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Tourism
THE NORTH
Guba (168km from Baku) – This picturesque region, with its dense vegetation, is known for its extensive apple orchards. Tourists visiting the region favor visiting the falls of Afrudja, Kunhart and Pirbanovsha and the resorts of Gashresh, Nugedi and Tenge Alti. The Guba region also boasts ancient stone pools filled with warm water bubbling from sulfur springs. The mountain valleys only a half hour drive from the center of Guba boast white eagles cited in the Red Book. Culturally and historically, the region can speak of the unique 9th century fire-worshippers temple in the high mountain village of Hynalik, whose inhabitants speak a language spoken nowhere else in the world. Other places of interest include an ancient mausoleum in the village Agbil, the Djuma Mosque and the Sakina Hanum Mosque as well as ancient baths.
Khachmaz (157 km from Baku) – The temperate climate in Khachmaz creates perfect conditions for a balmy summer day. The town, situated in the forest closely growing to the coast of the Caspian Sea, is the perfect place to escape the irritations of city life in Baku. The town has many mineral springs, including one of the best known in Azerbaijan, Isti-su. The Khachmaz region is rich in monuments history, culture and architecture. The region boasts the ancient fortress city of Khudat, the mosque and madrasah of sheikh Abbas, the mosque of sheikh Yusif (15th century), ancient settlements and Bronze Age graves and the famous Iron Gate of the Derbent Fortress.
The largest resort in the region is Nabran, with its numerous beaches, picturesque coasts and developed tourist infrastructure; this is the place to go. Numerous resort zones of various levels, cafes, restaurants and discos are all available at this popular summer destination.
Shabran (122 km from Baku) – The area, known for its medicinal spring at Galaalti, located in foothills of the Greater Caucasus, also hosts hunting and fishing, historical monuments (ruins of the ancient Chirag Gala fortress, Shabran and other monuments to ancient architecture) and exclusive panoramas of valleys, mountains and forests.
Gusar (180 km from Baku) – This region is the northeastern-most in Azerbaijan, adjoining the CIS autonomous region of Dagestan. The picturesque mountain district is covered with deciduous forests and boasts numerous springs, waterfalls and ponds. The region is dominated by Mt. Bazarduzu, standing at 4,466m around which a big national park has been created. While the summer is mild, the winter is all frosty air and steady snow cover. You can walk on the beech wood of Alistan baba and study of samples of national applied arts, among which are carpet weaving, woodcarving and embroidery.
Of the historical monuments of the area, the ruins of an 8th century fortification near to village of Anig and the mausoleum of sheikh Dzhunejd of the 15th century should not be missed. In the village of Hazra, a museum has been set up to the great Russian poet Lermontov who visited the place 170 years ago. Those interested in exotic dishes can revel at small local restaurants.
Khizi (104 km from Baku) – This mountainous area located near Baku has a soft, dry climate. With its coast washed by the Caspian Sea, is covered in forest. One of the natural sights of area, Beshbarmak, is so named because of the five finger-like pinnacles projecting from the top of the crag. The region is one of the most beautiful natural places in Azerbaijan with such destinations as Altiagach national park with its rich flora and fauna. Historical monuments are also present, such as the walls the Beshbarmak fortress built in the 8th century, the ruins of an antique city and the ruins of the Khizi fortress, built in the 5th century, among others.
THE NORTHWEST
Shemakha (135 km from Baku) – Shemakha is surrounded by amazing meadows and woods, snow-capped mountains perfect for skiing and mountaineering. The mountains also hold the Pirkuli reserve and an observatory. Shemakha is an ancient city, with a history spanning three millennia. Tourists can visit the ruins of the Gulistan and Kala-Burut fortresses, a tomb of the Shirvan Shahs, medieval mausoleums, the Djuma-mosque and a caravanserai with an ancient underground bath from the 15th century. Shemakha is famous for its sweet wines, abundance of fruit trees and medicinal herbs.
Ismayilli (185 km from Baku) – The Ismayli region sports three climatic zones in a small area. Here it is possible to see both snow-covered mountains and hot plains. In the Ismayli reserve various flora and fauna are preserved. The ruins of the Gasimhan, Djavanshir and Girhoshag fortresses can all be see, as well as the legendary Fitdag tower, a tower of the Khans, the Maiden’s Tower (9th-12th century) and Hanachli. In the villages of Lahidj and Basgal, historical and cultural reserves have been created. In these villages, men still practice metal working in traditional ways passed down by their fathers.
Gabala (225 km from Baku) – Forest-covered mountains, crystal springs, boundless Alpine meadows, chestnut groves more than 500 years old are all present in the Gabala district.
The Gabala area has long specialized in servicing visitors, offering picnics and short and long rests, and excursions on the ancient edge. Hundreds of ancient monuments, among which are the ruins of an ancient city, mausoleums and sacred feasts, mosques and towers, temples and ancient defensive works from the 9th century.
