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So whatever plans you had for your next romantic holiday, put them aside and take another good look at all the lovely spots Azerbaijan has to offer.
1- The bright blue waters of Lake Goygol
What gives Lake Goygol its pretty blue colour? Probably mountain waters that are as pure as love. In all seriousness, it’s hard to think of a more romantic spot in Azerbaijan. You can stroll hand in hand for hours along its coast, breathing in maple and oak aromas, and fresh mountain air. And if you visit in autumn, you can watch the trees turn gold and red like a setting sun.
It’s a 5 hour drive – or a 4 hour fast train – from Baku’s city centre. Once you arrive, your best option is to stay at the nearby city of Ganja, one hour away from the lake. Or, if you book early enough, you can find accommodation right by the lake itself.
Tip: You can also catch a bus to nearby Lake Maralgol – we’d highly recommend doing so if you have time.
2- Sunset dining by the Caspian Sea
The long Caspian coast makes for the perfect background for a dinner date. Of course, you want food that’s just as good as the view. Luckily, Baku is happy to oblige with seaside restaurants like Derya Fish House, combining fresh local ingredients and culinary influences from Turkey, Iran, Russia and Georgia.
A more traditional – yet just as romantic – option would be finding a restaurant in the walled medieval city of Icherisheher. Among these, Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant and its rustic stone-arched interior is quite the darling. Here you can explore authentic Azerbaijani cuisine in depth, trying out everything from kükü – think of it as eastern quiche – to meat and rice packed dolma. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on Azerbaijan’s amazing tea.
3- Maiden Tower, Shirvansahs’ Palace, and the timeless streets of the old city
Icherisheher is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a mythical place in the centre of a modern city. Inside of Baku’s medieval walls, you’ll find the stunning Shirvanshahs’ Palace, as well as the storied Maiden Tower. There are many legends behind its name, but one is particularly worth sharing. It involves a brave maiden with hair of fire who not only defends Baku from doom, but also makes the enemy commander fall in love with her.
Aside from palaces and towers, Icherisheher’s small streets are lined with cute little houses, cafes, shops and studios. It’s easy to spend hours here and feel like it was just minutes. As we said, earlier… timeless.
Tip: Also take the funicular up for a view of the city and watch the Flame Towers change colour at night.
4- The eternal flames of Yanardag
You know that cosy feeling you get from being next to a fire with the person you love? Triple that and add some wow factor, and you’ll get a pretty good description of a visit to Yanardag. This 10 metre wide eternal flame is lit by the earth itself, and an unforgettable natural phenomenon. The whole region was once a holy place for the fire-worshipping Zoroastrian religion, as you can see from the nearby Ateshgah Temple. Both are only half an hour from Baku, so head out after sunset and you can visit both in one romantic trip.
It’s really poetic if you think about it – it’s like Yanardag’s heart is forever burning for a lover whose name we’ll never know.
5- Sheki for a romantic getaway on the old Silk Road
Somehow, this Silk Road hub a few hours north from Baku is not on many visitors’ radar. But for those who do visit, the city is incredibly rewarding. The first spot to catch your eye will be the blue, turqoise and white tiles of the Khan’s Palace. But like with a great book, what’s inside is even better than what’s on the cover. There’s a 100% guarantee your jaw will drop as you take in the delicately detailed designs lining the walls and ceilings, or the multi-colour rays of light shining through the stained glass squares of the traditional wooden shebeke windows.
Afterward, you can walk through the courtyard of the Caravanserai, imagining all the traders from east and west who stopped here. And while you’re in Sheki, you shouldn’t miss out on the little village of Kish on the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains – and its stone and red brick Albanian church.
6- The winter paradise of Shahdag Hotel & Spa
With a style combining West Asian charm, Eastern European grandeur and skiing that rivals the Alps, this resort has it all. Its spa offers a Turkish hamam as well as a sauna and heated pool. Its food delights include everything from rich Azerbaijani soups and grills to modern Asian cuisine. And it’s not just the ideal place for skiing, snowboarding and cuddling. Visit in the summer and this romantic spot lets you explore Azerbaijan’s green mountain landscapes on horseback.
7- Sun, sea and tranquility on the Absheron Peninsula
The land of fire may be better known for its epic mountains, burning hills, mud volcanoes and moon-like landscapes. But with its 500km coast line, the Caspian Sea makes Azerbaijan attractive for those who want a romantic spot for a summer holiday. With the beaches of the Absheron Peninsula, you won’t even have to drive an hour from Baku to reach your sun-and-sea destination.
Bilgah Beach Hotel is ideal if you’d like to stay for a while and treat yourself, while Amburan Beach Club is a cool option if you’re just spending the day there.
8- Ismayilli for stunning wines and sweet views
The Ismayilli region is best known for a tiny but very special place; Lahij, a mountain village of less than 1000 people popular for its copper crafts. But it’s also home to Azerbaijan’s most fruitful vineyards. Of course, it isn’t just the wines that will make you dizzy here, but the majestic mountains against the horizon. To get a good taste of Ismayilli, take a tour to Shato Monolit, a winery with a luxury hotel in nearby Hajihatamli.
Ismayilli is also a stronghold of Russian culture, which you can see for yourself in the izba style homes in the village of Ivanovka. You might also notice more blonde hair and blue eyes than the national average.
9- Gusar and Guba for long walks full of natural wonder
Some of the most romantic spots in Azerbaijan can be found among its green crowned hills. And while every Azerbaijani has their personal favourite, you’ll find Gusar and Guba on top of most locals’ list. The good news is, you won’t have to decide which one to choose, as they are only 15 minutes apart by car.
These pockets of natural bliss are also full of cultural treasures. For example Khinalig village, high up in the Caucaus Mountains, is one of the oldest established settlements on earth. Its remote position has kept its people safe from invasion for centuries – and even led to a language you won’t find anywhere else.
10- A mythical evening at the Azerbaijan State Opera
In the 20th century, Azerbaijan soaked up a lot of culture from Russia, both in the Imperial and Soviet era. One of the most valuable imports from the north was Russia’s famous operas. And since being built in 1911, the elegant State Opera building – combining art-nouveau, baroque and Moorish styles – has been home to dazzling displays of art. But what makes it unique is that it gives a western voice to eastern tales. For example, the tragic love epic of Leyli and Majnun.
BONUS: Bazaars to spice things up
You know that saying, “love is in the air?” For couples who share a passion for fine tastes, that’s what the bazaars of Azerbaijan will feel like. Visit Taza Bazaar for spices, pickles, jams, fresh watermelon, juicy cherries and caviar. And for the famed dried figs and apricots of Azerbaijan – plus rare samples of local food – head to the Yashil Bazaar.
