the lush Caucasian countryside in northwestern Azerbaijan, the Old Town of Sheki is the country’s latest UNESCO World Heritage site together with the Sheki Khans’ Palace, ideal for a languorous stroll through picturesque lanes and winding streets; while admiring the gabled-roof architecture, tasting the flaky and delicate local pakhlava, absorbing the serenity of mosques and museums, observing the grandeur of caravanserais and palaces, and searching for signs of the city’s storied past as a trade and crafts hub along the Silk Route. While here, do not miss the magnificent Palace of Sheki Khans. For the immersive traveller, a tour of the countryside is highly recommended—ruminate in peace at Gabala’s mountains and meadows, trail through quaint villages and pristine rivers in Ismayilli, hike up to the rocky mountain village of Durja, or chat with friendly locals while visiting the beautifully preserved monastery in Kish.

Explore Baku’s Ancient Locales and Modern Marvels

Baku’s historical and architectural legacy has been beautifully preserved, and continues to attract tourists from across the world. Icherisheher, the Old City of Baku, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that retains an old world charm with landmarks like the Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs’ Palace. Another mystical reminder of Baku’s rich history is the Ateshgah Fire Temple in the village of Surakhani, which was built around naturally burning flames worshipped by Zoroastrians and Hindus alike. Couple this visit with a trip to Yanardag, the Burning Mountain in the nearby Mammadli village, where a 10-metre wall of flames blazes day and night at the base of a hillside.

As the largest city on the Caspian shore, Baku is known for balmy beaches, breezy boulevards, and seaside bars that offer the perfect setting for a tranquil day. While in Baku, make time for a traditional Azerbaijani breakfast in the Old City, partake in the elaborate tea ceremonies at local çay evi (tea house), take a walking tour of the oil boom architecture, and plan a trip to the world’s first private Museum of Miniature Books.

In addition to the famous Flame Towers, modern Baku houses many other architectural marvels. Observe the undulating form of the Heydar Aliyev Centre that houses world-class exhibitions and museums, and the state-of-the-art Carpet Museum, shaped like a rolled up carpet, which is home to the world’s largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets, showcasing the distinguishing weaving patterns, colours and motifs of each regional carpet weaving school.

Glide through a Scenic Coastline

More than 500 km of coastline running along the Caspian Sea provide meditative, calming and immersive views, especially at sunset, when the golden rays bounce across the rolling waves of this unique ocean. The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland water body, and a remnant of the Paratethys Ocean that once extended from the Alps to the Aral Sea. A short 30-minute drive from Baku, these beaches are dotted with luxury resorts and water parks that allow tourists to take full advantage of the clear waters and golden sands.

Traverse the Mud Volcano Capital of the World

Set aside a day for a trip to Gobustan, where astonishing petroglyphs bear more than 6,000 rock engravings that span over 40,000 years of rock art being practised in Azerbaijan’s semi-desert. A short drive away, the natural wonders of mud volcanoes await adventure-seeking tourists. About 350 mud volcanoes are dispersed throughout Azerbaijan, mostly situated around Baku and near the Caspian Sea. Walking along these bubbling dormant volcanoes is a thrilling experience, and offers ample opportunities for photography in an incredibly unique environment. Additionally, the Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex will open here soon to develop this visit further with multiple experiences from quad biking and zip lining to workshops for children.

Take Pleasure in Age-Old Healing Practices

One hour away from Ganja city in western Azerbaijan lies the resort town of Naftalan, which is known for its magical healing oil. For centuries, this oil has been used by locals to heal an array of ailments, especially aches and pains. Spa enthusiasts can seek holistic treatments through daily baths of crude oil, usually for a one-week duration, at any of Naftalan’s wellness centres.

For a true pamper session, visit Baku’s traditional hammams and the thermal springs of Gabala. Moreover, the health resort in Duzdag in Nakhchivan, which is a salt mine that has been converted into a sanatorium, offers the most authentic salt therapy for addressing respiratory illnesses.

Find Solace in Nature

The Caucasus Mountains are a favourite among nature lovers owing to the myths and legends that surround the landscape, and also because they offer an opportunity to interact with diverse groups of native people. Spanning the entire north, this glorious mountainous stretch is peppered with several timeless mountain villages, such as Khinalig, connected by hiking trails, which invite tourists to set off on a deep exploration of unspoilt pastures and indigenous culture. Azerbaijan is also home to nine of the 11 climate zones in the world, which foster a vibrant ecological diversity that delights and surprises many visitors. The nine national parks are brimming with rare flora and fauna, and are the best way to experience the natural beauty and abundance of Azerbaijan.