Discovering Azerbaijan: From Baku’s Seaside Charm to the Silk Road Soul of Shaki
On the edge of the Caspian Sea, Baku instantly stands out with its striking blend of past and present. Sleek modern icons like the Flame Towers and the flowing curves of the Heydar Aliyev Center sit side by side with the UNESCO-listed Old City (Icherisheher), where winding streets lead to landmarks such as the Maiden Tower, the Shirvanshahs’ Palace, and centuries-old stone alleys full of character.
A walk along the seaside Boulevard shows a more laid-back side of the city, with cosy cafés, green parks, and wide-open views of the water.
Leaving the capital behind, a scenic train journey leads to Azerbaijan’s north-west, a region defined by striking landscapes, deep-rooted traditions, and an authentic sense of local life. This is where you reach Gabala.
In Gabala, the rhythm of the seasons shapes the experience. Summer invites visitors to hike through forested trails and discover hidden waterfalls, while winter transforms the region into a snowy playground for skiing and snowboarding. In between, it remains an ideal setting to simply unwind at tranquil mountain resorts.
Often considered Azerbaijan’s outdoor resort hub, Gabala offers a wide range of activities year-round. Warmer months bring adrenaline-fuelled experiences such as quad biking, paragliding, shooting, and hiking, while many hotels complement the adventure with high-quality spas and swimming pools. For those seeking wellness, properties like Yengice Thermal Resort Hotel and Chenot Palace offer specialised treatments, from thermal springs and petroleum-based medicinal baths to advanced therapies such as cryotherapy.
Gabala is accessible throughout the year via multiple transport options. For a comfortable and scenic journey, travellers can take a direct passenger train on the Baku-Gabala route. Alternatively, the Baku-Gazakh train to Laki station, followed by a transfer to the Ganja-Gabala line, provides another convenient connection. Along the way, small villages keep old Silk Road customs alive through handmade crafts, home-style food, and genuine hospitality.
The journey’s other highlight is Shaki, a historic Silk Road town set at the foot of the Greater Caucasus. Recognised by UNESCO, it carries a distinct atmosphere where history feels vividly present. The Shaki Khan’s Palace stands out with its intricate stained-glass shebeke windows, while caravanserais, cobbled streets, and pastry shops known for Shaki halva contribute to the town’s enduring character.
The historic centre of Shaki is both a state historical and architectural reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the northern part of the city, it preserves the layered legacy of the Silk Road through its original buildings, artisan workshops, and traditional caravanserais.
The city’s past prosperity, shaped by silk production, remains evident in its architecture. Shaki Fortress, once the citadel of the Shaki Khanate (1743–1819), dominates the landscape. Within its walls lies the Shaki Khan’s Palace, built in the 1760s as the administrative residence of the khans. Surrounded by centuries-old plane trees, the palace is defined by richly painted interiors and elaborate patterns, alongside its distinctive shebeke windows - crafted from small wooden pieces and thousands of coloured glass fragments without the use of glue or nails.
Within the fortress, several small museums and workshops showcase local craftsmanship, including the Museum of Folk and Applied Arts, the House of Craftsmen, the ABAD Ceramics and Applied Arts Centre, and a dedicated shebeke workshop.
Beyond the fortress, additional sites reflect the city’s cultural heritage. These include the house museums of Azerbaijani literary figures Mirza Fatali Akhundzadeh and Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh, the Shakikhanovs’ House, and the 18th-century Upper Caravanserai, which now operates as a hotel. Nearby, the Yurd Yaddashi Miniature Museum presents detailed models of regional monuments and offers further insight into the history and everyday life of Shaki.
Between Baku and Balaken, travellers can also stop by local wineries, trek to hidden mountain lakes, and take in sweeping landscapes that turn the journey itself into an experience. It’s a route that brings together the buzz of a modern city and the quiet beauty of the Caucasus - offering something meaningful for every kind of traveller.
