Azerbaijan Travel

A trip to Azerbaijan takes you on a journey through the Caucasus region of the Silk Road, where history and modernity collide in dreamy semi-desert landscapes. Follow the ancient Zoroastrian pilgrim trails, stroll the cobblestone streets of artisan villages and get up close to ancient petroglyphs. From ultra-cutting-edge skyscrapers to effervescent dust volcanoes to medieval caravanserai, Azerbaijan surprises tourists everywhere.

If Azerbaijan has already captured your imagination and you are looking for practical details to prepare your next trip, we recommend you take a look at our Azerbaijan Travel Tips.

Is Azerbaijan worth a visit?

• Azerbaijan has many contrasts with nine climate zones spread across the country. The snow-capped Caucasus Mountains surround hot dry deserts while sunny grasslands merge with the Caspian coast. But Azerbaijan's contrasts go beyond nature: cutting-edge architecture lies among caravans shrouded in secrecy, while Soviet designs mingle with Islamic architecture in a country never cease to be surprised.
• It is home to some of the world's most enviable oil and gas fields, nearly half of the world's mud volcanoes, the Zoroastrian fire temple of Ateshgah and the natural and eternal fire of Yanar Dag (The Burning Mountain).
• Affordable Azerbaijan, a land where budget travelers can find viable options for in-depth exploration. With delicious yet inexpensive food and comfortable, budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses, Azerbaijan offers plenty of options for budget travelers.
• Azerbaijan combines the best of East and West as it is located at the juxtaposition of many civilizations. The atmosphere of the ancient Silk Road can still be felt among merchants supplying oriental spices in local markets, in cozy teahouses hidden in the shade of office buildings in glass and in the medieval Icheri Sheher (inner city) protected by abandoned Soviet structures.

Your Dream Vacation

Taste the arid winds of the semi-Caucasian desert, pray in the ancient fire temple, walk through the corridors of oriental palaces, and rest in the shade of persistent caravans. Let Azerbaijan fascinate you with its delicious paella, tea served in delicate pear-shaped cups and bustling markets. Frame your visit around the land's fine art traditions, intricate petroglyphs or bubbling mud volcanoes. Our Azerbaijan travel packages also vary according to the type of customers we serve. Whether you love history, outdoor adventures or cultural activities, chances are we have a tour that perfectly suits your interests. Options include everything from day trips to Azerbaijan's top attractions and sights to extended expeditions to multiple countries We also are satisfied to layout a customized Azerbaijan tour itinerary tailor-made in your particular wishes and passions. Just send us a message and get closer to your dream vacation!

Azerbaijan visa

In recent years, visa regulations in Azerbaijan have been gradually relaxed. Currently, citizens of more than 90 countries, including Australia, EU Member States, UK, Canada, New Zealand, UAE and the US, can apply for an e-Visa and it will be issued within 3 days. Passport holders from 12 other countries, including China, Japan, Israel and South Korea, can obtain visas on arrival, and citizens of 10 countries, including Russia, can enter Azerbaijan without a visa. Azerbaijan is open to tourism and getting there has never been easier.

Is it safe to travel to Azerbaijan?

Overall, Azerbaijan is a completely safe country for your trip. Azerbaijanis are kind and hospitable people who will do their best to serve visitors. Beware of pickpockets and avoid flaunting your belongings at bus stops, train stations, on public transport and other crowded areas. Negotiate prices with taxi drivers and street vendors ahead of time to avoid being overcharged. If you decide to drive solo across the country, drive during the day. Some roads, especially in the mountains, have many potholes and uneven pavement, so driving in the dark can be very dangerous. Be extra careful when crossing the road, as Azerbaijani drivers are not always careful with pedestrians.

Choose Your Transport

Several direct worldwide flights join Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, with worldwide journey hubs inclusive of Beijing, Dubai, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Moscow, New York, Paris, Tbilisi and Tel Aviv.

While in Azerbaijan, you can explore the country by private vehicle or use domestic flights for longer trips between Baku and Ganja, Nakhichavan and other cities.

