Rich in history and generous by nature, Azerbaijan is one of the small countries in Southern Caucasus that have been given more than their share of the potential to rise as a tourism destination. This small, less visited and oil-rich Turkic state in the Caucasus by the Caspian Sea hosts varied cultural, natural and historical attractions, and is a home of some of the oldest people in the world.
The Azerbaijani culture has been influenced by Turks, Persians, Arabs, Russians, and by the other civilizations in the Caucasus region. The Azerbaijani kitchen is famous for its abundant use of vegetables. Azerbaijan's cuisine is famous also for its health improving qualities, which is also indicated by the fact that many of the world's oldest people come from Azerbaijan.
Undiscovered attractions. Independent from the Soviet Union since 1991, modern Azerbaijan is a country with road open into the world of tourism. Waiting to be discovered by the western world, Azerbaijan's most popular tourist destination is Khachmaz, the hometown of the most ancient civilization found in this Caucasus country. Khachmaz's attraction as a travel site, however, is not based only on its generosity of historical and cultural sites. This Caspian Sea coastal town is also famous for great nearby beaches and its beautiful forested surroundings.
World Heritage -listed capital. Another interesting site with rich historical and cultural heritage is the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku. This city of 2 million inhabitants is not only a growing metropolis, but also standing place of UNESCO World Heritage -listed Old Town with many interesting palaces and temples, and of a hilltop that is constantly and naturally on fire. You can also visit the cities of Ganja and Sheki for great historical sites and mountain views, or go to see the ancient petroglyphs of Gobustan.
Azerbaijan, country of mud volcanoes and interesting cultural sites
The richest state in the Caucasus region, Azerbaijan is a place of ancient civilization and of interesting cultural sites such as ancient rock carvings, medieval mosques, magnificent fortresses, and glorious palaces. Furthermore, it is a home of unique nature wonders such as Baku's burning hill, Azerbaijan's many mud volcanoes, and the spectacular landscapes of Caucasus Mountains.The Azerbaijani culture has been influenced by Turks, Persians, Arabs, Russians, and by the other civilizations in the Caucasus region. The Azerbaijani kitchen is famous for its abundant use of vegetables. Azerbaijan's cuisine is famous also for its health improving qualities, which is also indicated by the fact that many of the world's oldest people come from Azerbaijan.
Undiscovered attractions. Independent from the Soviet Union since 1991, modern Azerbaijan is a country with road open into the world of tourism. Waiting to be discovered by the western world, Azerbaijan's most popular tourist destination is Khachmaz, the hometown of the most ancient civilization found in this Caucasus country. Khachmaz's attraction as a travel site, however, is not based only on its generosity of historical and cultural sites. This Caspian Sea coastal town is also famous for great nearby beaches and its beautiful forested surroundings.
World Heritage -listed capital. Another interesting site with rich historical and cultural heritage is the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku. This city of 2 million inhabitants is not only a growing metropolis, but also standing place of UNESCO World Heritage -listed Old Town with many interesting palaces and temples, and of a hilltop that is constantly and naturally on fire. You can also visit the cities of Ganja and Sheki for great historical sites and mountain views, or go to see the ancient petroglyphs of Gobustan.
Practical information for your trip to Azerbaijan
The climate in Azerbaijan is diverse, ranging from almost tropical hot weather in Azerbaijan's plains to cooler mountain climate and to dry conditions of the steppe. Caspian Sea coastal region where Baku and Khachmaz are located enjoys dry steppe climate with hot summers and cool winters.
Photo: Aleksander Dragnes, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
Summertime average monthly high temperatures vary between 20 and 30 degrees of Celsius. The best time to travel to Azerbaijan is from April to October when the friendly and health-improving climate of Azerbaijan is at its best.
Safety. Apart from some areas such as the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh which should be avoided, safety situation in Azerbaijan is not in any way alarming. However, common sense and caution procedures should be followed when visiting Azerbaijan. Corruption in the country is widespread, and the honesty of administrative forces can therefore not always be trusted. English is rarely spoken in Azerbaijan, so learning some phrases in Azeri or Russian will be very useful for you. Note also that the people in Azerbaijan are quite reserved, and being loud in public or smiling for someone you do not know may be considered inappropriate.
How to get tere. Most foreign visitors arrive in Azerbaijan by air. There are direct flights to Azerbaijan's main airport in Baku available from many major European, Middle Eastern and Russian cities, and from several smaller destinations in the area of the former Soviet Union. Azerbaijan is also accessible by train from Georgia and by boat from Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. Visas are required in advance from most foreign nationalities. Public transport in Azerbaijan is rather slow, but train and bus connections are available and taxis can be found in cities. Price level in Azerbaijan is generally low, but tourist services such as hotels can be expensive.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Xachmaz (Khachmaz)
