southern route

from semi-deserts to lush forests

To truly experience Azerbaijan’s natural diversity, head south to Lankaran, Lerik and Astara to a land of hot springs, nature reserves and the majestic Talysh Mountains. The local cuisine is pretty great too – don't leave without trying dishes like fish lavangi or parcha-dosheme plov and enjoy endless cups of freshly grown Azerbaijani tea.

Enjoy citrus, tea, mountains, sea… and learn the secrets of longevity

Bordered by the Caspian Sea and the lush Talysh Mountains, the Lankaran region’s countryside is diverse and eye-catching. The zone is home to two protected areas, the Gizil Aghaj Reserve and the Hirkan National Park, offering a surprising variety of vistas for such a small area – you can journey between dramatic mountains, calm seaside and ancient forests all within the space of just a few hours. What's more, with the curative black sands of Caspian-lapped beaches, aromatic tea, fragrant citrus fruits and a number of hot springs, this subtropical corner of Azerbaijan is naturally therapeutic.

Climate

The southern region has a humid subtropical climate and rainfall is high due to the proximity of sea and mountains. 26% of this region is covered by lush forests. Expect hot, humid summers and mild winters by the coast and cooler temperatures in the mountains.

Natural resources

This region is rich in thermal and mineral waters. The humid subtropical climate, fertile soils and high rainfall provide great opportunities for agriculture, and the national parks abound with rare flora and fauna.

Accessibility

There is an international airport in Lankaran as well as a railway between Baku and Astara. A smooth highway goes to Lankaran and Astara and daily buses from Baku's International Bus Station go to each town and city. Taxis and shared cars are available.

Economy

Agriculture is the lifeblood of this region, which is famous for its citrus, tea and rice production. The vast majority of Azerbaijani tea is grown in Masalli, Lankaran and Astara. Fishing, viticulture and tourism also play an important role in the local economy.

where to goin the southern route

Baku

Baku

Discover Baku, a truly contemporary city criss-crossed by history. From the modern elegance of the Flame Towers to the medieval old city full of life. More

Lankaran

Lankaran

If you love nature you should visit Lankaran, region wedged between the Caspian Sea and the lush Talysh Mountains; a place with unique natural diversity. More

Lerik

Lerik

Mentioned by some historical writers, Lerik is blessed with nature so pure and peaceful it’s no wonder that it is known as the Land of Centenarians. More

what to doin the southern route

Learn the secrets to a long and healthy life in Lerik

Arts, culture and heritage

Learn the secrets to a long and healthy life in Lerik

Lerik is a town and region sometimes called 'the land of centenarians'. And there's a... More

Lankaran hot springs soothe and restore

Medical

Lankaran hot springs soothe and restore

Known for its beautiful nature, delicious cuisine and rich culture, Lankaran’s health sites also attract... More

Explore Lankaran's nature reserves

National parks

Explore Lankaran's nature reserves

The swamps of the Gizil Aghaj and the Hirkan National Park are two wonderful natural... More

Discover Gobustan's ancient rock art

Arts, culture and heritage

Discover Gobustan's ancient rock art

Uncover an astonishing collection of over 6,000 ancient petroglyphs charting ways of life dating back... More

art studio Kilimchi

Crafts making

art studio Kilimchi

Immerse yourself in Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage at Kilimchi Studio, a creative art space in Baku.... More

galleries of Baku modern art boom

Museums & galleries

galleries of Baku modern art boom

The number of galleries and art spaces in Baku is on the rise every year.... More

plant-based dining on the rise in Baku

Food, drinks and nightlife

plant-based dining on the rise in Baku

As Baku evolves into a modern metropolis, its culinary landscape is also embracing global trends,... More

a journey into railway history

Museums & galleries

a journey into railway history

Centrally located near 28 May metro station, Azerbaijan Railway Museum offers visitors an opportunity to... More

Azerbaijani mugham sanctuary of music

Music

Azerbaijani mugham sanctuary of music

On the picturesque Baku Boulevard stands the International Mugham Center of Azerbaijan, a testament to... More

Across Caspian expanses with Premium Yachting Baku

Beach activities

Across Caspian expanses with Premium Yachting Baku

The thrilling sensation of relaxing on the water is truly unforgettable. But the only way... More

traditions of the East with a modern twist

traditions of the East with a modern twist

Nestled in the heart of Baku, Sharg Bazaar stands as a striking emblem of Azerbaijan's... More

a palace to happiness recounts a history of love

Arts, culture and heritage

a palace to happiness recounts a history of love

In the vibrant heart of Baku stands the Palace of Happiness, a beautiful building with... More

Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography

Fun and learn

Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography

In the heart of Baku's Icherisheher, the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography stands as a... More

From oil innovation to artistic creation

History and Local Lore Museums

From oil innovation to artistic creation

The echoes of a rich oil heritage resonate through the settlements of Balakhani and Bibi-Heybat.... More

Kamil Aliyev carpets shine with weaving mastery

Fun and learn

Kamil Aliyev carpets shine with weaving mastery

“Art will never disappear as long as every artist, every professional, no matter their field... More

Lankaran grandmothers perform Talish folklore

Music

Lankaran grandmothers perform Talish folklore

The multicultural traditions and folklore of Azerbaijan’s southern region continue to thrive. You can get... More

Lerik caves await explorers

Museums & galleries

Lerik caves await explorers

Lerik, a haven of tranquillity with its restorative nature and pure air, invites you to... More

The hot and healing waters of Masalli

Health & wellness

The hot and healing waters of Masalli

Set in the serene southern region of Azerbaijan, Masalli is a stunning natural wonder nestled... More

Astara Boulevard oasis of seaside fun

National parks

Astara Boulevard oasis of seaside fun

This gem of a park spans a kilometre along the Caspian Sea, offering a delightful... More

Windsurfing in Azerbaijan

Adventure & sports

Windsurfing in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan’s first windsurfing school, Windsurfing Baku, is the perfect place to learn new outdoor skills... More

Enjoy a boat trip on the Baku Boulevard

Adventure & sports

Enjoy a boat trip on the Baku Boulevard

The Seaside Boulevard is one of Baku’s must-see places. In addition to discovering its many... More

Discover Azerbaijan’s underwater secrets

Adventure & sports

Discover Azerbaijan’s underwater secrets

Home to nine different climate zones in a small area, Azerbaijan is a nature-rich country... More

Hit the bull’s eye at Baku Shooting Center

Outdoor Activities

Hit the bull’s eye at Baku Shooting Center

Baku Shooting Center waits for those who are used to always hit the target in... More

Relax your body and mind at the Hamambath Wellness & Spa Complex

Wellness

Relax your body and mind at the Hamambath Wellness & Spa Complex

The hammam is a symbol of cleanliness, purity and wellbeing in Eastern culture. A visit... More

Take a yacht trip on the blue Caspian

Exploring outdoors

Take a yacht trip on the blue Caspian

Go for a sail on the Caspian Sea and have a wonderful time with your... More

In the abode of flames an exciting adventure

Adventure & sports

In the abode of flames an exciting adventure

Yanardag (the Burning Mountain) is one of Azerbaijan’s most famous sights, home to natural flames... More

Birdwatching in Absheron National Park

National parks

Birdwatching in Absheron National Park

Birders who visit this remote part of the Absheron Peninsula will be rewarded with sightings... More

House-museum of Gara Garayev

Arts, culture and heritage

House-museum of Gara Garayev

A visit to the house-museum of Gara Garayev, one of the most prominent representatives of... More

The jazz world of Vagif Mustafazade

Arts, culture and heritage

The jazz world of Vagif Mustafazade

A visit to the house museum of Vagif Mustafazade, whose music and magnificent performances are... More

Discover the literary heritage of Magsud Ibrahimbayov

Arts, culture and heritage

Discover the literary heritage of Magsud Ibrahimbayov

Magsud Ibrahimbayov (1935-2016) was an honoured Azerbaijani writer and public figure who authored numerous popular... More

Take a journey through Azerbaijan’s literary history

Arts, culture and heritage

Take a journey through Azerbaijan’s literary history

Azerbaijan has created some of the most beautiful examples of Oriental literature in different periods... More

Immerse yourself in art on the Caspian shoreline

Arts, culture and heritage

Immerse yourself in art on the Caspian shoreline

Constantly in search of new trends, Azerbaijan’s contemporary artists are increasingly attracting attention for their... More

Ali and Nino - walking tour of Baku

Arts, culture and heritage

Ali and Nino - walking tour of Baku

This tour will take you to the places where the events in the novel "Ali and... More

Prominent people of Baku

Arts, culture and heritage

Prominent people of Baku

Take a cultural tour of Baku to learn about prominent artists and musicians who left... More

Tahir Salahov’s world of colors

Art and Culture Museums

Tahir Salahov’s world of colors

As you walk through the narrow streets of the Old City, you can come across... More

