From the bustling streets of Baku to the serene landscapes of the Caucasus Mountains, Azerbaijan bursts with energy and colour during the summer months.
The summer warmth in Azerbaijan is pleasantly mild, with temperatures in the urban areas typically ranging from 25°C to 30°C, and it can get even cooler in the mountainous regions; this makes it the ideal time to explore all that this dynamic country has to offer.
Whether you’re a foodie eager to sample local delicacies, an adventurer ready to hike and explore, or someone looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, Azerbaijan offers diverse experiences for every traveller seeking a mix of both relaxation and adventure.
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Vibrant summer festival
This summer in Azerbaijan, be prepared to dive into the high octane excitement of a music festival with DREAM FEST, an event that’s poised to attract both locals and international visitors with its lively energy and world-class performances.
DREAM FEST
This July, an impressive lineup of international artists will descend on the charming Sea Breeze Resort at Nardaran Village, Baku, for DREAM FEST 2024, a six-day musical extravaganza.
Running from 23 July to 28 July 2024, the open-air event features performers of a range of musical genres, promising to enchant festival-goers and music enthusiasts of all ages. Expect to see the glamorous stars from previous seasons of Eurovision and top musicians from the UK, Europe, Türkiye, and more.
Shopping escapades
Shopping in Azerbaijan offers a unique experience for families, blending traditional crafts with modern designs. In Baku, may it be tourists or locals, can explore vibrant markets and boutiques filled with handmade carpets, jewellery, and contemporary fashion. These shopping excursions provide a glimpse into the rich culture and creativity of Azerbaijani artisans.
Families can also enjoy a range of activities while shopping. For instance, the Kinderland education and entertainment centre in Deniz Mall on the Seaside Boulevard allows kids to role-play various professions in a mini model of Baku.
Meanwhile, the SkyPark sports complex offers fun activities like trampolining and ziplining for all ages. Additionally, the Happyland children’s entertainment centres in Deniz Mall, Park Bulvar, and Metropark shopping malls provide exciting playgrounds and games, making shopping trips enjoyable for the entire family.
For those seeking a more luxurious shopping experience, Port Baku Mall is the perfect destination. Set across the Crescent Bay, this upscale mall features a curated selection of high-end fashion and lifestyle brands, such as Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, and more. After a full day of shopping, visitors can relax and dine at one of the mall’s fine dining restaurants or cafes, serving international and local favourites.
Instagrammable excursion
Families and young travellers will not want to miss a trip to the Candy Cane Mountains near Altiaghaj, known for their striking red, orange, and pink swirls. Guided hikes through this area reveal not only breathtaking views but also tiny fossils from the Cretaceous period.
Just a short drive from the capital, Baku, the Candy Cane Mountain offers a mesmerising spectacle and an eye-catching backdrop for Insta and Tik Tok posts!
Located along a picturesque 40-kilometre stretch from the Guba-Baku highway to the village of Altiaghaj, these rolling shale mountains display a tri-colour swirl, a unique colour scheme that’s attributed to groundwater altering the iron compounds in the rock.
Don’t forget to look down as you walk; you might stumble upon tiny fossils, including ancient squid-like belemnites from the cretaceous period. Candy Cane Mountain definitely is a perfect spot for capturing stunning photos and creating unforgettable memories.
Tranquil outdoor adventures
Azerbaijan offers numerous opportunities for relaxing nature adventures, perfect for those looking to unwind amidst stunning landscapes.
Two standout destinations for such experiences, each offering breathtaking and contrasting views that seem to come out of a painting: Gobustan’s arid, rocky terrain with mud volcanoes like the craters of the moon, set against Lake Goygol’s lush forests and serene waters.
For those looking to escape the summer heat, Azerbaijan’s mountain villages also offer a cool and refreshing alternative.
Gobustan
Gobustan is a must-visit for anyone interested in both natural wonders and ancient history. Home to the world’s greatest concentration of mud volcanoes, the area features impressive mud volcano complexes like Boyuk Kanizadag and Toraghai. These volcanoes, which bubble and sometimes explode, provide a unique experience with cold mud spewing alongside sulfuric gas, offering refreshing facial masks and mud baths on a hot summer day.
The Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex was recently inaugurated in the Gobustan village. The complex includes a panoramic observation point and pedestrian walkways around the volcanoes, enhancing the visitor experience. Visitors will get to learn more about the fascinating properties of mud volcanoes, see a life-size model of a mud volcano, and view a showcase of 80 rare minerals collected from all over the country.
The Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape is another must-visit, with over 7,000 rock engravings that date back 40,000 years. This UNESCO World Heritage site also includes ancient caves, settlements, and burial sites, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the area’s early inhabitants.
Lake Goygol
Nestled in the lower Caucasus mountain region, Lake Goygol is one of Azerbaijan’s most serene and picturesque spots. Surrounded by dense forests, this lake provides a tranquil escape for those seeking peace and natural beauty.
Formed by a 12th-century earthquake, Lake Goygol boasts stunning landscapes perfect for photography and quiet contemplation. Nearby attractions include Goygol National Park and the Goygol Resort, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and exploration.
Chilled highland hamlets
The village of Ilisu, located at an altitude of 1400-1600 metres, provides a serene environment with temperatures often 10 degrees cooler than the plains.
Known for its therapeutic sulphur springs and beautiful waterfalls like Garachay and Ram Rama, Ilisu is a haven for nature lovers.
Gabala
A few-hour drive from Baku, Gabala is a hidden paradise that you can visit to experience the rugged charm of northern Azerbaijan.
Adrenaline junkies and outdoor lovers have to visit the Tufandag Mountain Resort, which offers year-round recreation with stunning views. While skiing may be reserved for colder months, there are plenty of summer activities on offer here, like enjoying the magnificent vista of Caucasus Mountain from a cable car, quad bike tours and races, rafting, hiking, and more.
Visitors can relax at the Chenot Palace Gabala, a wellness retreat with views of Nohur Lake, or visit the nearby thermal springs known for their mineral-rich waters.
History enthusiasts will appreciate the Gabala Archaeological Park, which showcases the city’s ancient past.
Exciting outdoor activities
Azerbaijan offers a variety of exciting outdoor activities that make the most of its warm summer climate, beautiful landscapes, and rich greenery. Whether you’re looking to explore the countryside or embark on thrilling adventures, Azerbaijan has something for everyone.
Horseback riding
Sheki—about a 4-hour car ride from Baku—is not only renowned for its historical sites and natural beauty but also for its thrilling horseback riding experiences. Visitors can embark on unforgettable journeys ascending the Caucasus Mountains, sampling the famous local cuisine of Sheki, like piti—a rich stew of lamb, chickpeas, and chestnuts, and visiting the recreation centre near the historic village of Kish.
The horseback routes provide breathtaking views of the region’s landscapes and landmarks, including the Gelersen-Gorersen Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site; the Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace, Khan’s Plateau, Gaynar waterfall, and Bash Kungut village.
Before setting off, riders receive essential training from experienced instructors. For those preferring a shorter ride, the recreation centre offers opportunities to enjoy horseback riding within its premises.
Adventures in the North
Azerbaijan’s diverse terrain provides excellent hiking opportunities, especially during the summer months. Numerous routes through wooded, foothills, and high-mountain regions cater to all levels of hikers, from one-day excursions to two-week adventures.
Khinalig in the Guba region, perched at 2200 metres above sea level and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a scenic hiking spot that exemplifies the best of Azerbaijani landscape offering. Khinalig is situated along the Köç Yolu transhumance route, a 200-kilometre seasonal migration path linking high-altitude summer pastures in the Greater Caucasus Mountains to lowland winter pastures. The Khinalig – Galakhudat hiking trail is particularly great for leisurely hikes, taking you on a marked trail along the Gudyalchay river valley.
Another highlight is Shahdag Mountain Resort, home to the country’s highest peaks, Mount Bazardüzü and Mount Shahdag.
Travellers wanting a bit of relaxation mixed with fun, as well as ample bonding time with friends and family will enjoy Shahdag Mountain Resort. Visitors can choose among the various activities available here, indoor and outdoor. Some may enjoy swimming in the lake, riding the Shahdag coaster, segway rides, and taking ski lifts. More competitive visitors can try other exciting group activities, like paintball, going on off-road, quad, and buggy tours, and mountain biking.
