Central Azerbaijan · 320 km from Baku · spa town
Naftalan is a genuinely unusual destination — a small spa town built entirely around a unique therapeutic crude oil with documented medical use dating back centuries, believed by Soviet-era and contemporary doctors alike to help with joint and skin conditions. Naftalan oil baths remain in active medical use today, and several resort hotels offer treatment packages alongside standard accommodation.
This isn't a conventional tourist stop — most visitors come specifically for the spa treatments rather than as part of a sightseeing loop. It works best as a wellness-focused addition to a longer itinerary rather than a standalone destination, given the considerable drive from Baku.