Baku, Azerbaijan’s vibrant capital, is a city of fascinating contrasts where medieval history meets futuristic architecture. Located on the shores of the Caspian Sea, it is known as the “City of Winds” due to the strong gusts that blow through its streets. The city has undergone massive transformation since the oil boom of the 19th century and the post-Soviet renaissance.

History: Settled for over 1,500 years, Baku was a key stop on the Silk Road and later became the world’s oil capital in the late 1800s, attracting Nobel brothers and international investors.

Top Sights: UNESCO-listed Old City (Icherisheher) with the Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Baku Boulevard, Flame Towers, Heydar Aliyev Center, and Highland Park.

Where to Stay: Traditional homestays or boutique guesthouses inside the Old City walls (€35–70/night). Highly recommended for atmosphere.

Where to Eat: Şirvanşah Restoran (inside a historic caravanserai), Mugam Club for live music, or Teleqraf Café for modern Azerbaijani cuisine.

Just an hour’s drive from Baku lies one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth — the Mud Volcanoes. These bubbling, gurgling cones create an almost lunar environment and are among the largest concentration of mud volcanoes in the world. Nearby Gobustan is equally impressive with its ancient rock carvings.

History & Info: Azerbaijan has over 400 mud volcanoes — more than half the world’s total. The area has been geologically active for thousands of years and was even referenced by ancient Roman and Arab historians.

Top Sights: The main mud volcano field, Gobustan Petroglyph Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage with over 6,000 prehistoric carvings), and Yanar Dag (the Burning Mountain with eternal flames).

Where to Stay: Return to Baku or stay at simple eco-guesthouses near Gobustan (€25–40).

Where to Eat: Roadside local restaurants serving grilled kebabs, fresh bread, and ayran.

Ganja is Azerbaijan’s second-largest city and one of its most culturally rich destinations. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful parks, and literary heritage, it offers a refreshing contrast to the fast-paced capital.

History: Founded in 859 AD, Ganja was once a major political and cultural center of the region and the birthplace of the legendary poet Nizami Ganjavi, one of the greatest figures in Persian literature.

Top Sights: Nizami Mausoleum, Bottle House (an extraordinary house made of thousands of glass bottles), Javad Khan Street, Heydar Aliyev Park, and the ancient Imamzadeh Complex.

Where to Stay: Traditional homestays in the old town or restored wooden houses (€25–50/night with home-cooked breakfast).

Where to Eat: Local restaurants on Javad Khan Street — try dolma, piti (traditional stew), and fresh tandir bread.

Nestled at the foot of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Sheki is one of Azerbaijan’s most beautiful and atmospheric towns. Famous for its silk production, stunning khan’s palace, and warm hospitality, it feels like stepping into a fairytale.

History: An important Silk Road trading post for centuries, Sheki was the capital of the Sheki Khanate in the 18th century. Its unique architecture reflects Persian, Russian, and local influences.

Top Sights: Sheki Khan’s Palace (famous for its exquisite stained-glass windows), Karvansaray, Albanian Church, Silk Factory, and scenic mountain viewpoints.

Where to Stay: Traditional wooden homestays or family-run guesthouses in the old town (€35–75/night including delicious home-cooked meals).

Where to Eat: Family restaurants serving piti, Sheki halva, fresh river trout, and homemade jams with strong Azerbaijani tea.

By Car: Most flexible option. Roads are in good condition on this route.

By Public Transport: Very doable and budget-friendly.
• Baku → Mud Volcanoes: Bus + taxi
• Baku → Ganja: Fast train (3.5 hrs) or bus
• Ganja → Sheki: Minibus (furgon) 3–4 hrs
• Return: Train from Sheki/Ganja to Baku