While there's plenty to see and do in Baku city, if you really want to experience the magic of Azerbaijan we highly recommend getting out in the countryside and visiting some of these incredible attractions - most of which can be reached on a day trip from the Azeri capital, while some, like Xınalıq, you'll want to relax for at least a few nights.

Absheron National Park

Absheron National Park is a vital part of the territory of the Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests' ecoregion. The area is well known and highly valued because it's inhabited by numerous flora and fauna species, including the endangered gazelles and Caspian seals. One of the drawbacks is that the park is a bit hard to find due to the lack of sufficient street signs. The best option for the tourists is to join an organized daily tour and enjoy some beautiful landscaped without having to worry about getting lost.

Gobustan National Park

Gobustan is a fascinating State reserve, located about 40 miles away from the centre of Baku. The place is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the numerous (over 6,000) ancient rock carvings which date back to somewhere between 5,000 and 20,000 years. Gobsutan park is also known for its mud vulcanoes and gas-stones, which are also available for tourists.

Garasu Volcano

Azerbaijan is often referred to as the "mud volcano capital of the world." This might not sound very prestigious at first, but once you witness the sight of it, you somehow get respected. Garasu volcano is proudly listed as a part of the World List of Natural Sites of Tourist Attraction, and visitors never regret taking the time needed to visit it.

Palace of Shaki Khans

The Palace of Shaki Khans is a historical monument of great importance, which was nominated for UNESCO's List of World Heritage Sites back in 1998. This is the summer residence of the Shaki Khans - a Caucasian khanate from the 18th and 19th centuries. You can travel from Baku to Sheki by bus, by train or by car. Driving takes about four hours, while bus and train trips are slower and take about seven hours.

Sheki City

Sheki City used to be the capital of the Shaki Khanate back in the 18th century. Anyway, the village is way older and dates back to more than 2700 years ago. Except for the uniquely rich cultural heritage, the area is stunningly beautiful and suitable for the lovers of nature. You can travel from Baku to Sheki by bus, by train or by car. Driving takes about four hours, while bus and train trips are slower and take about seven hours.

Shirvan National Park

When you get tired and bored of the monotonous city landscape, it's always a tempting option to run to the nearest Natural park and hide from reality for a bit. Shirvan National Park and Reserve, which once was the bottom of the Caspian Sea, is a lovely place to do that. You can get from Baku to Shirvan National Park by car or by train. The drive is about two hours, while the train ride takes about five hours.

Xınalıq

Also known as Khinalug, Khinalugh or Khinalig, regardless of how this ancient Caucasian village is spelled it's a true sight to behold and worth making the some 220km and circa 4-hour drive from Baku to visit. Located at an altitude of 2350 metres in an isolated corner of the Greater Caucus mountains, its 2000 strong population still speak there own local language and adhere to local traditions and customs. A truly fascinating place to visit if you get the chance.