Azerbaijan – A Guide to Some of its Best Destinations

With thousands of years of history overflowing with deeply rooted traditions as its foundation, Azerbaijan offers a variety of landscapes, cultures and experiences. There’s a host of fantastic places to see in the country, so why don’t you peruse a few of the best destinations there first.  

Baku 

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is frequently mentioned as one of the first places you should visit when in the country. Its focal point is the medieval Icheri Sheher along with the enigmatic Maiden Tower. The late 19th-century Inner City of Baku was built with Russian Empire architectural styles and it, along with a modern skyline, give Bau a layered appearance. 

Bake Boulevard, which hugs the Caspian Sea, Flame Towers, and the shopping district along Nizami Street are all must-see locations that you’ll definitely want to visit. You’ll not only find a wide range of hotels to suit whatever budget you may have, but also a wide range of restaurants, bars, and cafés.

Quba

Quba is a great place to visit if you want to gaze upon pristine landscapes, ancient mountain villages, and learn about Caucasus culture. The cultural centre, located 170 kilometres northeast of Baku, is frequently listed among the best places to visit in Azerbaijan. The region, which is situated 600 meters above sea level on the Shahdag Mountain’s slopes, has crisp and fresh air while oozing with culture. The natural beauty of the landscapes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Tenghi Canyon, and waterfalls are just a few of the incredible attractions that will catch your eye.

Sheki

One of the best things to do in Azerbaijan is to visit one of the Caucasus’s oldest settlements. With a population of only 60,000 people living at the foot of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, you may get a humble impression of the whole place, however, the truth is a bit different. Sheki’s silk transformed the small town into a major Silk Road stop for about a millennia. Traders from both the east and west converged on the town, with many of them sleeping at a caravanserai.

Forward to the present, and you’ll find the Sheki Khans’ Palace, built in the 18th century,  castles, and historical mosques. As you get further away from Sheki, you’ll come across rivers, waterfalls, and gorges, as well as several hiking opportunities in the mountains.

Lake Goygol 

A short drive from Ganja will take visitors to what is arguably Azerbaijan’s most beautiful natural spot, Lake Goygol, or ‘Blue Lake,’ is a deep blue lake in the Murovdag foothills with a depth of 1,500 metres. The lake, which was created by an earthquake in the 12th century, is one of Ganja’s most popular day trips, not just for the lake, but also for the experience of a scenic drive through the mountains. Since this region once belonged to a German community, their influence and races can still be seen in the villages within the region.