Azerbaijan offers natural landscapes waiting to be explored. This country is perfect for adventure seekers, with lush forests and majestic mountains, serene lakes, and coastal vistas. Renting a car in Azerbaijan allows you to experience the changing terrain as you drive through diverse regions with unique ecosystems.
This guide presents carefully selected nature-focused road trip routes for those who want to experience Azerbaijan's nature firsthand.
This road trip in Azerbaijan takes you from the capital city to the northern highlands. As you leave Baku, the urban setting quickly gives way to open countryside and coastal views before the route turns inland toward forested mountains.
The first stop is in the Khizi region, where you’ll find the Candy Cane Mountains. These colorful hills feature naturally formed stripes in red, orange, pink, and white. They were shaped by the erosion of mineral deposits over millions of years. The colors are most vivid in the early morning, making them a great place to pause after leaving the city.
As you continue north, the scenery becomes greener and more mountainous. Quba is known for its dense forests and many apple varieties throughout the region. Many roadside stands offer fresh apples directly from local growers.
A highlight of the journey is Afurja Waterfall, one of the tallest in the country at 60 meters. It’s especially powerful in spring when melting snow feeds the cascade. A short walking path leads to viewing platforms to enjoy the cool mist and view the steep canyon walls covered in dense vegetation.
For those looking to spend more time in nature, Qecresh Forest is a great detour. The area offers shade even during summer, with winding trails that pass through wildflowers, ferns, and occasionally spotted wildlife. Families often stop here for a quiet picnic before continuing.
This road trip in Azerbaijan offers one of the most dramatic drives in the country. While the distance from Quba to Khinalug isn’t long, the elevation gain and changing road conditions make it feel like a true adventure. The smooth asphalt fades into gravel and dirt as you climb, but the spectacular mountain views more than make up for it.
At around 2,350 meters above sea level, Khinalug is one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in the Caucasus. The village has been home to people for over 5,000 years. Its remote location has preserved unique customs, architecture, and language spoken nowhere else. Stone houses with flat roofs line the hillside and blend into the mountain landscape.
Once you reach Khinalug, you're surrounded by open hiking terrain. Whether you're up for a short walk or a longer trek, the area offers clear trails with sweeping views. On a good day, you can see distant villages and peaks stretching across the horizon. Local guides are often available if you want insights into native plants and mountain life.
This route is best driven in summer or early autumn when skies are clear, and roads are more manageable. In spring, beautiful wildflowers cover the hillsides. In contrast, winter can make the road dangerous or impassable due to snow and ice.
A four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended. The steep inclines and uneven surfaces can be tough for regular cars, especially closer to the village.
This road trip in Azerbaijan takes you from the capital through wine country and into the mountains. As you leave Baku, the arid semi-desert landscape gives way to green hills and fertile farmland.
Shamakhi is one of Azerbaijan’s oldest cultural centers, known for its centuries-old winemaking tradition. Local wineries cultivate native grape varieties and often welcome visitors for tastings. The surrounding area, rich in forests and soft hills, offers scenic trails ideal for a quiet nature break.
Don't miss the Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum, where seven domed tombs honor the region's ruling dynasty. Nearby, the restored Juma Mosque symbolizes Shamakhi’s resilience and architectural legacy. Both landmarks sit among forested hills with mountain backdrops.
Leaving Shamakhi, the drive becomes more dramatic as you gain elevation. Deep valleys and sharp switchbacks offer sweeping views of the Greater Caucasus. Small villages appear along the way, with grazing sheep and simple hillside homes.
Leaving Lahij, the winding road continues through the foothills of the Greater Caucasus, leading to the quiet village of Basgal. Though close by, Basgal offers a distinct experience with its silk-weaving legacy and peaceful, narrow streets lined with stone houses and wood-carved balconies.
Basgal was once a regional center for silk production, and that heritage is still present today. You can visit small workshops where local weavers craft kelagayi—traditional Azerbaijani silk headscarves—by hand using age-old techniques. UNESCO recognizes these scarves as part of Azerbaijan’s intangible cultural heritage.
The village itself invites slow exploration. Its traditional architecture, mountain views, and laid-back rhythm contrast gently with more tourist-heavy stops. While here, enjoy a local meal, chat with artisans, or simply stroll the quiet stone lanes.
This scenic drive is a standout in any Azerbaijan road trip. It combines forested mountain terrain with rich cultural heritage. Departing Baku, the road winds northwest from arid plains to fertile farmland and eventually into the lush foothills of the Greater Caucasus. The scenery i one of the most memorable nature attractions in Azerbaijan.
