Azerbaijan Travel Guide

Azerbaijan is one of the six independent Turkic states in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Located at the crossroads of E Europe and W Asia, Azerbaijan is a nation with a majority Turkic and Shi‘ite Muslim population and is a secular and a unitary republic with an ancient and historic cultural heritage. Azerbaijan was the first successful attempt to establish a democratic and secular republic in the Muslim world.

Surrounded by desert on the oil-rich Caspian Sea, the nation’s vibrant capital Baku is a dynamic boomtown, where flashy limousines and large skyscrapers sweep around a picturesque Unesco-listed ancient centre. Yet barely three hours’ drive away lies an entirely different world: timeless villages clad in lush orchards from which shepherd tracks lead into the soaring high Caucasus mountains.

Visiting the country takes planning, creativity and imagination, as the tourist industry is in its infancy. Although there are plenty of rural ‘rest-zones’ for holidaying city folk, they cater mainly for locals who want to unwind with hefty feasts and family chats, so rarely provide any activities. Very few people outside Baku speak English, but the challenge is a great part of the appeal.

For those undeterred by a nascent tourist industry, Southern Azerbaijan is one of the country's more pleasant regions, both along the coast and inland. Lenkeran is a quaint seaside town famed for its flowers, while Masalli & around makes a good entry point for exploring the Talysh mountains. Northern Azerbaijan is where you'll find the Caucasus Mountains and the incredible village of Xinaliq, with its jaw-dropping views and traditional mountain culture. For something completely different (in a country full of completely different travel experiences), there's always the remote and intriguing enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh.

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