Sheki-Gah-Zagatala (300-370 km from Baku) – This region which stretches along the western side of the Greater Caucasus is covered in forests of filbert, hornbeam, chestnut, walnut and oak. Many rare species can be found in their natural settings as well as the unique Eldar pine in the Zakatali and Ilisu and Turianchay reserves. The age of some of the plane trees in these parks exceed 500 years. In the Dede Gorgud Park in Zagatali, the age of one of the eight plane trees exceeds 700 years. North of Sheki, in the Gelersen-Gerersen district, virgin forests stretch into the distance making for some of the cleanest air in the Caucasus.
In Sheki, a town more than 2,600 years old, tourists will find numerous historical monuments. Ancient settlements and fortresses, towers and mosques constructed by great architects, the Palace of the Sheki Khans, a great 18th century caravanserai with huge domes and the tomb the Hadji Murat of Tolstoy fame. In the village of Kish the 2nd century Albanian Elisey church still stands. Sheki is known for its jewelers, metal and wooden souvenirs, silks and carpets. The uniqueness Sheki’s cuisine and sweets are known far outside Azerbaijan.
THE SOUTH
Masalli (232 km from Baku) – Between the warm waters of the Caspian Sea and the Talish Mountains lies the land of Masalli. Here, a wonderful climate, small forest-hidden lakes and waterfalls and the hot springs of Istisu can all be found. Mosques from the 16th-19th century are situated in the region as is the mausoleum of Seid Sadig and Erkivan’s Tower. From generation to generation the secrets of traditional handicrafts are transferred. In various villages it is possible to find hand-made carpets, woven mats and wooden implements.
Lankaran-Astara (268-313 km from Baku) – The subtropical climate nice rivers and hot springs make for perfect conditions for growing vegetables in this region all-year-round. The region is also famous for its fruit trees and tea plantations.
The low Talish Mountains are covered in ancient trees, while the Girkan National Park and the Gizilagach reserve offer sites of many rare animals such as deer, roe, lynces, wolves and even tigers (it is said). Beaches (sandy and pebbly) are especially good in Astara, where the water is crystal-clear. From an architectural standpoint, the region is known for the Ballabur Fortress, a palace of a local khan, a mosque and a minaret from the 19th century in the city of Lankaran, the ruins of a fortress, a caravanserai from the 17th century, and a 12th century mausoleum in Astara. The local cuisine is especially famous for its fish, game and unusual seasonings.
THE WEST
Ganjabasar (from 300 km from Baku) – Ganjabasar encompasses the cities of Gandja, Mingachevir, Gazah and Agstafa. Being the most ancient cultural center in the east of Azerbaijan, this region is full of historical, architectural and religious monuments. Among them are the Djuma Mosque from the 19th century, the mausoleums of Sheikhs Ibragim and Nizami, the Imamzadeh complex from the 16th century and the Darus Palace of the local sultan. City baths, a medieval fortress in Gandja, the unique Sinik korpu (12th century) in Gazah, bronze age barrows, ancient towers and fortresses in Goygol and the beautiful castle in Shamkir can all be found.
This region has a temperate climate. In mountainous meadows and in the forests roe and wild boar can be found as well as the chamois and other kinds of animals. Leaving Gandja for just 25km, the pearl of Azeri nature, Lake Goygol, can be found, surrounded by the Goygol reserve, created just 40 years ago.
Among other natural sights of this region is the Gold Rock, the caves of Mount Avejdagh and the magnificent Tugai forest. In this region carpet weaving, knitting, embroidery, silk manufacture and porcelain are all renounced. Gourmands can try the unique cuisine of the region at numerous small restaurants.
Arrangements can be made at the Adjikend, the Kyapyaz, Gandja and the Lux hotels in Ganja, the Samani, Orhan, Sabuhi and the Kyur hotels in Mingachevir and the Gasansu and Agstafa hotels in Agstafa.
NAKHCHIVAN
The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is a mountainous region which has an average height of over 1,000m above sea level with an ancient history rich in nature and with a unique cultural heritage. Its capital, Nakhchivan, is the most ancient cultural center in this region. Here, numerous museums, hotels, restaurants and a modern Olympic complex can all be found.
Cities in this region all have diverse historical monuments, cozy streets and unique hospitality. The flora and rich fauna of the forest are outstanding.
Numerous monuments of history and architecture can be found, such as the Yusuf Kuseyr and Momina Hatun Mausoleums, the mausoleum of Nasimi, the Alinja Fortress, the ruins of the city of Gilan and ancient bridges over still more ancient rivers. Since ancient times, local handicrafts have been improved upon here over the millennium, such as carpet weaving, embroidery, woodcarving and the manufacture of silk.
Accommodation can be arranged at the Grand Hotel Nakhchivan, Ukraine, Gartal, Azer, Ganjlik, Khayal in Nakhchivan, Araz in Julfa, Mugan and “Sharur in Sharur and the Shakhbuz Hotel in Shakhbuz.