House-museum of genius musicians

Art and Culture Museums

House-museum of genius musicians

Mstislav Rostropovich, a world-famous musician and genius cellist, holds a special place among the prominent... More

Nobel brothers’ house-museum

Unique Museums

Nobel brothers’ house-museum

By visiting the former Baku residence of the Nobel brothers, who made an exceptional contribution... More

Modern art in ancient city

Art and Culture Museums

Modern art in ancient city

Azerbaijan’s representatives of fine arts and sculpture, distinguished by their original works, are also well-known... More

The National Museum of History of Azerbaijan

Museums & galleries

The National Museum of History of Azerbaijan

The National Museum of History of Azerbaijan is incomparably important in terms of protection and... More

Exciting wildlife in the city center

entertainment with kids

Exciting wildlife in the city center

Without leaving the city center, you can find yourself in the animal world by visiting... More

Take a walking tour of Soviet films shot in Baku

Arts, culture and heritage

Take a walking tour of Soviet films shot in Baku

Baku has always stood out for its international character, blending harmoniously elements of East and... More

Visit the world’s first oil tanker museum

Unique Museums

Visit the world’s first oil tanker museum

Did you know that the world's first oil tanker was put into operation in Baku... More

traces of a great victory

Unique Museums

traces of a great victory

We have encountered various written and visual materials reflecting the brave conduct of the Azerbaijani... More

Fun for everyone at the Baku circus

entertainment with kids

Fun for everyone at the Baku circus

Professional circus shows first appeared in Azerbaijan in the late 19th century. Today, at the... More

Children's entertainment on the seashore

entertainment with kids

Children's entertainment on the seashore

Located on the seafront boulevard, Deniz Mall is not just a great destination for shopping... More

Baku Olympic Stadium

Adventure & sports

Baku Olympic Stadium

The architecture of Baku never ceases to amaze. You’ll be convinced of this yourself after... More

Gala State Historical and Ethnographic Reserve

Ethnography Museums

Gala State Historical and Ethnographic Reserve

If you want to see ancient ruins, a medieval town of the Absheron Peninsula and... More

The Museum of Miniature Books

Art and Culture Museums

The Museum of Miniature Books

In Baku there’s an unusual museum whose exhibits fit easily into the palm of your... More

Birdwatching in the Talish Mountains

Birdwatching

Birdwatching in the Talish Mountains

The Talish Mountains cover much of Azerbaijan’s south-eastern region and straddle the border with Iran.... More

Birdwatching in Gizil Aghaj National Park

National parks (birdwatching)

Birdwatching in Gizil Aghaj National Park

Gizil Aghaj National Park is one of the top sites for birders in Azerbaijan. Its... More

Birdwatching in Shirvan National Park

National parks (birdwatching)

Birdwatching in Shirvan National Park

One of Azerbaijan’s top nature sites, Shirvan National Park is a paradise for birders for... More

Polish heritage in Baku

Arts, culture and heritage

Polish heritage in Baku

In the central streets of Baku there are dozens of stunning European-style buildings built during... More

Mountain adventures in Lerik

Other routes

Mountain adventures in Lerik

The villages in the Talish Mountains in the Lerik district are each more beautiful than... More

Relax and have fun at Zire Ecopark

Culture with Kids

Relax and have fun at Zire Ecopark

The modern cultural centre and ecopark in the Baku village of Zire offers dozens of... More

A trip to the village of Sim

National parks

A trip to the village of Sim

You can join the hiking tours to Sim village, which is located in a short... More

Shop and socialise in the Port Baku area

Arts, culture and heritage

Shop and socialise in the Port Baku area

If you love going out to eat or shop and are looking for an upmarket... More

Snap a photo of the Flame Towers

Arts, culture and heritage

Snap a photo of the Flame Towers

The trio of skyscrapers named the Flame Towers are one of the top architectural wonders... More

Admire the curves and collections of the Heydar Aliyev Centre

Art and Culture Museums

Admire the curves and collections of the Heydar Aliyev Centre

Explore the wide range of art collections and exhibitions of the Heydar Aliyev Centre, then... More

Browse the home of Azerbaijani fine arts

Art and Culture Museums

Browse the home of Azerbaijani fine arts

Discover an oil-boom mansion packed with a wealth of art spanning multiple centuries and geographic... More

