Overview to Azerbaijan: Travel Guide and Tourist Information
Straddling Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan has the highest population in the South Caucasus region and boasts a pretty impressive landscape. In fact, nine of the 11 ecological zones can be found here - a dazzling array of scenery that cries out to be explored.
Before the majestic landscapes are traversed, however, the capital of Baku, with the Palace of the Sheki Khans its standout attraction, is well worth a couple of nights’ stay. An increasingly oil-rich city, it’s a genuinely unusual place away from the attractive Old Town.
Close by, Yanar Dag gives a taste of what’s to come. One of the few ‘fire mountains’ that exist today, Yanar Dag’s ten meter wide hole is filled with a sprouting fire (caused by excess natural gas beneath the earth) that is a major - and eerie - draw for travelers.
To the north of the country, the Caspian Sea and the resort of Xachmaz offer slightly more mundane – though perhaps more inviting – natural scenery. This is Azerbaijan’s primary beach resort and the sand, lapped by warm waters, is undeniably tempting.
The terrain to the north of the country, meanwhile, is characterized by densely wooded hills and the snow-tinged peaks of the Great Caucasus. Numerous hikes set out from the small city of Sheki and are the way to tap into the full majesty of those mountains.
The Caucasus is known for its hidden treasures (the area is still considered off the beaten track for tourists), and anyone willing to hike amongst the challenging terrain is almost guaranteed to come across the odd hidden hill fort or two.
And that, really, is Azerbaijan’s great appeal. Whether you’re mingling with the party-happy crowds in Baku or hacking through the woodland at the base of the Great Caucasus, there’s something clearly undiscovered - and even magical - about this fascinating country.