Please note that Azerbaijan's travel restrictions do not allow direct travel between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Best Time to Visit Azerbaijan

With nine climate zones spread across the country, Azerbaijan is an attractive tourist destination year-round. Spring and autumn attract the most people with their pleasant temperatures and dynamic landscapes, but summer and winter also have many interesting things:

• Winter: Winter turns the high peaks of Azerbaijan into a snow-white paradise. The ski resorts of Shahdag and Tufandag are brimming with wild fun, while many see winter as a time to slow down and relax with hearty Azerbaijani cuisine. Since winters in Azerbaijan are generally mild, visitors can still access many local attractions. With fewer tourists, you can count on a much more personalized experience, and the off-season discounts couldn't be better.

• Spring: The season begins with Persian New Year, the country's most important holiday celebrated in late March. If you want to shape your tour around cultural immersion, then spring is the perfect time to come! The weather warms markedly in late spring, when flowers and green foliage begin to dominate the landscape. No wonder nature lovers find spring to be the best time to enjoy the great outdoors of Azerbaijan.

• Autumn: As September approaches, the summer heat eases as fruits and vegetables ripen in gardens and farms. Visitors flock to admire the autumn forests around Lake Goygol in Ganja or watch migratory birds in the local national parks.

• Summer: Summers in Azerbaijan are very hot, with temperatures in Baku once in a while accomplishing 40°C (104°F). This is the perfect time to explore Caspian

How many days do you want in Azerbaijan?

Our local travel experts have come up with their personal Azerbaijan travel tips on must-see attractions and itineraries:

Baku – A mix of trendy skyscrapers and numerous historic sites, Azerbaijan's capital is also a great base for exploring the Absheron Peninsula and nearby Gobustan.
How long should I stay? 1-2 days
Important sights: Icheri Sheher, Heydar Aliyev Center, Baku Boulevard, Nizami Street, Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
How to get off the beaten path: Wander the busy alleyways of the Green Market (Yasir Bazaar) or visit the Museum of Modern Art.

Greater Baku – This substantial place surrounding the capital consists of maximum of the Absheron Peninsula and plenty of islands. For its size, Greater Baku offers a wide range of attractions, from natural phenomena to man-made architecture and historic wonders.How long should I stay? 1-2 days
Important sights: Ateshgah Temple, Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, Gobustan Mud Volcanoes, Yanar Dag
How to get off the beaten path: Explore the history of the Absheron Peninsula with a visit to the Galla State Historical and Ethnic Reserve.

Sheki – This charming city is a jewel of Azerbaijani culture and architecture. Sheki is rich in Islamic architecture, delicious local cuisine, and interesting Silk Road history.
How long should I stay? 1-2 days
Important sights: Sheki Khan’s Palace, Juma Mosque, Sheki Caravanserai, 19th-century hammam
How to get off the beaten path: Explore Galarsan-Ghorarsan Fortress and visit the Church of Christ in Kish.

Ganja – Ganja is one of the oldest cities in the Caucasus and rich in historical and cultural monuments. The city is proud to be the birthplace of the famous Persian poet Nizami, and his tomb is a popular spot for visitors.
How long should I stay? 1-2 days
Important sights: Imam-zade Mausoleum, Old Ganja Fortress, Nizami Ganjavi Mausoleum, Sheikh Bahauddin Complex, the bottle house
How to get off the beaten path: Take your time and soak up the beauty of Goygol National Park with its alpine scenery, crystal clear lakes and pristine forests..

Quba – Located on the northeastern slopes of the Shadag Mountains, Quba treats summer vacationers with cool weather and spectacular mountain scenery, not to mention Azerbaijan's best apples.
How long should I stay? 1-2 days
Important sights: Chirag-Kala Fortress, Gilgilchay Fortress, Juma Mosque, Sakina-Khanum Mosque
How to get off the beaten path: Experience the unique culture of Azerbaijan's oldest village, Chinalag, or visit the elusive Jewish community of the Red City (Red Sloboda).

