Beach Rest

Spending a summer vacation on the beach - an all-time classic favourite. Over recent years, Azerbaijan has become a popular tourist destination among foreigners, not least thanks to the Caspian Sea. The mild, warm climate gives Baku residents a chance to kick off the beach season in May and swim in the warm waves of the Caspian until well into September.

If you prefer water sports and you’re no stranger to “kitesurfing”, "Blue Planet Kayt" beach located in the village of Shuraabad, Khizi district near Baku should be your next destination. This is the first kitesurfing centre in Azerbaijan where you can appreciate the strength of the Baku winds and catch a wave.

The centre also has courses to improve the skills of beginners and professionals. Classes are held both in groups and individually. You can buy or rent a kite and board, as well as all the necessary accessories. Along with this, you can visit the beach club and restaurant, famous for its delicious dishes.

Nightlife

Baku is a city of contrasts, bright colours, fire and winds… This is the city where unhurried clerks and restless night clubbers come together. At night, the windy capital turns into a kaleidoscope of dynamically changing scenes, with the ability to attract anyone into the whirlpool of evening entertainment. Here, on the shores of the Caspian Sea, you can find one of the biggest night clubs in the region, and stars from all around the world who flock here to perform on the stage of the “Crystal Hall”, a venue equipped with the state-of-the-art concert technology. Tourists from all over the world visit Azerbaijan to take part in such international events as the Eurovision Song Contest, the European Games, Formula 1 races and much, much more. The colourful streets of the capital-light up with the welcoming signage of Baku’s numerous restaurants, cafes, pubs, wine-bars and other venues, inviting you to join in the party or enjoy a delightful gastronomic evening.

Active rest

Recent years have seen tourism takeoff for welcoming Azerbaijan. Today, the ski resorts "Shahdag" and "Tufandag" are quite popular

SKI RESORT TUFANDAG

Tufandag Resort is located 4 km away from the city of Gabala - the ancient capital of Caucasian Albania. The distance from the international airport of Gabala is 20 km, and 220 km from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

Tufandag complex is well equipped and can accommodate up to 3,000 people at a time, restaurants, cafeterias, bars and recreation areas, ski school for adults and children, ski equipment rental and repair are operating on the territory of the complex.

The best hotel of the Tufandag resort – Qafqaz Tufandag Mountain Resort Hotel 5 * is located directly in the trail skiing area, right at the lower stations of the ski lifts.

The trails of the ski resort of Tufandag Gabala have different complexity and are designed for advanced skiers, snowboarders as well as beginners. The total length of the trails is 17 km.

Shahdag Mountain Resort

Tourist complex "Shahdag" is the first ski resort in Azerbaijan. Shahdag is located in the north-east corner of the country on the territory of Shahdag National Park, in Gusar region of Azerbaijan near Shahdag mountain. This complex occupies a well-deserved place in the list of the most beautiful corners of the Caucasus.

Shahdag is suitable for advanced and beginner skiers. It’s equipped with trails, both for beginners and real professionals. It’s also equipped with 11 cable cars of several types - chairlifts, platter lifts and gondola. 14 ski slopes stretching along 17 kilometres are designed for various levels of complexity - both for children and beginners, and advanced skiers. Each trail is prepared with the help of artificial snow generators, which makes the ski season longer, and trails more qualitative and pleasant for skiing.

Today, four high-class hotels built according to European standards are functioning on the territory of the complex and it’s equipped with everything necessary for active recreation. In the warmer summer months, the complex comes alive with activities such as horseback riding, quad biking, paintballing or simply hiding from the city's bustle and enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery.

Shopping

Every day, more and more large shopping centres and branches of the many well-known global brands are being opened in Baku. However, special attention should be paid to local clothing, jewellery and souvenirs and the exquisite handicrafts of local craftsmen, who are able to create unique one-of-a-kind pieces of art. Various showrooms, workshops and boutiques will demonstrate the beauty of the Azerbaijani spirit, which inspires artists, designers and other master craftsmen.

Gastronomic paradise

Tasty Azerbaijani food is one of the first things that tourists want to discover when they come to the Land of Fire. This is not surprising, considering that local food is famous all over the world for its taste and useful qualities.

Baku guests should try dolma, pilaf, levengi, and, of course, kebab.

Dolma - fresh meat and stuffing, wrapped in grape leaves - this is one of the first dishes that must definitely be tried during the visit to Azerbaijan.

Pilaf, a dish known all over the world, is served in Azerbaijan on some great holidays.

Another appetizing dish is levengi - chicken and fish stuffed with walnuts, onions, sweet and sour dried fruits.

In addition, the famous Azerbaijani shish kebab is something that no tourist should miss. A dish with fresh, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant and sweet pepper will not leave anyone indifferent.

While in Azerbaijan, tourists should try Gutabs, cooked from sugar-free flour, stuffed with meat, greens or pumpkin.

The taste of Azerbaijani sweets people cannot forget, and even more, they are trying to cook baklava and shekerbura in their country.

It should be noted that the capital will not only let you taste local dishes, but also dishes of other nationalities and countries. International franchises, authentic cafés, luxurious restaurants, open-air playgrounds, cosy wine bars and noisy pubs, along with other exciting locations will suit anyone who is ready experience local delights, by getting to know local people through their sumptuous cuisine.