A year in Azerbaijan: From the excitement of the Grand Prix to winter skiing adventures

Anyone who’s watched the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has caught a glimpse of the vibrant energy of Baku. The race winds through the city’s streets, showcasing a stunning blend of ancient landmarks and modern architecture in a country that’s rapidly evolving.

On April 30, the Grand Prix returns, bringing with it crowds of fans supporting the world’s fastest drivers. But Baku and Azerbaijan have so much more to offer beyond that single weekend each year.

From its fiery springs to its mountains that seem to burn with an otherworldly glow, Azerbaijan – the 'Land of Fire' – is a treasure trove of unique and awe-inspiring landscapes. The country’s rich cultural heritage is just as striking, with world-famous historical sites blending seamlessly with cutting-edge modernity.

Let Dinogo take you through the year as you explore all the wonders Azerbaijan has to offer, from its seasons to its surprises.

This year’s Grand Prix falls during Azerbaijan’s most vibrant season, spring. As the country celebrates Novruz – a festival celebrated across Central Asia – the snow begins to melt, flowers bloom, and temperatures gradually rise, offering the perfect conditions for outdoor adventures.

Spring Awakening

The Novruz festival, celebrated every March, marks the arrival of spring after the long, cold winter. The festivities begin four weeks before the equinox, each Tuesday dedicated to one of the four elements – earth, wind, fire, and water. With its roots stretching back thousands of years, Novruz is a time for ancient rituals, from jumping over bonfires to performing traditional dances. Food plays a big part too, with sweet, nut-filled pastries and levengi – a dish of fish or chicken stuffed with fruits, nuts, and spices – being the stars of the season.

Explore Azerbaijan’s breathtaking mountains

April marks the start of hiking season in Azerbaijan, and the country offers some of the most spectacular and challenging landscapes. From the towering peaks of the Greater Caucasus to the mystical forests of the Talysh Mountains and the striking red-and-white striped rock formations of the Candy Cane Mountains near Baku, the scenery is nothing short of extraordinary.

For those who enjoy long-distance hikes, Azerbaijan is now a part of the Transcaucasian Trail, which stretches from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea. Along the way, trekkers will pass ancient fortresses, sacred sites, and experience the warm hospitality of local villagers.

Wandering through Baku’s streets

Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, is a fascinating blend of the ancient and the modern. Wander the cobbled lanes of the Old City, still the cultural heart of Baku, and discover artists’ studios, charming cafés, and museums. Visit historical landmarks like the 12th-century Maiden Tower, the Shirvanshahs’ Palace, and centuries-old mosques and hammams. For a taste of modernity, don’t miss the striking Flame Towers and the futuristic Heydar Aliyev Center by Zaha Hadid.

Be sure to bring your appetite when you visit Baku, as the city is a melting pot of Azerbaijan’s culinary traditions. Sample a variety of plov, a fragrant saffron rice dish enjoyed across the country, or try dushbara – tiny dumplings filled with lamb or mutton and served in a savory broth.

Spotting wildlife

Azerbaijan's national parks come alive in the spring, bursting with wildflowers and teeming with wildlife. Head to Shirvan National Park in the southeastern part of the country for some incredible birdwatching. From April to June, giant flocks of little bustards can be seen, sometimes numbering more than 25,000 birds. The park's lowland steppes are also home to the iconic goitered gazelle, whose populations have made a remarkable recovery in recent decades.

Not far from Baku, Absheron National Park offers a unique mix of dry plains and coastal wetlands. This area is also famous for its birdlife, and if you’re lucky, you may spot a Caspian seal along the cape from spring to summer – one of the smallest seal species in the world.

Summers in Azerbaijan can be scorching, so escaping the city is a great idea. Whether you prefer the sparkling waters or the towering peaks, Azerbaijan’s diverse landscapes offer plenty of ways to cool down. That said, the cities don’t slow down either – Baku’s cultural scene remains vibrant, and the warm evenings are perfect for diving into the city’s nightlife.

Head to the Caspian Sea

When the temperatures soar, locals flock to the Caspian Sea. As the world’s largest inland body of water, the Caspian enjoys milder weather in July and August, making it the ideal destination to escape the heat.

Just outside Baku, the Absheron Peninsula is dotted with resorts perfect for unwinding. The northern coastline, with its pristine beaches in Bilgah, Mardakan, Pirshagi, Nardaran, and Zagulba, offers long stretches of golden sand with few crowds. Further south, Lankaran’s black volcanic sands stand out. If relaxation isn’t your thing, there are plenty of watersports to enjoy. Windsurfing is popular on the southern coast, and a 50-minute drive north of Baku, you’ll find Shorabad, home to a top-notch kitesurfing school.

Witness a grandmaster in action

Chess has a deep cultural significance in Azerbaijan, with both young and old embracing the game. This year, excitement will reach new heights with the FIDE World Cup, hosted in Baku. Set to take place from July to August, 206 players will compete for the title. Expect locals to rally behind homegrown grandmasters, including the current world number 10, Teimour Radjabov.

