Beyond Baku: 8 Underrated Cities in Azerbaijan You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

When people talk about traveling to Azerbaijan, most conversations begin and end with Baku. But here’s the secret most guidebooks don’t tell you: Azerbaijan’s heart doesn’t just beat in its capital. From Silk Road relics and tea-scented forests to Caspian coastlines and mountain escapes, the country is filled with hidden cities that reward curious travelers.

In this guide, we’ll uncover 8 underrated cities in Azerbaijan that deserve the same spotlight as Baku. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a slow traveler, there’s a destination waiting to surprise you.

1. Sheki – A Living Silk Road Museum

Tucked in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus, Sheki (Şəki) is as picturesque as it is historic. It was once a prominent Silk Road stop, and today it’s a treasure trove of Azerbaijani craftsmanship, cuisine, and culture.

What to See:

• Sheki Khan’s Palace: Famous for its stained-glass shebeke windows, built without nails or glue.
  
• Caravanserai Complex: Stay in restored stone inns where Silk Road merchants once rested.
  
• Local Artisans: From silk scarves to halva sweet shops, artistry is everywhere.
  

Best Time to Visit: Spring or early autumn, when the valleys bloom and the crowds thin.

2. Ganja – Azerbaijan’s Cultural Capital in Disguise

Often overshadowed by Baku, Ganja is the country’s second-largest city and arguably one of its most creative. It blends youthful energy with rich literary and architectural history.

Highlights:

• Nizami Mausoleum: A Tribute to the legendary Persian poet born here.
  
• Bottle House: A surreal home made of 48,000+ glass bottles.
  
• Javad Khan Street: Lively cafés and outdoor seating filled with students and artists.
  

Bonus Tip: Use Ganja as a base to visit nearby Lake Goygol, one of the bluest lakes in the Caucasus.

3. Lankaran – Where Tea Gardens Meet the Caspian Sea

Lankaran is Azerbaijan’s southern soul, lush, citrus-filled, and kissed by the Caspian breeze. This subtropical town near the Iranian border is a sensory experience.

What to Enjoy:

• Black Sand Beaches: Unique to this southern coast.
  
• Hirkan National Park: Home to the Persian Ironwood Tree and endangered species.
  
• Traditional Tea Houses: Try Lankaran tea with candied citrus peels.
  

Local Dish to Try: Lavangi chicken or fish stuffed with walnuts, onion, and spices.

4. Quba – Northern Charm & Apple Orchards

Known as “the orchard of Azerbaijan,” Quba (Qubə) is beloved for its cool climate, apple festivals, and dramatic landscapes.

Don’t Miss:

• Quba Genocide Memorial: A moving tribute to a tragic part of history.
  
• Khinaliq Village: One of Europe’s highest and oldest continuously inhabited villages.
  
• Quba Mosque: With its red brick façade and peaceful courtyard.
  

Best Season: Autumn for the Apple Festival and vivid fall colors.

5. Shamakhi – Poetry, Wine & Stars

Once the capital of the Shirvanshahs, Shamakhi combines spiritual depth with open skies and fertile vineyards.

Things to Explore:

• Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory: Gaze at stars over the Caucasus.
  
• Yeddi Gumbaz Tombs: Monumental mausoleums that feel like walking through poetry.
  
• Wineries: Tour local vineyards and sip on bold Azerbaijani reds.
  

Unique Fact: Shamakhi was mentioned by poets like Nizami and Khagani centuries ago.

6. Gabala: Where Ancient History Meets Modern Leisure

Gabala (Qəbələ), the former capital of Caucasian Albania, offers a dual experience—ancient ruins surrounded by modern resorts.

Top Experiences:

• Tufandag Ski Resort: Ski or cable-car ride with panoramic views.
  
• Gabala Shooting Club & Safari Park: Great for family travelers.
  
• Ruins of Ancient Gabala: Unearthed stone foundations and watchtowers.
  

Travel Hack: Gabala has an airport for easy domestic access.

7. Naftalan – The Spa City with Healing Oil

Yes, you can bathe in oil, and it’s medicinal. Naftalan is a spa destination where visitors come for wellness therapy unique to this region.

What Makes It Special:

• Oil Baths: Supervised treatments using Naftalan’s mineral-rich therapeutic oil.
  
• Medical Sanatoriums: Facilities combining Eastern and Western healing.
  
• Cultural Museum: Chronicles the town’s healing history.
  

8. Nakhchivan – The Isolated Land of Legends

Nakhchivan is Azerbaijan’s autonomous exclave, surrounded by Armenia, Iran, and Turkey. Remote yet regal, it’s home to sacred sites and ancient myths.

Places That Inspire:

• Noah’s Mausoleum: Said to be the final resting place of the Biblical figure.
  
