Azerbaijan Road Trip Itinerary
Experience the beauty of Azerbaijan on a 9-day road trip starting and ending in the capital city of Baku. Along the way, explore the stunning UNESCO heritage monuments of Quba, Sheki, Yevlax, Kurdamir, and Gobustan. The total distance is around 1272km, and the best time of year to drive is from April to October. Although the roads are generally in poor condition, with some parts being curvy, the trip is suitable for all drivers. Plus, you can manage the trip on a budget. So, hop in and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
9
number of days
1,186 km
route length
low
budget
explorer
good for
on the right
traffic direction
high
accident level
START
Baku
Distance 1,186 km
Driving time 17.8 h
Pace: fast
355.9 kWh
Airports
GYD
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Welcome to Baku, the starting point of the unforgettable Azerbaijan Road Trip! This vibrant city is the capital of Azerbaijan and is home to some of the most stunning and remarkable architecture in the region.
Start your trip off right with a visit to the historic Maiden Tower, located in the old city of Icheri Sheher. Dating back to the 12th century, this iconic structure is one of the most popular landmarks in Azerbaijan. The Old City is also home to a variety of stunning mosques, caravanserais, and palaces, all of which are well worth visiting during your Azerbaijan Road Trip.
For those of you arriving by air, the closest international airport is Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD). Car rental companies are available at the airport, providing a great way to start your Azerbaijan Road Trip.
Be sure to explore the city’s impressive skyline by taking a walk along the Caspian Promenade. Here, you’ll be able to take in views of the city’s iconic Flame Towers, as well as the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center.
For those interested in history and culture, a visit to the National History Museum is a must. Here, you’ll find a wide array of exhibits showcasing the history of Azerbaijan, from ancient times through to the present day.
Finally, no trip to Baku would be complete without a visit to the Bibi-Heybat Mosque, one of the most important sites in the Muslim world. The mosque is home to the tomb of the granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad, and is a stunning example of Islamic architecture.
Start your Azerbaijan Road Trip off right with a visit to Baku, a city of culture, history, and breathtaking architecture.
1
Baku
- Quba
Distance 200 km
Driving time 2.6 h
Pace: fast
60.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a unique road trip from Baku to Quba and discover the stunning beauty of Azerbaijan! The journey is only 187 km and takes less than 3 hours. Along the way, you will be able to visit some amazing historical sites, including the UNESCO-listed Gobustan National Park and the Ateshgah of Baku. The road trip also offers some amazing scenic views of the countryside.
Once you reach Quba, you will be able to explore the beautiful mountain region of the city and its numerous attractions, such as the ancient Qırmızı Qəsəbə, the spectacular Qızılgöl Lake, and the stunning Shahdag National Park.
Make sure to keep an eye out for the various historical monuments and sites along the way, as this is one of the most fascinating road trips in Azerbaijan. For more information about attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Quba - Azerbaijan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Quba
- İsmayıllı
Distance 346 km
Driving time 5.1 h
Pace: fast
103.7 kWh
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Embark on a thrilling road trip that starts in Quba and ends in Ismayilli! This 345km drive will take you fewer than 5 hours, and you'll get to experience the best of Azerbaijan's stunning landscapes and historical sites.
On your journey, you'll get to visit Quba, a city with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant atmosphere. Be sure to check out the Quba Mosque and the Quba Museum, and don't forget to take a stroll through the city's old bazaar.
From there, you'll make your way to Gabala, a city known for its beautiful parks and lakes. Don't miss out on the UNESCO Heritage Site of Nohur Lake, and make sure to explore the nearby villages for a glimpse into the local culture.
Continue on to Sheki, a city with a rich history and some of the most beautiful architecture in the country. Make sure to check out the Sheki Khan Palace, the Sheki City Museum, and the Sheki Fortress.
Finally, make your way to Ismayilli, a city full of picturesque landscapes. Here, you can explore the Ismayilli Reserve, the Ismayilli Museum, and the Ismayilli Mosque.
Along the way, you'll get to experience some of the best of Azerbaijan's culture and history. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage.
