Baku Region

Baku Region is a region in Azerbaijan, which includes the Absheron, Agsu, Baku, Haciqabul, Khyzy, Qobustan, and Shamakhi rayons.

Cities and towns

 * – Capital of the country whose historical center is a.
 * – In the 18th century, it was one of the largest cities in Azerbaijan.
 * (Şamaxı) – A former capital of the medieval state of Shirvan. It is famous for its traditional dancers, Şamaxı dancers, and its impressive mosque. It has a long history and was once a key city along the Silk Road.
 * – Due to its industrial plants, the Blacksmith Institute, a US environmental pollution agency, ranked the city as the most polluted city of the planet in 2006 and 2007.
 * – Absheron district capital, Xırdalan, is also home to the country's largest brewery, the Baltika Baku.

By plane

 * Heydar Aliyev International Airport is the nation's main airport.

By train
Trains from Russia, Georgia and even Turkey arrive at Baku Central Station.

By bus
International bus arrivals are available from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Iran, Belarus at Baku International Bus Terminal.

By thumb
Drivers are commonly friendly with backpackers and road trippers, so auto-stop is an option to go to Turkey and Georgia.

By boat
It is also possible to get to the region from Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan by sea. Vessels arrive at Port Alat.

Get around
The best way to explore the region and whole country is probably to rent a car. Rental services are available in Baku, but Aznur might just be your best choice.

The Baku Region is a great place for cycling. Azerbaijan also hosts the international Tour d'Azerbaidjan competition.

Azerbaijan has a well developed bus system within the country. Bus services are available from local terminals. There are many local buses from Baku available for day trips around the Baku Region.

Auto-stop is also an option to travel within the region.

Absheron Peninsula
There are several interesting sites here for a day trip from Baku.



Other mud volcanoes in the region


There are many more mud volcanoes around Baku, which can be found by having a look at a map like OpenStreetMap, which many mobile Apps like OsmAnd or Mapy.cz use.

Do

 * The Absheron rayon is home to one of the best beaches in Azerbaijan, in Novkhany. There are many luxury resort areas along the coast. Bus 171 from Koroghlu metro station stops near the beaches at Bilgah.

Eat
Roadside cafés and restaurants are oases, and somewhat points of interests for travellers. You definitely will happy to discover islands of civilization while road tripping.

Drink
There are many spring water points, especially near shrines and mountain areas. However, in the southern part of the region it can be a problem and only stores will be available.

Within Azerbaijan

 * Northeastern Azerbaijan in the north. Famous for its location by the Caspian Sea, with beaches and resorts, and remote mountain villages.
 * Sheki Region in the northwest. Gateway to the Azerbaijani Caucasus.
 * Southern Azerbaijan in the southwest.
 * Talysh Region in the south.

Outside Azerbaijan

 * Georgia – There are direct buses and trains to Tbilisi from Baku.
 * Iran – Buses take international travellers onwards from Baku there.
 * Turkmenistan – A ferry departs daily from Baku across the Caspian Sea to Turkmenbashi. This ferry has become a sleeper hit with backpackers on the Silk Road, but is very uncomfortable and should only be taken by adventure-seekers.
 * Kazakhstan – A ferry departs irregularly to Aktau (every 7–10 days maybe). Docks are located 2 km to the west of the old town in Baku. It is difficult to get tickets.