Colorful Baku with open arms attracts its guests with an abundance of historical and modern sights, reflecting the centuries-old cultural values of Azerbaijan. Staying in the capital will allow you to take advantage of a trip to interesting and fascinating places in the South Caucasus. Tourists who are thinking about where to go from Baku for 1 day on their own are offered various travel options. Unusual natural phenomena, the beach resorts of the Caspian Sea, reserved places with enchanting landscapes and atmospheric settlements – all this is fraught with many amazing discoveries.

Gobustan National Park

A few tens of kilometers from the capital of Azerbaijan there is an archaeological reserve – Gobustan. This is an open-air museum complex with an impressive collection of priceless historical artifacts that characterize the cultural foundations and traditions of primitive tribes. The atmospheric place is conducive to a leisurely walk and the study of the traces of the life of ancient people who lived in the Stone Age.

On a picturesque area of three thousand hectares, bulky boulders with unique patterns, rocky fortresses, community settlements, once-inhabited rocky areas and caves are located. Numerous petroglyphs and archaeological finds create a special contemplative mood. In total, there are about 6,000 simple rock carvings.

The drawings show the economic life of men and women, species of wild animals, hunting scenes, ritual dances, religious rites and various symbolic signs. Tourists can go to closed pavilions equipped with attributes of modern technologies. The halls exhibit expositions that are dedicated to ancient ancestors, as well as the flora and fauna of this region. Interactive screens provide information about petroglyphs collected from around the world.

mud volcanoes

Mud volcanoes are an interesting natural attraction. Natural geological formations are associated with the location of oil and gas deposits, which is what the land of Azerbaijan is famous for. In the vicinity of the city of Baku, among the desert and lifeless landscape, low volcanoes rise. Under the pressure of gases, volcanoes erupt a cold mixture that can be touched without harm to health.

The lava in the craters bubbles, gurgles, boils and even hisses, which is a curious sight. Flowing out of the volcanic rock, a thick mud mass forms winding paths. NASA geologists concluded that the local volcanoes outwardly resemble hills on the planet Mars.

Temple of Ateshgah in the village of Surakhani

Among the cult religious buildings of Azerbaijan, the Ateshgah temple, which is under the protection of UNESCO, attracts the attention of tourists. The ancient sanctuary of Absheron was revered by the apologists of Zoroastrianism, Hinduism and Sikhism. They endowed the fire with special magical properties. For several centuries, pilgrims have flocked here to worship the unquenchable flame.

The temple complex is a stone building with an arched portal and an altar with a unique well. Natural gas escapes from the bowels of the earth and, combining with oxygen, forever blazes with a bright flame. Around this sacred place, enclosed by a battlement wall, there are cells, chapels and caravanserais. Staying on the territory of the temple, the pilgrims indulged in prayers and spiritual purification.

Their main food was vegetables and grains of plants, scorched by the sacred fire. There is a museum near the sanctuary where tourists can see ancient dishes, ritual clothes, jewelry and many materials dedicated to the history of the Ateshgah temple.

Burning mountain Yanardag

From time immemorial, Azerbaijan has been referred to as the “land of fires”. The local region is replete with sources of oil and gas, which actively seep to the surface of the earth. Not far from the Caucasian capital is one of the famous sights of the Apsheron Peninsula – Mount Yanardag. A bewitching fiery performance unfolds on its slopes. Streams of natural gas seep through the topsoil of the base of the hill.

When it interacts with oxygen, meter-long inextinguishable flames arise. Scientists suggest that the fire on the mountain was lit about 4,000 years ago. Since then, it has not faded under any weather conditions. Numerous crowds of travelers from all over the world come to see this unique natural phenomenon. The fire strip reaches ten meters in width. With the onset of dusk, the mountain takes on a special brilliance, when the flames are more clearly visible on the burning hill.

Colored mountains of Khizi

In the suburbs of Baku, along the main highway, the colorful mountains of Khizi rise. Amazing low hills covered with colorful wavy stripes will not leave anyone indifferent. Yellow, red, brown and green layered patterns externally create the illusion of a scattering of semi-precious agate stones. The mountain landscapes that enchant the eye are reminiscent of Martian landscapes. The natural phenomenon of the mountain spectacle attracts tourists who want to get an unforgettable experience of contemplating the striped cliffs.

