Azerbaijan’s landscape is dotted with medieval fortresses and ancient palaces that echo its rich history. From the walled Old City of Baku to remote mountain strongholds, each castle has a story to tell.
For intrepid travelers, renting a car in Azerbaijan unlocks the freedom to explore these gems at your own pace. You can drive through the Caucasus foothills or along the Caspian coast and find stunning castles off the typical tourist trail.
This guide offers an itinerary and tips for a self-drive adventure, what to see, and how a rental car makes it all possible.
There are many historic fortresses and palaces to discover across the country. We’ve curated five of the best castles to visit in Azerbaijan and arranged them in a logical driving order. Each offers a glimpse into a different era of Azerbaijani history. Drive times are approximate, assuming a start from Baku.
Drive time: Within Baku (0 hours). Park outside the Old City and explore on foot.
This fortified old city in Baku is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its 12th-century walls and the 15th-century Palace of the Shirvanshahs. You can begin your journey in the capital by wandering the narrow stone streets, lined with traditional homes, artisan shops, and tea houses.
The palace complex, often called one of the architectural “pearls of Azerbaijan,” features intricate stonework, serene courtyards, and ancient bathhouses that reflect the grandeur of the Shirvanshah dynasty.
Why visit?
Drive time: ~2 hours west of Baku (about 120 km)
Once the capital of the Shirvan kingdom, Shamakhi is steeped in history. Just before you enter the town, you will see the ruins of the Gulistan Fortress on a hill, which is also called the Shamakhi Fortress. The fortress was built between the 8th and 12th centuries and has survived many invasions and earthquakes.
Though only fragments of the fortress remain, walking through the crumbling stone walls offers a sense of the past of warriors, sieges, and royal strongholds.
Why visit?
Drive time: ~3 hours north of Baku (about 170 km) to the trailhead. If coming from Shamakhi, allow ~4 to 5 hours via Baku’s outskirts.
High in the Caucasus Mountains, you can find the ruins of the Gulustan Fortress. It is also called Chirag Gala, which means “Lamp Castle.” The fortress sits about 1,200 meters above sea level. It was built by the Sassanid Persians in the 4th or 5th century. Later, the khans of Guba used it to watch over the land.
The fortress isn’t drive-up accessible; you’ll need to hike a round-trip of about 6 km from the nearest village. But the climb is worth it—every step reveals panoramic views of the Caspian coastal plains. A sturdy vehicle is recommended for mountain roads.
Why visit?
Drive time: ~5 hours from Baku (~369 km)
Located near the city of Aghdam, Shahbulag Castle is a lesser-known gem that offers a glimpse into the early 18th-century architecture of the Karabakh region. It was built by Panah Ali Khan, founder of the Karabakh Khanate, as a military fortress and a royal residence.
The castle’s name means “Shah’s Spring,” referencing the nearby water source that made the location ideal for settlement and defense. Though smaller than some of Azerbaijan’s more famous landmarks, Shahbulag’s clean lines, sturdy towers, and serene surroundings make it worth the journey.
Why visit?
Drive time: ~3.5 hours south of Baku (268 km) via the scenic coastal highway. From Sheki, it’s a long 8-hour haul.
Lankaran is a city on Azerbaijan’s southern coast near the Iranian border. It is known for its lush landscapes and subtropical climate. Its most iconic historic site is the Lankaran Fortress, built in the 18th century under Persian rule.
While much of the original structure was destroyed in the 19th century, two round towers remain. The Zindan Tower was once a prison. Local legend says even Josef Stalin was briefly held there during the Tsarist era. The second tower, located by the sea, was later converted into a lighthouse that still watches over the harbor.
Why visit?
To tie all these sights together, here’s a 5-day itinerary that connects the must-see castles in Azerbaijan in an epic road trip. This schedule balances driving times with sightseeing, but you can adjust based on your interests:
Begin your journey in Baku’s Icherisheher (Old City). Spend the morning exploring the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower. Enjoy lunch in the Old City. In the afternoon, pick up your rental car and set out westward. Drive about 2 hours to Shamakhi, enjoying views of the changing landscape. Arrive by early evening. If time permits, catch the sunset from the Shamakhi fortress ruins overlooking the town. You can stay overnight in Shamakhi or a nearby village guesthouse.
After breakfast, visit any remaining sites in Shamakhi, such as the historic mosque or local Səid Market. As you walk through the market, you’ll see many colorful stalls with fruits, vegetables, spices, and handmade items. You can also try local food like fresh bread and tasty pastries.
