Have you ever heard about the Door to Hell? It’s this mysterious crater in the middle of the…
Times visited: 1
Cities visited: Baku, Sheki
Villages visited: Kish, Gobustan
UNESCO sites visited: 3/5
When I found myself with a week off between exams and the start of my next semester in January 2018, I knew I wanted to travel somewhere new. The Caucasus had been calling me, and I decided to explore its most underrated gem – Azerbaijan.
With six full days to spend, I based myself in Baku, the country’s fascinating capital. I quickly got to know the city and grew to really like its unique vibe. And my hostel? Hands down the best and most fun hostel experience I’ve ever had!
But I didn’t just stick to the city. I ventured two days up north to Sheki and Kish, where I explored an ancient church and went hiking in the snowy mountains with a local taxi driver. This quieter, mountainous side of Azerbaijan completely stole my heart. Back in Baku, I took a day trip to Gobustan National Park to marvel at ancient petroglyphs and watch bubbling mud volcanoes erupt. For my final afternoon, I hung out with two new friends at Yanar Dag – Azerbaijan’s famous “burning mountain.”
My time in Azerbaijan was incredible. I was genuinely surprised by the country’s beauty, especially considering how few tourists visit compared to its neighbours, Armenia and Georgia.