Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, in the Caucuses region, is a country that straddles both Eastern Europe and Western Asia, so expect a clash of east meets west and you will find a lot to enjoy here. Located on the Caspian Sea, there are quaint subtropical seaside resorts, or you can embrace Azerbaijan’s name as the Land of Fire with a trip to a flaming mountain or a mud volcano. There are hillside towns that hide ancient mosques and minarets, as well as some of the most impressive modern architecture in the world in the form of the Flame Towers in Baku, so whatever your agenda and time restrictions, Azerbaijan has much to offer visitors at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

1. Baku

Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, lies along the Caspian Sea, and is a somewhat curious mix of the old walled city of Icheri Seher, and a modern building craze that has led a boom in skyscrapers, many of which are studded with LCD screens. Of all of these, make sure that you don’t miss the Flame Towers, three towers built to resemble fire that cast a bronzed glow over the city at night. The city also embraces the modern at the Museum of the Contemporary Art that has over 900 artworks that feature up and coming artists from the region, and is well worth a visit for those interested in modern culture. You can also try the local produce with a visit to Teze Bazaar, a market famous for its cheeses and spices, or grab a kebab, a local delicacy at one of the numerous open restaurants found all over the city.

2. Absheron National Park

Just over 60 kilometres (37.3 miles) east of Baku sits Absheron National Park. The arid plains caused by the semi-desert climate cover almost 2000 acres. Stand inside and marvel at the rolling dunes against the clear, unpolluted waters of the Caspian. But, the mesmerising landscapes aren’t the main attraction. More than 50 species of animal call the steppes home, including the endangered Caspian Seal and Comb Jellyfish as well as gazelles, badgers and jackals.

3. Astara

According to locals, historical Astara tops the list of beautiful places in Azerbaijan. Mountains surround the town, sitting on Iran’s border, while lush green virgin rainforest and a variety of plant and animal life, including the Caucasus leopard are inside the nearby Hirkan National Park.

4. Shirvan National Park

The semi-desert national park located just over 100 kilometres (62 miles) southwest of Baku combines wildlife, dunes and a short stretch coastline. Visitors enjoy landscapes and diversity of fauna with its large population of gazelles, jungle cats and turtles. More than 200 species of bird also live inside Shirvan National Park, including 32 rare ones. Bungalows and camping sites are available for overnight stays.

5. Sheki

Nestled at the foot of the southern Greater Caucasus Mountain is a place called Sheki. The town of 60,000 dates back two and a half thousand years, making it one of the oldest Caucasus settlements. Sheki’s claim to fame for millennia was silk, textiles and embroidery, which made it a significant point on the Silk Road. Today, the historical region with ancient mosques, castles and the 18th-century Palace of Sheki Khans form the foreground against the majestic green mountains.

6. Quba

Quba in the country’s northeast is an important destination for Azerbaijan culture. The ancient mountain town along the Qudailchay River is a stone’s throw from remote villages full of history. A small all-Jewish settlement sits on the opposite side of the river traversing the town. Craggy mountains and valleys surround the cultural communities. The nearby village of Khinalug at 2350 metres (7710 feet) offers stunning mountain landscapes and plenty of hiking opportunities.