Azerbaijan

WHAT TO DO

Breakfast in Baku Old Town

Start your day with a traditional Azerbaijani breakfast while strolling through the cobbled streets of the Old Town. Treat yourself to original egg dishes, for example, tomadom-chikhirtma – a combination of scrambled eggs with tomatoes. The dish should be eaten with freshly baked hot bread in a tandoor. Sweet thick honey, country cheeses, yogurt and aromatic tea are served to the table.

Discover the ancient city of Sheki

Surrounded by mountainous forests, this city in northwestern Azerbaijan is a recent UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend a day strolling the streets that keep the spirit of the Silk Road alive, admiring the city’s architecture and its buildings with pointed roofs and intricate brickwork, reflecting the trading and handicraft past of this corner of the country. Check out mosques and museums, caravanserais and palaces, and don’t forget to taste the famous Shekinah baklava.

Ancient Churches of Azerbaijan

Long before Islam spread to Azerbaijan with the Arab conquest in the 7th century, Christianity was widespread here. In some regions of Azerbaijan, the canons of Christianity were faithful even in the Middle Ages. One of such regions is the village of Nij, where the Udins, representatives of the oldest people professing Christianity, still gather every Sunday in the restored church of the XVII century. There are many more ancient temples in this area, a visit to which will help you to get acquainted with the historical heritage of the country.

Take a dip in the healing oil

About an hour’s drive from Ganja is Naftalan, a resort town famous for its healing oil, which has been used here for centuries to treat all sorts of diseases. Treatment usually involves daily oil baths for at least a week in one of Naftalan’s numerous health centers.

Take a hike to the mountain villages

Shrouded in myths and legends, the Caucasus Mountains have for centuries attracted intrepid travelers and explorers from all over the world. The entire north of Azerbaijan is surrounded by picturesque mountains, where various small peoples live in small villages. All villages are connected by footpaths for hiking.

Marvel at the modern wonders of Baku

Baku has been transformed over the last decade with some modern architectural masterpieces. The futuristic Heydar Aliyev Center, the Flame Towers, the Carpet Museum and other architectural buildings that are equally innovative and inspiring are a gem.

Relax on the shores of the Caspian Sea

More than 500 kilometers of Azerbaijan are washed by the Caspian Sea. Just half an hour’s drive from Baku, you’ll find plenty of sunny beaches with picturesque views. Every summer, the golden sands of the Absheron Peninsula come alive with luxury resorts and water parks, local fish restaurants and beaches.

Fantastic adventures in national parks

With 9 out of 11 climatic zones, Azerbaijan’s natural diversity is sure to surprise and delight you. To experience it, visit the country’s national parks, which are home to hundreds of species of rare fauna and flora listed in the Red Book. There are 9 such parks in Azerbaijan.

Taste new Azerbaijani wines

Azerbaijan’s wine industry, which boasts excellent terroirs, beautiful vineyards and favorable soil, is experiencing a revival. The best wines are produced from selected varieties of local and foreign grapes in local wineries, the number of which is steadily increasing in different parts of the country, and trendy wine bars in the center of the capital create a truly European atmosphere in Baku at night.

Get to know the tea culture

Tea is a synonym and symbol of hospitality in Azerbaijan. Traditions say that one should not let a guest go without offering him a cup of tea. Azerbaijani tea ceremonies have their own special customs and rituals that have passed through centuries. Tea is served in a special pear-shaped cup with lemon and sugar, as well as with delicious honey, jams and sweets. You can experience tea culture anywhere in the country, from luxury hotels to quiet village tea houses.