Culinary masterclasses – lavangi and pumpkin pilaf

Culinary master classes

Culinary masterclasses – lavangi and pumpkin pilaf

Experience Lankaran’s rich local cuisine

Traditional Food

Experience Lankaran’s rich local cuisine

It is impossible absorb the culture of a country without also diving in to its... More

Take a wine bar crawl

Wine Degustation

Take a wine bar crawl

Baku's growing number of wine bars are a great place to soak up the local... More

Visit Yashil Bazaar for a world of aromas

Bazaar experience

Visit Yashil Bazaar for a world of aromas

Baku's Yashil Bazaar is one of the largest food bazaars in the Caucasus. Enter it... More

Gutab-making masterclasses

Food, drinks and nightlife

Gutab-making masterclasses

In Baku, particularly in Icherisheher (Old City), an array of national restaurants offers impromptu demonstrations... More

Horse riding in Baku

Adventure & sports

Horse riding in Baku

Horse riding is a truly royal experience Baku can offer. Spend an active and unforgettable... More

Relax at Baku’s traditional hammams

Wellness

Relax at Baku’s traditional hammams

Discover centuries-old hammams like Agha Mikayil, Agha Zeynal, and Tezebay to rejuvenate in the traditional... More

Uncover Jewish traces in Baku

Judaism Sights

Uncover Jewish traces in Baku

Since the early 1800s, Baku has been home to a vibrant community of Jews. Explore... More

Enjoy history and culture in Lankaran

Arts, culture and heritage

Enjoy history and culture in Lankaran

With exhibits spanning from the Bronze Age to the Talysh Khanate and World War II,... More

Join tea and citrus plantation tours in Lankaran

Join tea and citrus plantation tours in Lankaran

Lankaran has the perfect environmental conditions to host tea an citrus plantation. Take a tour... More

Kick back on black-sand beaches in Lankaran

Beach activities

Kick back on black-sand beaches in Lankaran

Lankaran is situated on the coast of the Caspian Sea and has several beautiful beaches... More

Explore Baku's mud volcanoes

National parks

Explore Baku's mud volcanoes

Discover why the landscape around Baku is fulfilled by mud volcanoes, how are they formed... More

Enjoy the Caspian sea & beaches

Beach activities

Enjoy the Caspian sea & beaches

From water sports to romantic afternoons and lively evening parties, the sandy Caspian beaches around... More

sites of ancient fire leave a burning legacy

Cultural activities

sites of ancient fire leave a burning legacy

Discover the incredible stories of Azerbaijan’s ancient fire worship and natural flames with visits to... More

experience Baku's vibrant nightlife

Nightlife experience

experience Baku's vibrant nightlife

Baku is the perfect city for a night out, dance the night away and enjoy... More

Dining in Baku

Traditional Food

Dining in Baku

Baku offers a wide variety of restaurants and bars, from the traditional options to the... More

Visit Baku's Carpet Museum

Fun and learn

Visit Baku's Carpet Museum

Situated on Baku's Seaside Boulevard, the Carpet Museum is home to the world’s largest collection... More

Play golf in Baku

Golf

Play golf in Baku

What more can a golf lover ask for than a challenging course and stunning scenery?... More

Shopping: boutiques & bazaars in Baku

Bazaar experience

Shopping: boutiques & bazaars in Baku

Baku has the perfect combination of international shops, fashion boutiques and traditional stores and bazaars.... More

Stroll along Caspian seaside boulevard

Family holidays

Stroll along Caspian seaside boulevard

To soak up Baku’s relaxed seaside atmosphere, take a stroll along the beloved Boulevard. Founded... More

take a walking tour of Baku’s oil-boom architecture

German heritage

take a walking tour of Baku’s oil-boom architecture

Discover the stunning old architecture built in Baku during the late 19th century, early 20th... More

Explore Baku's Old City

Carpet

Explore Baku's Old City

A city within a city, the Old City is Baku's historic core and a UNESCO... More

Southern route

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see other routesin Azerbaijan

Western route

Western route

Naftalan’s healing oil is one of Azerbaijan’s great natural wonders but the western region is also packed with heart-stopping history and breathtaking landscapes. More

North-western route

North-western route

You’ll be following in the footsteps of ancient travellers and merchants on this scenic route along the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains. More

Northern route

Northern route

This route leads from Azerbaijan’s buzzing capital along the Caspian Sea coast and into the heart of the Caucasus Mountains. Expect outdoor adventures such as hiking, kitesurfing and paragliding, culinary surprises and some of the best scenery anywhere in the Caucasus. More