Children would love the opportunity to discover new outdoor skills and hobbies here, as the Shahdag Mountain Resort offers kids-friendly experiences such as trampoline tower, quad tours, and adventure park—all designed for kids. Archery sessions and horseback riding are also available to both experienced visitors and first-timers.
Cultural and artistic explorations
Azerbaijan is a treasure trove of cultural and artistic experiences, offering visitors a chance to explore its rich history and traditions. From ancient cities to fascinating museums, there are countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the country’s cultural landscape.
Baku Old City
Baku’s Old City, also known as Icherisheher, is the historic heart of the capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enclosed by 12th-century walls, this medieval core is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, home to museums, monuments, art galleries, and various eateries.
A great start to the day in the Old City is enjoying a traditional Azerbaijani breakfast while you watch the city slowly wake up and locals get into their routines. Breakfast staples you must try pomidor yumurta, Azerbaijani-style eggs with tomatoes that’s prepared on an iron platter called a “saj” over hot coals, and shor gogal, a flaky, savoury pastry which goes perfectly with a cup of tea.
Some of the notable landmarks in the area include the Maiden Tower, shrouded in mystery and legend, and the 15th-century Shirvanshahs’ Palace, a stunning architectural complex that was once the residence of the Shirvanshah dynasty. Visitors can also explore hidden gems like the Museum of Miniature Books and the Baku Marionette Theatre, along with historic mosques, caravanserais, and hammams.
Ateshgah Fire Temple
The Ateshgah Fire Temple, located in the village of Surakhani, is a captivating site that has drawn visitors for centuries. Built in the 17th–18th centuries around natural burning flames, the temple was a significant place of pilgrimage for fire-worshipping Hindus until the 1880s.
Today, it houses a well-designed museum that explains its rich history and connection to Zoroastrianism. Nearby, Yanardag, the Burning Mountain, features a 10-metre wall of flames that blaze continuously, offering a mesmerising sight described by travellers like Marco Polo.
Sheki Khan’s Palace
Nestled amidst the cool foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, Sheki Khan’s Palace stands as a stunning testament to Azerbaijan’s rich history, especially appealing to summer travellers.
Built in the late 18th century as the summer residence of the ruling Sheki Khan, the palace boasts intricate architectural details both inside and out, including elaborate frescoes and geometric tile patterns. A highlight is the shebeke windows, showcasing Sheki’s signature craft of coloured glass fitted seamlessly into wooden lattices without the use of a single nail!
Visitors can also explore the palace’s grandeur with knowledgeable onsite guides, immersing themselves in the fascinating history and craftsmanship of this exquisite architectural gem.
Culinary delights
Exploring the country one bite at a time offers you a chance to dive deeper into Azerbaijan’s food traditions, connecting you with local producers and artisans across the country.
In Baku, wander through the lively Yaşıl Bazar, where you can find treasures from all corners of the country: Caucasian mountain honey, buffalo dairy products, homemade rosehip and dandelion syrups from the northwest region, and precious spices that adorn every and all dishes you’ll devour during your time here.
The city also brims with street food vendors and culinary establishments that make the best out of Azerbaijani rich produce. Classics done well are easy to find in the capital, such as plov, a rice dish with meat, nuts, herbs and sprinklings of dried fruits, or dolma, stuffed grape leaves bursting with meat and rice.
If you’re craving a simple, satisfying snack, seek out street vendors serving fragrant lamb kebabs or qutabs, flatbreads stuffed with a selection of either meat, pumpkin, herbs, or cheese, and sometimes drizzled with yoghurt.
However, don’t stop there; different regions in Azerbaijan have their own twist on certain dishes, unveiling new nuances in tastes and textures. For plov alone, you may find diverse cooking methods, rice, and toppings across the country—each as delicious as the next. For example, plov in the coastal city of Lankaran is a hearty affair with the addition of lentil and pumpkin, while in Karabakh, dill is the starring herb, and in Sheki, you can find sudlu ash, a variety that comes with apricots and omelette on top.
On your summertime journey sampling the best of Azerbaijani cuisine, don’t forget to refresh yourself with a şərbət/sherbet, a cold drink made of a wide range of fruits such as apricot or pomegranate flavoured with rose water and aromatic herbs. Otherwise, try sweet-tangy pomegranate juice—widely available across the country, but particularly common across Goychay.
