Top 10 Scenic Spots and Day Trips in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, the Land of Fire, is the place where the ancient history, rich culture, and natural beauty are united to offer a really unique traveling experience to its visitors. Whether it is the colourful streets of the capital Baku, the untouched mountain villages and peaceful coastal getaways, this country has no shortage of beautiful areas to take a day trip in. Choosing between the mountains, the old buildings, and the calm lakes, Azerbaijan will make you impressed.

Azerbaijan is a national treasure that will take a traveler in love with cultural exploration and breathtaking views to explore it. Its road networks are well connected and it has diverse experiences that you can plan day trips and witness more without wasting days on the road. Top 10 Scenic Spots and Day Trips in Azerbaijan will lead you through the most scenic places so that you can create the itinerary full of memorable views. To enjoy your trip to the best of your ability, look at the Azerbaijan tour package options available with reliable travel companies such as Go Kite Tours to get an enjoyable experience.

Here are the Top 10 Scenic Spots and Day Trips in Azerbaijan

1. Gobustan National Park

Gobustan National Park in the Baku region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is only 64 km away and boasts ancient petroglyphs, mud volcanoes and stunning rock formations. Petroglyphs are dated to more than 40,000 years ago and portray hunting, dancing and early human life. Another natural wonder of the area is the mud volcanoes: Azerbaijan contains almost half of the world total of mud volcanoes, making this site a geological wonder. The day trip to Gobustan will enable you to get acquainted with cultural and natural beauties in one trip. The sceneries along the rocky cliffs are amazing and this presents a good chance to the photography fans.

2. Sheki

Sheki is an ancient Azerbaijani city located in the lower ranges of Greater Caucasus Mountains. One of the most beautiful cities of Azerbaijan, Sheki is the city of stunning architecture and historical appeal that houses the renowned Sheki Khan Palace - the masterpiece of stained glass and woodwork. The city has an old world charm with the cobblestone roads, the traditional bazaars and the quaint tea houses. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and you cannot leave without trying Sheki halva, a sweet that is as sweet as the landscape. It is approximately a 4-5 hrs drive away, so a full day trip is perfect.

3. Gabala

Gabala is commonly called the Switzerland of Azerbaijan because of the greenness, mountainous views, and fresh air. The city is also a center of outdoor activity like hiking, zip-lining and visiting the Tufandag Mountain Resort to ride cable cars with views of the Caucasus. Along with the adventure sports, Gabala has serene lakes and forests surrounding it and this makes it an ideal getaway to nature lovers. It is also an all-year round place where one can do snow activities during winter and landscapes during summer.

4. Lahij Village

Lahij is a picturesque village situated high in the mountains and known due to copper craft work and stone paved streets. Lahij is a town that takes you back in time with the centuries old buildings and craft shops that are still functioning. The landscape around is also impressive and one has dramatic valleys and rivers flowing around. The visit to Lahij is an opportunity to learn about rich cultural heritage of Azerbaijan and admire beautiful views of mountains.

5. Khinalug Village

Khinalug is the highest and oldest mountain village in the Caucasus with the altitude of approximately 2,300 meters. The village is over 5,000 years old, and stone houses and traditions are unique and remained the same centuries. The trip is even unforgettable as it is the place itself, as the road leads through the mountains and narrow roads with stunning scenery. It is a must visit by the travelers who want the pure and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

6. Naftalan

Naftalan is famous by its curative oil baths, which is an exclusive wellness experience, which can be found only in this town. The city is enclosed with calm sceneries and a day visit here can be refreshing and relaxing. Although it is the oil treatments that draw the crowds, the nearby parks and serene atmosphere ensure that Naftalan is a place to relax and experience the tranquil side of modern-day Azerbaijan.

7. Guba

The area of Guba is famous due to its apple orchards, beautiful mountains and a variety of cultures. It is also a starting point to the beautiful village of Xinaliq, but the town has enough to see as well the historic Quba Mosque and the local markets with all their charm. A local attraction, the Afurja Waterfall is a secret treasure of the area, particularly gorgeous in spring when the flow is the most powerful. This site is a combination of nature and culture that is ideal as a day trip.

8. Lake Goygol

One of the most beautiful lakes of Azerbaijan is Lake Goygol, translated as the Blue Lake, which is situated in the Goygol National Park. The lake is surrounded by thick forests and mountain ranges and its colors vary with the seasons; it is a breathtaking view all year round. There are hiking trails around the lake that enable one to have various views of its beauty. It is an ideal destination to spend a relaxing day trip and picnic with amazing sceneries.

9. Shamakhi

Shamakhi is an old city of Azerbaijan, the history of which dates back to the 5th century BC. Famous as a wine region, Shamakhi also has picturesque nature with green hills and ancient monuments such as Juma Mosque. The road between Baku and Shamakhi is gorgeous with green valleys and mountainous roads. Wine tasting tours are a necessity here to the people interested in the culinary heritage of Azerbaijan.

10. Yanardag (Burning Mountain)

The natural gas fire Yanardag, or Burning Mountain, has been burning on a hillside, continuously, for hundreds of years. It is the most famous natural phenomenon of Azerbaijan located only 25 km away from Baku. It is like a magic as you watch the flames dancing in the night sky. To get the full experience of the “Land of Fire” visit Yanardag and the Ateshgah Fire Temple. It is perhaps one of the most pleasurable and simplest day trips out of the capital.

Conclusion

Azerbaijan is a nation whose every corner is a story- to be told about ancient petroglyphs, mountain villages, clear lakes and flames of the land. These 10 Scenic Spots and Day Trips in Azerbaijan display the diversity of this country, its beauty and depth of its culture. Are you a history nut, a nature lover or an adventure seeker? You would find something you would enjoy here.

Booking your trip with professionals such as Go Kite Tours means you do not miss the local treasures on the way to a comfortable trip. Click here to begin planning your dream holiday to visit the most beautiful of Azerbaijan scenic locations and other cultural experiences on offer. The Land of Fire can ignite your wanderlust and make them invaluable memories.