Ethnographic Museum-Reserve “Gala”

An excursion to the ethnographic museum-reserve “Gala” will significantly enrich the cultural program of your stay in Baku. This fascinating educational event invites guests to feel the atmosphere of past eras. Tourists will get acquainted with the exhibits of the museum complex, which will present the life, traditions and culture of the ancient ancestors of Azerbaijanis. Under the open sky, you can see the yurts of nomadic shepherds, craft workshops, typical peasant dwellings, places of worship for religious rites, various archaeological finds, stone idols, a barnyard and much more.

Visitors to the Gala reserve are given the opportunity to get acquainted with how the Azerbaijanis ran the economy from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Tourists will personally try to mold clay pots, make horseshoes in the forge, bake bread and learn the art of artistic carpet sewing.

There are several pavilions on the territory of the museum, which exhibit ancient household items, dishes, weapons, jewelry, clothes and other utensils. Original art objects are exhibited in a modern glass building. Garbage (wires, disks, light bulbs and other unnecessary things) served as a creative material for creating works of art.

Mardakyan

The urban-type settlement of Mardakan is one of the pearls of the Absheron Peninsula. This picturesque place at the end of the 19th century attracted Baku oil magnates, who undertook to build luxurious villas with wonderful parks and swimming pools here. In a short time, the arid region turned into a blooming fragrant garden. Thousands of cubic meters of fertile black soil were brought here by barge by sea to create a wonderful lush oasis.

During Soviet times, Mardakan was listed as an all-Union health resort, which annually received about 200 thousand people. Today, the cozy resort settlement is famous for its sandy beaches, an arboretum and two ancient fortifications with high towers of various shapes.

An indelible impression is left by the Mardakan Botanical Garden, where more than two thousand representatives of the kingdom of flora, collected from all over the globe, grow. Well-groomed shady alleys, sprawling crowns of trees, exotic flowers are conducive to a pleasant pastime. On the green area it is nice to hide from the sun. Not far from the park is the Museum of Sergei Yesenin. The poet dedicated his famous “Persian motifs” to these places.

Bilgah

The popular resort of Bilgah attracts tourists with its developed tourist infrastructure. Residents of the metropolis of Baku and numerous travelers from all over the world come here to spend time relaxing from everyday bustle. A favorable climate, healthy sea air and well-groomed golden sandy beaches contribute to a comfortable stay on the coast of the Caspian Sea.

There is a well-known sanatorium in Bilgah, where guests are provided with a wide range of services to improve the cardiovascular system. Around the complex there is a well-groomed park with fountains, sculptural compositions and sports grounds. In its secluded green corners there are pump rooms of mineral healing springs.

The resort is famous for its elite venues for active and measured rest. Amburan beach is popular. On its territory there are several swimming pools, bars, a water park and a cinema. The sandy coast is filled with sun loungers, changing rooms and showers.

The main local attraction is the five-star Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel, where luxury reigns supreme. The majestic architectural complex rises above the coastline. At the disposal of tourists is an abundance of all kinds of entertainment for every taste. It offers luxury apartments, a private beach, spas, drinking establishments, picturesque gardens, concert venues and much more.

Загульба

The resort settlement of Zagulba, located one hour from Baku, is famous for its beach areas. The local coast is characterized by a rocky bottom, which is why the sea water is striking in its crystal clearness. The fertile place Zagulba surprises vacationers with a wonderful sandy coast, equipped with all the necessary infrastructure. Tourists are pleased with the variety of entertainment offered for every taste and age. Restaurant pavilions, bars, swimming pools, playgrounds, water scooter rentals and boat trips complete the serene pastime.

A refined atmosphere is created by musical groups performing instrumental and vocal compositions. For lovers of oriental sweets, there are tents where you can taste various spices. Some beaches are specially fenced for banquets, discos and entertainment events. The radiant Caspian Sea condescendingly observes all this.