Shamakhi – Home to a large astrophysical observatory, Shamaki was the former capital of the Shirvan Empire and one of the largest trading centers along the Caucasian Silk Road. Today, the city is famous for its silk production, carpet weaving, and numerous historic buildings. It is also one of the best places to taste Azerbaijan wine.
How long should I stay? 1-2 days
Important sights: Juma Mosque, Yeddi Gumbez Mausoleum, Village of Lahij, Diri-Baba Mausoleum-Mosque, Gulistan Fortress
How to get off the beaten path: Explore local wineries and taste young local wines.

Gabala – An ancient city with a history dating back to the 4th century BC. go back. With its many archaeological sites and relics, Gabala is a perfect destination for history buffs.
How long should I stay? 1 day
Important sights: ruins and excavations of Old Gabala, ancient capital of Caucasian Albania
How to get off the beaten path: Visit the Uddin Temple, a unique architectural monument in Caucasian Albania, or drive to the village of Hazra to see 15th- and 16th-century domed tombs..

Lankaran – A subtropical paradise in southeastern Azerbaijan, near the Iranian border. The cityscape is a harmonious combination of high mountain peaks, fertile lowlands and pebbly coasts.
How long should I stay? 1 day
Important sights: Lankaran Fortress, Pir Hussein Mosque and Mausoleum
How to get off the beaten path: Admire Kanega, a sophisticated mausoleum and mosque complex on the banks of the Pilsagat River.

Naftalan – This small town at the foot of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains proves the importance of oil to Azerbaijan's economy and culture. In naftalane, local oils are believed to have therapeutic properties and are used as natural remedies in their unique oil baths.
How long should I stay? Usually at least a week if you want to stay in the spa
Important sights: Naftalan oil spa resort and treatments
How to get off the beaten path: Visit the quirky Crutch Museum to see a collection of crutches left by patients who were said to have been successfully treated with naftalane.

Nabran – This popular Caspian Sea resort boasts subtropical forests and long, beautiful beaches.
How long should I stay? 1-2 days
Important sights: Nabran beach and affiliated resort facilities
How to get off the beaten path: Leave the beach behind and trek through the Navrang Forest, which is rich in unique trees unique to the region.

Want to discover Azerbaijani cuisine?

List of the best dishes to try in Azerbaijan:

• Dolma: A delicious dish of minced meat, rice, spices and herbs wrapped in grape leaves or cabbage leaves or stuffed in vegetables before cooking. In 2017, the Azerbaijani dolphin-making tradition was included in UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

• Kebab: Seasoned pieces of meat, usually lamb, placed on skewers and fried on a charcoal grill called mangal (manqal). This dish is usually served with vegetables and a thin, unleavened flatbread called lavash.

• Ovdukh: Cold yogurt soup. Yogurt is mixed with water and poured over sliced ​​boiled meat, boiled eggs, cucumber slices and herbs.

 • Qovurma: A easy but scrumptious dish of lamb spiced with saffron and stewed with onions and tomatoes. Qovurma also can consist of chook and fruit.

• Kufta (kofta): Delicious meatballs made from lamb or beef in tomato sauce. The meal is flavored with onions, salt, pepper, sugar and vinegar.

• Lavangi: The exact opposite of kufta, it consists of a whole fish, chicken or duck that is grilled, with nuts, onions and spices added before cooking. Lavangi is most common in coastal areas.

• Piti: A popular soup made from tail fat and vegetables cooked in a fragrant lamb bone broth.

• Plov: This hearty meal features more than 40 varieties of ingredients and cooking techniques. Traditionally Azerbaijani plov consists of hot rice and pork or fried chicken mixed with onions, nuts, dried fruits and spices. In some regions, wheat replaces rice.

• Qutab: Rolled dough, rolled into a cylinder and fried, qutab is usually filled with meat, green vegetables or pumpkin. The finished product is cut into small triangles and served with a glass of yogurt.

• Baklava (Pakhlava): Azerbaijan's most famous dessert, it's made from multi-layered wheat or rice flour mixed with honey and nuts. Baklava has many regional variations, but the classic Baku pakhlava is especially popular, featuring one grain per piece.

For more information, check out our Azerbaijan food travel guide.