Azerbaijan Travel Guide

Known as the 'Land of Fire', Azerbaijan is one of the most surprising destinations in the region, sitting at the meeting point of Europe and Asia and offering a vivid blend of cultures, landscapes and architectural styles. Ancient Silk Road history shapes the atmosphere, while bold contemporary design gives the country a distinctive modern edge. In the capital, Baku, shimmering towers rise above the UNESCO-listed Old City, creating a skyline that feels both timeless and forward-looking.

Wellness travellers will find something truly unique in Naftalan, the country's famed medicinal oil. Used for generations to ease skin conditions, joint pain and rheumatism, it remains the focus of specialised clinics in the spa town of Naftalan, where visitors can experience carefully regulated therapeutic treatments. The country also has a rich tradition of geothermal and mineral springs. Several hundred have been identified across different regions, giving travellers many opportunities to enjoy their natural benefits.

Baku is the cultural, economic and political centre of Azerbaijan, and it's also the largest city on the Caspian Sea. The Old City (Icherisheher) showcases beautifully preserved heritage sites, including the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Beyond the ancient walls, travellers can explore the Ateshgah Fire Temple, a former pilgrimage site for fire-worshippers, and Yanar Dag, a hillside flame that has burned for centuries due to natural gas seepage. For those seeking luxury, Baku's elegant boulevards feature world-class hotels, stylish cafés and high-end boutiques.

Outside the capital, the mountainous northern regions open up a different side of Azerbaijan. Here, dramatic peaks rise over alpine lakes and traditional highland villages. The area supports a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Caucasian leopard, and it's also home to semi-nomadic pastoral communities that preserve local customs and ways of life. It's a striking landscape that rewards both adventure and reflection.