Shemakha

From the point of view of studying historical sights, the ancient city of Shamakhi is of interest. For a long time, the former capital of the Shirvan Khanate served as the most important trade center of the Great Silk Road. Since ancient times, winemaking and carpet weaving flourished here. Among the famous architectural monuments, it is worth seeing the ruins of the Gulistan fortress, picturesquely preserved on a rocky plateau.

It was one of the main outposts for protecting the borders of the medieval state. The walls and towers of the fort took on numerous blows from the troops of the Arabs, Mongols and Ottomans. At the foot of the fortress are the tombs of the nobility of the ruling Shirvanshah dynasty. Ancient mausoleums are covered with dilapidated stone domes. The Shemakha Juma Mosque is of particular curiosity for travelers. The cult masterpiece of Islamic architecture is called the earliest shrine of Transcaucasia.

According to archaeological excavations, the original religious building was built in 744. Over the centuries, the mosque was repeatedly reconstructed after earthquakes and wars. The last restoration of the building was completed in 2013. The facade of the mosque is decorated with domes of various sizes and minarets, decorated with elegant ornaments.

Lagich

At the foot of the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus, there is a unique authentic high-mountain village of Lagich. This is a cultural reserve and a haven for numerous folk crafts. The town is divided into several neighborhoods, each of which preserves the centuries-old traditions of a certain type of craft. Here, medieval paved quarters and squares with ancient two-story buildings lined with a kind of masonry will appear before tourists.

Along the streets are workshops and shops. Skilled potters, bakers, forges, wood carvers, jewelers and other artisans work here. Hereditary craftsmen will make unique items, artistically decorated with intricate ornaments, in front of astonished spectators.

Rock mass Beshbarmag

In the mountainous region of Khizi rises an amazing natural wonder of Azerbaijan – the Beshbarmag rock massif. The mountain formation attracts tourists with its bizarre appearance, resembling a human palm with five fingers. Since ancient times, Beshbarmag has been covered with folk tales and legends. According to the legends, the rock has miraculous powers. A lot of pilgrims with different desires and requests are still striving here to solve their personal problems.

Boyuk Zira Island

One of the most mysterious and sad sights of Azerbaijan is the now uninhabited island of Nargin or Boyuk-Zira. The rocky piece of land is remarkably visible from the Baku Boulevard. During the two world wars, the island of Boyuk-Zira served as a prisoner of war camp. Tens of thousands of victims of communist terror were brought here and mass-executed here.

Today, the island is in oblivion. Dilapidated buildings and rusting old ships moored off the coast testify to the past. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan plans to turn the infamous Boyuk-Zira Island into a modern complex with villas, hotels, restaurants and parks.

Ganja

Ganja is the second most important and largest (after Baku) city of Azerbaijan, located on both banks of the Ganjachay River. Amazing architectural ensembles with an amazing oriental flavor reflect the centuries-old history of this settlement. The local international airport receives many flights. From the 12th century, Ganja occupied the leading economic and strategic position of the medieval khanate, being at the crossroads of caravan routes.

Wide planned quarters are buried in the greenery of well-groomed parks and alleys. Ennobled oases are saturated with fragrant flowers, sprawling mighty plane trees, artificial ponds and beautiful fountains. Of genuine interest among tourists is the complex of buildings of Sheikh Baheddin, which is a masterpiece of ancient architecture. This is a squat red-brick mosque, a two-story caravanserai and a hammam topped with hemispherical domes.

On the vast main square of the city rises the elegant city hall, whose facade is decorated with an impressive colonnade. Walking along Ganja, travelers can see remarkable mosques and mausoleums, a Byzantine-style Orthodox cathedral and many ancient buildings. A bizarre house built from tens of thousands of glass bottles deserves attention.

Hot springs of Istisu

At an altitude of 2400 meters above sea level is the resort village of Istisu, where tourists go to relax and improve their health. The place is famous for its healing thermal mineral springs. Healing springs containing hydrogen sulfide, calcium, sodium and magnesium spring from the depths of the earth all year round. The water temperature in them slightly exceeds 60 degrees. Therapeutic baths are taken in indoor pools or outdoors, surrounded by picturesque forests and majestic rocks.