10 Hidden Gems in Azerbaijan That Most Tourists Miss
6 min read · Updated January 2026
Most Azerbaijan visitors stick to Baku, Sheki, and Gabala. These ten places — barely touched by tourism — are where the most extraordinary experiences happen.
Azerbaijan is compact enough to reach almost any destination in a day's drive, yet rich enough that most visitors barely scratch the surface. These are the places our guides go when they want to experience Azerbaijan away from the tourist trail.
Khinalug
The highest inhabited village in the Caucasus at 2,350m. 5,000 years of continuous settlement. A language unlike any other on earth. Almost nobody goes there.
Ordubad, Nakhchivan
A botanical garden and medieval town in the Araz Valley, accessible only via Nakhchivan. Extraordinary walnuts, pomegranates, and craftsmanship.
Lahij village
The copper craftsmen's village where 18 ancient craft guilds still operate. 2,000 years of continuous metalworking tradition. 150km from Baku.
Krasnaya Sloboda
The world's only entirely Jewish village outside Israel. 2,500 years of Mountain Jewish culture. Directly across the river from Quba.
Naftalan
The therapeutic oil bath city. A genuinely unique wellness experience that has attracted visitors since the 13th century. Mostly Azerbaijani and Russian visitors — almost no Western tourists.
Hirkan National Park
An ancient forest in subtropical Lankaran where trees that survived the Ice Age still stand. UNESCO biosphere reserve. Rarely visited.
Lerik
Azerbaijan's Longevity Village in the far south. More centenarians per capita than almost anywhere. Traditional way of life preserved.
Mingachevir Reservoir
'The Sea of Azerbaijan' — a vast reservoir with beaches, sailing, and sunsets. Popular with locals, unknown to tourists.
Kish Albanian Church
A 1st-century church near Sheki — one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. Believed to be the first church built in the Caucasus.
Duzdag Salt Caves, Nakhchivan
Underground salt mine converted to a therapeutic spa. Patients with respiratory conditions sleep in the caves overnight.