• Alinja Castle: The “Machu Picchu of Azerbaijan,” perched dramatically on a mountaintop.
  
• Ashabi-Kahf Cave: A sacred pilgrimage site linked to Quranic legends.
  

Getting There: Flights from Baku or Istanbul. No overland access from Azerbaijan proper.

Why Hidden Cities of Azerbaijan Matter?

Azerbaijan is more than a one-city destination. These underrated towns provide:

• Authentic hospitality away from tourist traps
  
• Affordable accommodations and local cuisine
  
• Rich, diverse culture shaped by geography and history
  

Exploring beyond Baku reveals a side of Azerbaijan that feels more personal and immersive.

Why Voye Global is Essential for Your Trip?

Traveling across regions from the forests of Lankaran to the peaks of Khinaliq means you’ll need consistent, fast, and reliable data. Here’s why Voye Global eSIM is your perfect companion:

• Instant activation: Skip physical SIMs and connect within minutes.
  
• No roaming surprises: Transparent pricing across Azerbaijan.
  

Multi-city travel made easy: Works in both big cities and rural areas.

Suggested Itinerary for Exploring These Cities

Days 1–2: Sheki

Begin your journey in Sheki, a historic gem in the Caucasus foothills.
Activities: Visit the Sheki Khan’s Palace, explore the ancient caravanserai, and taste local halva from artisan sweet shops.

Day 3: Ganja

Head to Azerbaijan’s cultural second city.
Activities: Walk the poetic streets around Nizami Mausoleum, visit the quirky Bottle House, and take a day trip to Lake Goygol.

Day 4: Lankaran

Experience the Caspian coast’s subtropical vibes.
Activities: Relax on the black sand beach, explore Hirkan National Park, and enjoy fresh-brewed Lankaran tea.

Day 5: Quba & Khinaliq

Escape to the north for stunning landscapes and ancient villages.
Activities: Hike to Khinaliq, visit the Quba Mosque, and explore local orchards during apple season.

Day 6: Shamakhi

A day for stars, wine, and poetry in the highlands.
Activities: Tour the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory, sip local wines at hillside vineyards, and visit the Yeddi Gumbaz mausoleums.

Day 7: Gabala

Mix ancient heritage with modern adventure.
Activities: Discover the ruins of ancient Gabala, go on a safari ride, and take the cable car at Tufandag Mountain Resort.

Day 8: Naftalan

A wellness stop unlike any other.
Activities: Experience a therapeutic Naftalan oil bath, relax at a sanatorium, and learn about its healing history at the local museum.

Days 9–10: Nakhchivan

Conclude your trip in this remote and sacred enclave.
Activities: Hike to Alinja Castle, visit Noah’s Mausoleum, and explore the Ashabi-Kahf cave pilgrimage site.

Packing Tips for This Route

Layered Clothing

Temperatures vary greatly from the cool mountains of Khinaliq to the humid coast of Lankaran. Pack items you can layer easily, including a warm jacket for high altitudes and lighter clothing for southern towns.

Modest Attire

Many towns are conservative, particularly in rural and religious areas. Bring long pants or skirts, and a scarf or shawl for visiting mosques or sacred sites.

Offline Maps and Translation Apps

While English is spoken in most hotels and tourist areas, smaller towns may require translation support. Download offline maps and Azerbaijani language packs for easier navigation.

Power Bank and Unlocked Smartphone

To use your Voye Global eSIM efficiently across all regions, ensure your phone is unlocked and always carry a power bank for long road trips or remote hikes.

Hidden Moments Between the Cities

Scenic Drives That Surprise

The drive between Sheki and Gabala winds through forests and rolling hills, offering stop-worthy views at every turn. Pull over for tea stands or panoramic photo spots that don’t appear on tourist maps.

Roadside Hospitality

Locals in rural Azerbaijan often wave down visitors, offering fruit, tea, or directions. These small moments of kindness turn your journey into more than just transit.

Unexpected Finds

You might stumble upon a small village market, an abandoned caravanserai, or a waterfall. Keep your itinerary loose; you’ll want time to explore the unplanned.

Sounds, Smells, and Textures of Azerbaijan

Ganja’s Music and Movement

You’ll hear traditional instruments like the tar echoing from music schools and parks. Evening walks feel alive with local rhythms.

Lankaran’s Citrus and Forest Air

Here, the scent of orange blossoms mixes with tea and sea breeze. Walks in the Hirkan National Park deliver an almost tropical sensory experience.

Sheki’s Crunchy Halva and Cobblestones

Biting into locally made halva while walking on centuries-old cobbled streets creates a sensory memory you won’t forget.

