What will impress you in Azerbaijan. In the capital of the state there is a “Baku Acropolis” – a historical and architectural reserve, symbol of the city that has many attractions. On Absheron Peninsula you can find a network of abandoned fortresses, ruins of castles, fortifications. There is also a spa resort Shikhovo built on hydrogen sulfide sources. Nature of Azerbaijan makes it a unique country located in 9 of 11 climatic zones existing in the world. It turns out a kind of journey around the globe through the rivers, waterfalls and mineral springs, as well as deposits of curative oil.
Talysh Mountains, one of the exotic regions of the country are located in subtropical zone with mixed and deciduous forests. Azerbaijani residents like to spend their holidays not only on the shores of the Caspian Sea, but also in Gabala, Guba, Shamakhi regions where is established a good tourist infrastructure. Here operate many hotels and are developed many interesting hiking trails.
Shopping & Stores. Baku center shops are open from 9:00 am until late at night, in the outskirts they mostly work until 19: 00-20: 00. The lowest prices – in the markets and fairs. Local silk, ceramics and other handicrafts products can be bought in Sharg Bazary (modern indoor market), as well as the famous shopping streets and in the “old city” Baku. Prices are negotiable, so you can (and should) bargain.
High quality and cheap carpets can be found in the center of carpet weaving in the suburbs of Baku Nardaran and expensive masterpieces – in specialized shops of the capital. In addition, from Azerbaijan you should bring backgammon (it is almost the national game, played by the old and young people), metal utensils and famous caps. From delicious souvenirs you should pay attention to the black caviar, the Baku baklava, spices and aromatic herbs.
Azerbaijan attractions. Azerbaijan is known for its hiking trails and spring water. Popular routes are carefully preserved and developed many new – with a visit to historical and cultural and natural sites. The most popular are tours with visits to historic sites Shamakhi, Ismayilli, Baku, Shaki, Gakh, Guba, Yardimli, etc; beach holidays (Baku, Khudat, Khachmaz, Siyazan, Lankaran, Astara), therapeutic tours and vacation at the mineral waters (Masalli, Gusar, Naftalan, Baku, Ganja). In Azerbaijan there are over 130 museums, galleries and their branches, theaters, mausoleums, mosques, fortresses and other unique cultural sites.
Baku: the old part of the city – historical and architectural reserve, often called the “Baku Acropolis”. 70 km south of Baku is the largest in the CIS cluster of petroglyphs Gobustan, which includes more than 4 thousand rocky areas, caves, fortresses and cemeteries. 30 km from Baku, there is a Surakhani village with a temple complex of fire-worshipers Ateshgah. Another interesting place is spa resort Shikhovo, built on the sulfurous spring waters.
Guba – the ancient capital of the Cuban Khanate situated 165 km north of Baku. This is one of the most beautiful cities in the country with a fortress of the 16th century, a variety of mosques and the famous Cuban carpets.
Shamakhi – one of the oldest and most interesting cities in the country, located 130 km west of the capital. The main attraction of the city – the fortress-Giz Galasi (Gulistan, 12-12 cc.) – The last refuge of the Shirvan Shahs. Nowadays, it is also a recognized center of winemaking and carpet weaving.
Sheki is located 380 km west of Baku, near the Georgian border. Many of the findings on its territory are more than 2500 years old. In Sheki there is a huge number of historical sites, mosques, Historical Museum. The city is also known as a center of silk production and health resort.
Lankaran is situated on the south-east of the country, on the border with Iran. This is one of the best resorts in the country with spa water treatment. The town itself is interesting with Lankaran fortress (18 C.) and a mosque Kichik Bazar (19 C.).
Talysh – an area located in the south-east of Azerbaijan on the border with Iran. It attracts guests with beautiful landscapes of green mountains, cut by canyons with raging rivers, numerous thermal and mineral water. Near Jalilabad there are famous Arkevanski hot mineral springs.
Photos from sources – nochi.com, litetrip.ru, succow-stiftung.de, news.day.az, thinkingnomads.com