The Ismayilli Nature Reserve is a must-stop en route to Sheki. Its dense forests are home to over 170 tree and shrub species, along with a wide range of birds and mammals, including roe deer and wild boar. Walking trails meander through woodland, and streams form hidden waterfalls and clear mountain pools.
Arriving in Sheki, the town is surrounded by chestnut and oak forests that climb the hillsides. Meanwhile, its historic center is anchored by the 18th-century Khan’s Palace. This UNESCO-recognized building is famous for its intricate stained-glass windows assembled without nails or glue.
The village of Gakh offers mountain views and traditional stone homes. Ilisu Waterfall, tucked into the forest, rewards hikers with a cool, misty cascade. Not far away, the Gelersen-Gorersen Fortress rises above a green valley, offering views of centuries-old ruins. The overall route fits well into a longer Azerbaijan road trip itinerary.
This southern leg of the Azerbaijan road trip itinerary takes you along the Caspian coast, through wetlands, hot springs, and tea plantations. It ends in one of the country’s most biologically rich forest zones and reveals the subtropical side of Azerbaijan.
Roughly halfway between Baku and Lankaran, Masalli is best known for its hot springs and lush forest surroundings. The naturally heated, mineral-rich waters offer therapeutic benefits, and local bathhouses make it easy to take a quick, relaxing dip.
Beyond the springs, the surrounding forests feature accessible hiking trails and shaded picnic areas beside small rivers. The area's year-round rainfall supports dense vegetation.
Arriving in Lankaran, the landscape becomes greener and more humid, perfect for growing tea. Neat rows of tea bushes stretch across the hillsides, a tradition that dates back to the early 1900s. Visitors can tour plantations, observe harvesting and drying processes, and enjoy freshly brewed local tea.
The highlight here is Hirkan National Park, home to rare and ancient forests that have survived since the Ice Age. Among the most notable residents is the Persian ironwood tree, which has thrived here for over 25 million years. Walking trails cut through dense forests and are dotted with signs detailing the region’s ecological history.
This region is also a hotspot for birdwatchers. Over 230 bird species have been recorded in Lankaran's wetlands, forests, and tea-growing areas. Migration seasons are particularly active, with flocks resting and feeding before continuing their journey. Mornings are best for spotting wildlife, so bring binoculars and prepare to move quietly through shaded trails.
Several shorter routes are available for nature lovers with limited time. These mini-routes can be completed in a single day or combined with major itineraries for extended exploration.
This route leads to one of Azerbaijan's most stunning alpine destinations. Lake Goygol, formed by a medieval earthquake, is known for its deep blue waters and the reflection of surrounding pine forests. Multiple hiking trails loop around the lakes. Higher trails reveal panoramic views of other lakes in the area. The dense forest is home to diverse wildlife, including several species of deer.
Ideal for travelers seeking mountain views with minimal effort, this route features a modern cable car system that ascends the slopes of the Greater Caucasus. From the upper station, marked trails guide visitors through alpine meadows and forested paths. Wildflowers cover the mountainsides during summer, turning the area into a colorful retreat. In winter, Tufandag becomes Azerbaijan’s premier ski hub with consistent snowfall and well-maintained slopes.
This lesser-known route offers a quiet, off-grid experience through rolling hills and mixed forests. Small, tranquil lakes break up the landscape, reflecting the sky and surrounding trees. Ancient mulberry trees line the rural roads that connect modest villages. The area’s low tourist traffic increases the chances of spotting wildlife. It’s a peaceful drive for those seeking nature, solitude, and slower-paced travel.
Understanding seasonal variations helps maximize your natural road trip experience.
When driving in Azerbaijan, you must familiarize yourself with local traffic patterns and laws. Speed limits are strictly enforced, and police checkpoints are frequent along major routes.
While road signs follow international symbols, some text appears only in Azerbaijani.
Highway conditions are generally good, but secondary roads may be poorly maintained. Fuel stations are common on main roads but rare in remote areas, so plan accordingly.
To rent a car in Azerbaijan, you'll need an international driving permit alongside your national driver’s license. Most rental companies require at least one year of driving experience. It's essential to carry your passport, rental agreement, and insurance documents at all times. You’ll find major rental agencies in Baku’s airport and city center, and booking in advance is highly recommended during peak seasons.
Opt for an SUV or crossover for mountain roads to ensure adequate clearance and capability. A standard sedan is sufficient for highways and city driving. Consider fuel efficiency for longer trips, as distances between attractions can be significant. Automatic transmissions make driving easier, especially on twisting mountain roads.
Azerbaijan’s mountains, forests, and open plains make it ideal for immersive road trips. Finalrentals makes it easier to explore it all with convenient pickup points, reliable vehicles, and round-the-clock support. Rent a car with Finalrentals and travel the country on your terms.