İsmayıllı - Azerbaijan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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3
İsmayıllı
- Sheki
Distance 129 km
Driving time 2.5 h
Pace: modest
33.5 kWh
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Embark on a memorable journey from İsmayıllı to Sheki, two of the most fascinating cities in Azerbaijan! This road trip will take you through a breathtaking landscape of rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque rivers. Start your journey in İsmayıllı and explore its ancient ruins and monuments. Visit the ruins of the Gala Fortress and the Gala Mosque, two of the most famous landmarks in the city. Then, make your way to Sheki, a city renowned for its breathtaking views and vibrant culture. Visit the Sheki Khan's Palace, a magnificent palace built in the 18th century, and explore the Sheki Khansarai, a complex of historic buildings. Don't forget to take a stroll through the Sheki Bazaar, a bustling marketplace where you can find a variety of souvenirs and handmade crafts. As you drive along the 128km route, be sure to keep an eye out for the stunning views of the Caucasus Mountains. This is one of the most scenic road trips in Azerbaijan, and you won't want to miss it! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage.
Sheki - Azerbaijan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Sheki
- Yevlax
Distance 109 km
Driving time 1.6 h
Pace: fast
32.7 kWh
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Embark on a road trip from Sheki to Yevlax and experience an exciting 109km journey through the stunning landscapes of Azerbaijan. Admire the picturesque views of the Caucasus Mountains as you drive through winding roads and explore the unique culture of the region.
Start your trip in Sheki and visit the Sheki Khans' Palace, a historic monument built in 1797, and the Sheki Historical and Ethnographic Museum, which houses a rich collection of artifacts. Then, take a stroll through the Sheki Bazaar, a vibrant market that offers a variety of local goods.
Continue your journey to Yevlax and explore the city's historical sites, including the Yevlax Fortress and the Juma Mosque. As you drive, make sure to take some time to admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Finally, arrive in Yevlax and explore the city's many attractions. Visit the Yevlax History Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the city's past, and the Yevlax Carpet Museum, which showcases traditional carpets from the region.
This is just one stage of your road trip, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready to explore the amazing culture and scenery of Azerbaijan on your journey from Sheki to Yevlax!
Yevlax - Azerbaijan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Yevlax
- Kurdamir
Distance 105 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: fast
31.5 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Yevlax to Kurdamir! This 108 km journey will take you less than 2 hours to complete. The winding roads make for a scenic drive, with plenty of places to stop and explore along the way. Visit the old city of Yevlax, with its ancient buildings and monuments, or take a break in the picturesque village of Siyazan. Get a glimpse of traditional Azerbaijani life in the town of Kurdamir, or relax in the beautiful surroundings of the Murovdağ Nature Reserve. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Kurdamir - Azerbaijan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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6
Kurdamir
- Salyan
Distance 131 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: fast
39.4 kWh
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Welcome to the road trip stage from Kurdamir to Salyan! This journey of 213 km will take you less than 5 hours, and you will be able to explore the most interesting places in these two cities.
In Kurdamir, start your exploration at the historic Khan's Palace, which was built in the 19th century. Then, visit the beautiful Lake Tazabagyab and admire the picturesque views of the surrounding nature. After that, you can take a stroll in the city center to explore the local culture and architecture.
When you reach Salyan, make sure to visit the ancient Salyan Tower, which is one of the oldest monuments in the region. Then, explore the beautiful nature of the area and take a walk in the Sabirabad National Park. Finally, you can visit the beautiful Salyan Museum, where you can learn more about the local history and culture.
Remember that more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Salyan - Azerbaijan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Salyan - Azerbaijan - Asia - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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7
Salyan
- Gobustan
Distance 82 km
Driving time 1.2 h
Pace: fast
24.5 kWh
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip through Azerbaijan? Start your journey in the city of Salyan and take a scenic 84km drive to Gobustan. Along the way, you will be mesmerized by the picturesque landscapes and the breathtaking views of the Caspian Sea. You will also have the opportunity to explore the Gobustan National Park, where you can find some of the oldest petroglyphs in the world. Be sure to take the time to visit the Mud Volcanoes, which are a must-see. This route will take you less than 2 hours, so make sure to enjoy the ride! Not only will you get to explore the fascinating attractions along the way, but you will also get to experience the unique culture and hospitality of Azerbaijan. Don't forget to check out the Itinerary of this stage for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Now, get ready for an amazing journey through Azerbaijan!
Gobustan - Azerbaijan - Asia - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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8
Gobustan
- Baku
Distance 85 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: fast
25.4 kWh
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Embark on a memorable road trip from Gobustan to Baku! This 85 km journey will take you less than two hours to complete, but you will be able to take in some of the most fascinating sites in Azerbaijan.