A Slower Pace, A Deeper Connection

Time Works Differently Here

In villages like Khinaliq or Shamakhi’s vineyards, no one rushes. Meals are savored, not eaten quickly. Conversations last hours. You’ll adjust and appreciate the shift.

Deeper Encounters

Without the distractions of big-city chaos, you’re more likely to be invited into a family home, offered tea by a shopkeeper, or shown around by a schoolchild practicing English.

What Locals Love That Tourists Miss

Morning Tea on a Rooftop

In Quba and Sheki, locals start their day with fresh bread and tea overlooking the mountains. Most tourists never wake early enough to witness this ritual.

Hidden Watermills and Picnic Spots

Ask any local in Gabala where they go to escape on weekends, and they’ll direct you to hidden riverside clearings or family-run watermills serving hot cornmeal and tea.

Local Festivities

Autumn’s Apple Festival in Quba or spring flower markets in Shamakhi are local favorites that rarely show up in guidebooks but reflect the region’s heart.

From Markets to Mosques: Daily Life in the Hidden Cities

Markets with Personality

In Ganja or Lankaran, markets are not tourist experiences; they’re daily life. Watch bartering, smell dried herbs, or try seasonal produce for a few coins.

Community-Centered Mosques

Mosques in Quba or Sheki aren’t grand or ornate. They’re peaceful gathering spaces where you can observe how faith shapes daily rhythm and family gatherings.

Portraits of Place: Stories from the Road

The Weaver in Sheki

A carpet weaver explains that every motif in her rugs comes from a family story. Her fingers move with the rhythm of her grandmother’s tales.

The Teen Guide in Gabala

A 17-year-old who taught himself English via YouTube now gives impromptu tours of Gabala’s ancient ruins. He dreams of being an archaeologist.

The Retired Soldier in Nakhchivan

Now a beekeeper, he invites visitors to taste honey in exchange for listening to stories of the mountains he once patrolled.

How to Travel Between These Cities

Domestic Flights

Ganja, Gabala, and Nakhchivan have regional airports. Flights are affordable and efficient, though not always daily.

Comfortable Buses

Azerbaijan has a reliable intercity bus network. Coaches often have reclining seats, air conditioning, and fixed schedules.

Private Cars and Taxis

For the most flexibility, hiring a private car is ideal, especially for reaching remote villages like Khinaliq or Ashabi-Kahf.

Budgeting for a Multi-City Azerbaijan Trip

Accommodation

Homestays and guesthouses in towns like Sheki or Quba start from $15–30 per night, often including breakfast and tea.

Transportation

Bus travel costs as little as $3–6 between towns. Private car hire for day trips ranges from $40–80, depending on distance.

Food and Local Spending

Meals are affordable. A full meal at a local restaurant averages $5–10, and produce at markets is fresh and inexpensive.

Food Finds You Didn’t Expect

Lavangi in Lankaran

This regional specialty features chicken or fish stuffed with walnuts and onions, then slow-cooked in clay ovens.

Piti in Sheki

A stew served in earthenware pots, made with lamb, chickpeas, and chestnuts. Served with flatbread and eaten in two parts.

Apple-Based Dishes in Quba

From sweet apple halva to tart apple soups, Quba’s orchards influence its entire food culture.

When to Visit Each City (By Season)

Spring

Perfect for visiting Sheki, Ganja, and Shamakhi. Wildflowers, tea season, and mild weather make it ideal for walking.

Summer

Gabala and Quba are mountain-cooled summer escapes. Great for hiking and fruit festivals.

Autumn

Visit Lankaran and Quba during the apple and citrus harvests. Naftalan is also great for spa treatments during the off-peak season.

Winter

Gabala transforms into a winter sports destination, while Shamakhi’s snow-dusted vineyards offer a unique contrast.

These Views Are Better Than Instagram

Sunrise Over Khinaliq

The first rays of sunlight hitting the stone roofs of one of Europe’s highest villages is a moment that defies digital capture.

Alinja Castle After the Climb

It takes over 1,500 steps, but the view from the fortress is your reward valleys below and snow-capped ridges beyond.

Hirkan Forest Mist in Lankaran

The dense subtropical forest shrouded in morning mist feels otherworldly. Photos can’t capture the silence and depth.

How to Stay Connected Off the Tourist Trail

Coverage in Remote Regions

Places like Khinaliq or Ashabi-Kahf don’t always have reliable local SIM coverage. A pre-activated eSIM like Voye Global’s ensures smoother connectivity.

Navigation and Translation

Having reliable data makes using map apps and real-time translation tools possible even in villages or on remote mountain roads.

Booking On the Go

Whether it’s arranging a homestay, checking bus schedules, or finding a taxi, mobile data becomes essential once you leave big cities.

