Azerbaijan is a compact country with incredible diversity of landscapes. In a single day trip from Baku, you can see mountains, forests, deserts and the Caspian coast. A rental car is the best way to explore the country beyond the capital. We recommend a crossover or SUV for mountain routes.
1. Baku → Sheki (310 km, ~5 hours)
Sheki is the jewel of Azerbaijani architecture. The Khan's Palace (UNESCO), the caravanserai, the old bazaar and stunning mountain views. Best as a two-day trip with an overnight stay. En route, visit Shamakhi (ancient mosques) and Ismayilli (Lahij village with 1,500 years of craftsmanship).
Road: M4 highway, good surface. Car: any class works, but an SUV is more comfortable in mountains.
2. Baku → Gabala (225 km, ~3.5 hours)
Gabala is a mountain resort with the Tufandag cable car, waterfalls and walnut forests. Perfect for families: Gabaland amusement park, Lake Nokhur. In summer, it hosts an international music festival. Can be combined with Sheki — they're only 85 km apart.
Road: M4 highway, last stretch is mountain serpentine. Car: SUV recommended.
3. Baku → Lankaran (270 km, ~4 hours)
Lankaran is the subtropical south of Azerbaijan. Hirkan National Park (relict forests), hot springs, tea plantations. The cuisine differs from Baku's — try tendir bread and levengi. On the return, stop in Masalli for the country's best honey.
Road: M3 highway, flat and fast. Car: any class.
4. Baku → Guba & Khinalig (170 + 40 km)
Guba is apple country and the gateway to Khinalig, one of Europe's highest and most ancient settlements (2,350 m). The village is only accessible by 4x4 — the road is unpaved and steep. Guba itself features the Red Settlement — the last compact community of Mountain Jews.
Road: M1 highway to Guba is good; to Khinalig — unpaved. Car: SUV only for Khinalig.
5. Baku → Gobustan (65 km, ~1 hour)
Gobustan has mud volcanoes and 40,000-year-old rock carvings (UNESCO). Perfect for a half-day trip. Along the way, visit Bibi-Heybat — a historic mosque on the Caspian shore. The mud volcanoes require a short detour onto a dirt track.
Road: M2 highway. Car: sedan works, but a crossover is better for mud volcanoes.
Road Trip Tips
- Fill up before leaving Baku — petrol stations are sparse in the mountains
- Carry some cash manats for small expenses
- Read about driving rules — speed cameras are on every highway
- Leave early morning to avoid Baku traffic
- In the mountains, mobile coverage can be spotty — download offline maps
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