On your way, you will have the chance to visit the Gobustan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can explore the ancient petroglyphs, mud volcanoes and archaeological remains. You may also want to take a walk on the picturesque beach to admire the Caspian Sea.
Further along the route, you will come across the Yanar Dag Fire Mountain. Here, you can witness the mesmerizing flames that have been burning for many centuries. You can also take a stroll in the nearby village of Surakhani, where you will find a beautiful mosque.
Finally, you will reach the capital city of Baku. Here, you can visit the Maiden Tower, a 12th-century monument, as well as the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a 15th-century palace. You can also explore the modern attractions of the city, such as the Flame Towers, the Heydar Aliyev Center and the Baku Boulevard.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage.
Baku - Azerbaijan - Asia - Road Trip - pxhere.com
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Baku
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The city of Baku in Azerbaijan is the perfect destination to end your Azerbaijan Road Trip. Located on the Caspian Sea, Baku is the largest city in the South Caucasus region and a great place to explore.
The city's old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of historical buildings and sites to explore. Ancient walls, beautiful mosques and some of the best examples of Islamic architecture can be found here. The Palace of the Shirvan Shahs is a must-see, as is the Maiden Tower, a 12th-century structure and symbol of the city.
For a taste of modern Baku, visit the Flame Towers, three skyscrapers that light up the skyline and provide stunning views of the city. Or if you prefer to be outdoors, the Baku Boulevard is a great place to take a stroll along the Caspian Sea.
Baku also offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, galleries and performing arts venues. The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum and Baku Museum of Modern Art are great places to explore the country's art and culture.
If you're arriving by air, the closest international airport is Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD). From there, you can rent a car and continue your Azerbaijan Road Trip.
No matter what brings you to Baku, it's sure to be an unforgettable experience. With its mix of historic and modern attractions, Baku is the perfect ending point to your Azerbaijan Road Trip.
Azerbaijan Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Baku
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End:
Baku
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Distance:
1,186 km
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Stay:
9 days
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Getting there:
Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on a captivating 9-day Road Trip spanning approximately 1272km through Azerbaijan's diverse landscapes, starting and ending in the cosmopolitan city of Baku. This journey offers a deep dive into the nation's rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural wonders, with each destination presenting its unique flavor and appeal.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Baku: The bustling capital city fuses cutting-edge modern architecture with ancient sites, such as the UNESCO-listed Old City, featuring the iconic Maiden Tower and the opulent Palace of the Shirvanshahs.
- Quba: This northern town is not only home to stunning landscapes but also to the mountainous village of Khinalug, which is among the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world.
- Sheki: A historic town nestled in the Caucasus Mountains, Sheki is famous for its silk trade, magnificent Summer Palace of the Shaki Khans, and the ancient Sheki Khans' Mosque, reflecting Azerbaijan's rich cultural tapestry.
- Yevlax: Offers travelers a glimpse into traditional Azerbaijani life and serves as a gateway to explore the surrounding rural regions.
- Kurdamir: Known for its historical significance and viticulture, this region offers insights into traditional Azerbaijani wine-making.
- Gobustan: A UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its ancient petroglyphs that date back tens of thousands of years, and the dramatic landscapes dominated by mud volcanoes—half of the world's mud volcanoes are found in Azerbaijan.
Best Time to Go:
The ideal time for a Road Trip in Azerbaijan is between April and October, when the weather is pleasant, and the country's natural beauty is in full bloom.
Potential Risks:
Drivers should be cautious as some rural Roads may be in poor condition and winding, requiring careful navigation and driving.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Azerbaijan is known as the `Land of Fire` due to its natural blazing flames, with the most famous being Yanar Dag, where a natural gas fire blazes continuously on a hillside.
- The country offers a unique experience for all levels of drivers, with the option to explore both well-paved city Roads and more adventurous off-Road paths.
- The Road Trip can cater to a range of budgets, with options for luxurious accommodations as well as more affordable lodgings.
- Azerbaijan's cuisine is a delicious blend of Turkish, Persian, and Russian influences, ensuring that every meal is a culinary adventure.
A good choice for:
This Road Trip is more than just a journey; it's an invitation to immerse yourself in the enigmatic charm of Azerbaijan. With every turn, you're met with new discoveries that perfectly encapsulate the nation's heritage entwined with its breathtaking natural scenery. From the cosmopolitan streets of Baku to the timeless villages in the mountains, this adventure promises unforgettable experiences and memories.
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