Using One eSIM Across Every Region

No Need to Swap SIMs

With Voye Global’s eSIM, you can travel across Azerbaijan without buying multiple cards or visiting mobile shops.

Consistent Connectivity

Even when switching between major hubs and smaller cities, your eSIM maintains coverage using Azerbaijan’s top networks.

Instant Activation

Download, install, and activate in minutes before you even land or while you’re still in your hotel room.

Traditions That Didn’t Disappear

Craft Passed Through Generations

In Sheki, you won’t find factory-made carpets in souvenir shops. Instead, you’ll meet master weavers who learned their craft from family, thread by thread. Some still use wooden looms carved by ancestors, preserving centuries-old methods that machines could never replicate.

In Quba, the art of carpet weaving isn’t just a skill—it’s a family legacy. Designs are memorized, not printed. Patterns are chosen for meaning, not trend. Each thread tells a story of love, identity, and community.

Halva by Hand

Sheki halva is iconic, but its production is anything but modernized. Bakers wake early to mix layers of ground nuts, syrup, rice flour, and saffron, layering each delicately by hand. Watch the process and you’ll understand why the sweet has outlasted trends.

Hospitality as a Way of Life

Offering tea to strangers, giving directions without being asked, or walking you to your destination instead of pointing is not a service; it’s tradition. In towns like Shamakhi and Gabala, this kind of hospitality hasn’t disappeared. It’s still woven into everyday life.

Rituals Worth Waking Up Early For

Tandir Bread at Sunrise

In Quba and Sheki, mornings begin with the scent of freshly baked tandir bread. You’ll find local women kneeling by hot clay ovens, slapping dough against the walls. The result is warm, chewy bread best enjoyed minutes out of the oven with butter and local honey.

Wake early enough, and you can watch the process, feel the heat of the oven, and eat like a local before the town even stirs.

Tea With a View

In villages like Khinaliq and the hills above Shamakhi, locals start the day with strong black tea, served in curved glasses, often with no sugar but accompanied by homemade jam. The ritual is slow, quiet, and always paired with a view, be it a mountain ridge, foggy valley, or dew-covered orchard.

Join a local or find a rooftop guesthouse and sip your tea as the sun rises. It’s a moment no guidebook will ever list, but it may be the one you remember most.

Mosques at Dawn

In towns like Lankaran or Ganja, the soft call to prayer at dawn is not just religious; it sets the tone for the day. The streets are empty, the air is cool, and the community slowly comes to life. Even if you’re not visiting for spiritual reasons, the atmosphere is grounding.

Stories Are the Souvenirs

You May Leave the Rug Behind

In Sheki or Quba, you might admire a beautiful handwoven carpet but decide not to carry it home. Still, the story behind it stays with you: the elderly woman who showed you her dye pots, the apprentice beside her learning the patterns by heart, or the moment you realized each symbol meant something: protection, family, love. That’s the real souvenir.

Memories Over Magnets

In towns like Lankaran or Gabala, souvenir shops are rare, and that’s the charm. Instead of magnets or postcards, you leave with memories of a stranger insisting you try their homemade jam, a mountain guide explaining local myths, and a quiet walk along a forest path where you didn’t hear another language but felt entirely welcome.

The Conversation That Changes You

Sometimes the most valuable thing you’ll take from a place is a conversation. A student in Ganja who tells you why he stayed. A vineyard owner in Shamakhi who pours you a glass and shares how the land changed his family. These aren’t scripted experiences. They’re real, and they’re yours.

In Azerbaijan’s lesser-known cities, the stories are still personal. Still unpolished. And still free to be yours if you’re willing to listen and stay connected with Voye Global’s Azerbaijan eSIM plans designed for travellers who explore beyond the usual path.

Before You Head Back

Exploring Azerbaijan beyond Baku is more than ticking cities off a list; it’s about discovering rhythm, flavor, and community in places that tourists rarely go. From oil baths to ancient observatories, tea plantations to mountaintop fortresses, the country is packed with moments you’ll remember long after the photos fade.

And the best part? You won’t need to disconnect while doing it.

FAQs – Hidden Cities in Azerbaijan

Q1: Is it safe to travel outside Baku?
Yes. Cities like Sheki, Ganja, and Gabala are known for warm hospitality and low crime.

Q2: How do I get around between cities?
Domestic flights, buses, and private taxis are widely available. Some towns (like Sheki or Quba) are also popular for road trips.

Q3: Are English speakers common in smaller cities?
Basic English is spoken at hotels and tourist spots, but having translation apps helps.

Q4: Can I use one eSIM across all these cities?
Yes! Voye Global’s eSIM works across Azerbaijan, no swaps needed.

Q5: Which city is best for first-timers outside Baku?
Sheki or Gabala are both well-developed for tourism and easy to access.