Then, drive north towards Guba. It’s roughly a 4-hour drive. You’ll travel back toward Baku and up along the scenic route into the Caucasus. Head to the trail for the Gulustan (Chirag Gala) fortress and hike up to the ruins if weather permits. The hike and exploration will take a few hours, rewarding you with panoramic views. In the evening, relax at a guesthouse in Guba or the nearby Shahdag mountain resort area for cooler temperatures.
This is the longest driving day, connecting north to northwest. Depart Guba in the morning and drive toward Sheki, approximately 7 to 8 hours drive. Though main highways are faster, you will likely retrace the route south past Baku or take a cross-country route if you’re adventurous.
Plan a lunch stop midway. The town of Shamkir or Gabala can be good options to break up the journey. Arrive in Sheki by late afternoon. In Sheki, stretch your legs by walking around the Sheki Fortress walls and perhaps visiting the historic caravanserai. You can spend the night in Sheki in a traditional caravanserai hotel.
In the morning, tour the Sheki Khan’s Palace with a local guide to fully appreciate its art and history. It’s a highlight of the trip, so take your time. Depart Sheki around midday and begin the drive back towards Baku, which can take about 4.5 hours.
You can take a slightly different route to see new scenery. For example, drive via Lahij, a mountain village known for crafts, or Ismayilli vineyards. Arrive in Baku by evening. This night in Baku lets you enjoy modern Baku or simply rest before the final leg south.
Leave Baku early, heading south along the coastal highway, about 3 hours to Lankaran. The road hugs the Caspian Sea and then passes through rice fields and citrus groves as you approach Lankaran.
Upon arriving, visit the Lankaran Fortress remains in the city center. Walk around the lighthouse tower and imagine how this fort guarded the frontier. In the afternoon, you might relax on the sandy beaches outside town or visit the famous local hot springs.
If departing from Lankaran, drop off your rental car by evening. Confirm with your rental agency about drop-off options. Otherwise, you can drive back to Baku the next day. This wraps up a whirlwind tour of Azerbaijan’s historic castles and scenic roads.
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Azerbaijan beyond Baku, giving you the freedom to visit historical sites, remote villages, and scenic mountains at your own pace. Here are key things to keep in mind before hitting the road:
Exploring Azerbaijan’s castles and fortresses is a highlight of any road trip, but a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what to know before you go:
Most castle sites have minimal entrance fees. For example, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Sheki Khan’s Palace charge a small fee in manats for entry and an optional guide. Many fortresses like Shamakhi’s ruins or Chirag Gala are open-access, and no ticket is needed. Carry some cash, as smaller sites or rural museums may not accept cards.
Typical opening hours are around 9:00 or 10:00 AM to early evening at 6:00 PM. Some museums (like palace interiors) are often closed on Mondays. It’s best to double-check hours on official tourism sites or ask locals, especially if you’re visiting in the off-season.
You’ll want to capture the grandeur of these sites. For exteriors, try to visit in the morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. Sunrise at a mountain fortress can be magical, with soft light and mist in the valleys.
However, photography might be restricted or require a permit at interiors like Sheki Khan's Palace. It’s best to always ask the staff.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing tall castle walls or interior ceilings. Drones are not allowed in or around some heritage sites without permission. So, use them cautiously far from airports or military areas.
Instead, take advantage of high viewpoints like the hills by the Shamakhi fortress or Baku’s Maiden Tower for panoramic shots.
Prepare for varying weather and terrain. Sturdy walking shoes are a must. You’ll be clambering over stone steps and uneven paths at fortresses.
In summer, pack sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Some castle ruins offer little shade, and it can get very hot midday. A refillable water bottle is handy since exploring and hiking can be thirsty work (and it reduces plastic waste).
If you’re traveling in spring or autumn, bring a light jacket or fleece. Mountain areas like Sheki or Guba can be cool in the evenings. A small backpack is useful for carrying essentials during hikes like the one at Chirag Gala.
Remember a basic first aid kit for minor scrapes and any personal medications you need, as pharmacies might not be available at remote stops.
Azerbaijanis are proud of their cultural heritage, so be a responsible visitor. Stick to established paths and avoid climbing on fragile structures when exploring ruins. Some castles are in rustic condition. Refrain from removing any stones or artifacts. It’s illegal and harms the site.
You might find old mosques or shrines in religious spaces within castle complexes inside Baku’s Old City. Dress modestly out of respect.
Engage with locals if they approach. Often, a nearby villager might be your spontaneous guide at a fortress.
A self-drive tour through Azerbaijan’s castles is a journey through history, scenery, and the open road. From the ancient walls of Baku to mountain-top ruins and ornate Khan palaces, you can discover hidden forts or quaint towns at your leisure.
When it comes to road trips, convenience matters. Consider renting a car with Finalrentals for a smooth experience. We offer easy online booking and competitive rates, so you can choose the right vehicle for your journey.
