Once a relatively insignificant region of the Caucasus Mountains, Azerbaijan has emerged as one of the world’s foremost oil producing nations. Taking in the magnificent Caucasus Mountains to the north, the lush green valleys of the south and large swathes of arid semi-desert in between, Azerbaijan is a beautiful country with superb scenery, although it remains virtually unknown to the average traveller.
Why we like Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan in itself is probably too small to warrant a holiday on its own, however it combines well with Georgia and Armenia, or for a longer journey, take the ferry across the Caspian to Turkmenistan. It is a fascinating country with an excellent choice of hotels and one which never fails to surprise.
What to expect on your Azerbaijan holiday
Baku, the capital, lieson the shores of the Caspian Sea and has transformed itself into a glittering city of glamorous hotels and interesting museums. Nearby, the Absheron Peninsula is covered in oil wells, but a visit will also reveal a much older link to the Zoroastrians, for whom fire is an important symbol and who have erected temples around burning natural gas vents in the ground.
Some ideas for an Azerbaijan holiday
- Travel through the Absheron Peninsula to see the Atashgah Fire Temple and Yanar Dag, a flaming hillside that was lit by a shepherd's cigarette in the 1950s.
- Explore the fabulous Içeri Seher, the walled old city of Baku with its narrow streets, old mansions and imposing mosques.
- Visit the mud volcanoes and ancient petroglyphs of Gobustan.
- Cross the Caspian Sea to Turkmenistan to venture further into Central Asia.
- Discover Sheki, one of Azerbaijan's most beautiful mountain towns.
- Explore national parks set in lush green mountains, with great opportunities for walking.
Our Azerbaijan expertise
Paul has been travelling through Central Asia for years now and has watched Azerbaijan transform itself from a socialist satellite state into one of the world’s major oil producers. He can tailor-make either a standalone trip to Azerbaijan or a wider central Asian itinerary for you.