Dive into Azerbaijan’s ancient past

Gobustan, a coastal village just south of Baku, is home to over 6,000 UNESCO-listed rock carvings, some of which are more than 15,000 years old. These ancient works depict hunting scenes, dances, and animal symbolism, offering a glimpse into the region’s prehistoric life. From early depictions of oxen and horses to Neolithic scenes of sacrifice and ritual magic, the carvings span thousands of years. In the Middle Ages, Islamic inscriptions began to appear. These remarkable artworks are scattered across 20 sites on three hills within Gobustan State Reserve. Among them is the Gaval Dash, one of four “singing stones” in the reserve, which produces a hollow ringing sound when struck with smaller rocks.

Breathe in the refreshing mountain air

If the coast isn’t on your agenda, the next best way to escape the summer heat is by heading into the mountains. The northwestern city of Gakh serves as the gateway to picturesque mountain villages like Ilisu. Once a sultanate, Ilisu is known for its charming stone homes and thermal springs, believed to possess healing qualities. South of Gakh lies Sheki, an ancient city that once thrived as a Silk Road trading hub. The highlight here is the grand Sheki Khan’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 18th century using materials sourced from France, Russia, Iran, and the Ottoman Empire.

Autumn brings a welcome reprieve from Azerbaijan’s scorching summers. The sun still shines brightly, but the temperatures begin to cool, and the landscape takes on rich, rust-colored tones. It’s the perfect time to explore the lakes and national parks, and indulge in seasonal delights such as pomegranates, persimmons, and local wines.

Taste the finest honey and wine

Azerbaijan may not be as renowned for its wine as France or Italy, but it is one of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions, with a history of grape cultivation dating back thousands of years. The grape harvest takes place in early autumn, making it the ideal time to explore the country’s wineries. The Göygöl winery in northwestern Azerbaijan has been producing wine since 1860 and offers tastings in its original cellar. Alternatively, visit the Ismayilli region on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus mountains, home to Azerbaijan’s last functioning collective farm. Here, grapes are used to create the “Ivanovka” wine, and the area is also famous for its delicious honey—a perfect pairing.

Dance to the rhythm at Baku’s Jazz Festival

Each October, Baku comes alive with its vibrant international jazz festival. Established in 2005 by renowned Azerbaijani musician Rain Sultanov, the festival spans 10 exciting days of live concerts and jam sessions. Over the years, it has welcomed iconic artists like Herbie Hancock, Charles Lloyd, and Diana Krall. The festival offers both local and international musicians a platform to showcase their talents, while visitors can enjoy a wide range of jazz genres at various venues across the city, from grand concert halls to intimate cocktail bars.

Indulge in the taste of pomegranates

In Azerbaijan, pomegranates are more than just a fruit; they are a cultural symbol of prosperity, love, and eternity. The region of Goychay, located in central Azerbaijan, is particularly famous for its pomegranates, and in October, it hosts the Nay Bayrami, or Pomegranate Festival. The event attracts thousands of visitors and showcases the fruit in a variety of dishes, from jams and cakes to dumplings and stews. The festival also features fun competitions, such as contests for the largest pomegranate and the fastest manual pomegranate juicer.

Marvel at the beauty of Lake Göygöl

Göygöl, which means 'blue lake,' is a fitting name for this stunning body of water nestled at the base of Mount Kapaz in Göygöl National Park. Known as the jewel of a group of lakes formed after a massive earthquake in 1139, it is surrounded by lush forests, making it an ideal spot for a serene visit during the autumn months when the leaves begin to change color. The area offers numerous hiking trails and is home to diverse wildlife, including wolves, jackals, and even bears.

Even in the coldest months, Azerbaijan offers plenty of adventure. The Caucasus Mountains become a playground for skiers seeking the perfect slope, and the 'Land of Fire' boasts a range of extraordinary geographic wonders for visitors to explore.

Hit the slopes in style

For those who love winter sports, the Caucasus Mountains provide an abundance of terrain for skiing and snowboarding. Shahdag Mountain Resort, located beneath the towering Mount Shahdag, is a top destination for winter getaways, with the largest ski area in the region. The resort features lifts that reach up to 7,713 feet (2,351 meters), and 14 miles (23 kilometers) of pristine pistes. With temperatures plunging below -4°F (-20°C), Shahdag’s snow cannons ensure that the slopes stay covered with a fresh blanket of snow, even when nature's supply is lacking.

Discover why Azerbaijan is known as the 'Land of Fire'

Azerbaijan is home to some of the world's most unique natural fires, thanks to its vast natural gas reserves. On the Absheron Peninsula, the Yanar Dag ('burning mountainside') has been continuously ablaze for over 4,000 years, defying weather conditions. The Ateshgah Fire Temple near Baku is also worth a visit, where, despite the gas now being supplied by modern utilities, you can still experience the ancient fire rituals. But for a truly unusual experience, head to Yanar Bulgag fire spring near Astara in the south, where water ignites due to its high methane content, attracting visitors who believe in its therapeutic properties.

Get ready to ‘cut a rug’ – but maybe not in the way you think.

Did you know there are seven distinct schools of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan? The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum in Baku, which is designed to resemble a rolled-up carpet, is the perfect place to explore this cultural treasure. With over 6,000 artifacts, the museum showcases the nation’s rich heritage, offering insight into the historical and cultural importance of carpets, as well as traditional costumes, ceramics, and jewelry. Keep an eye out for rotating exhibitions featuring textiles from around the world.

Take a dip in bubbling mud

While Azerbaijan may be famous as the land of fire, it’s also known for its incredible mud volcanoes. With over 400 volcanoes, including the largest in the world, it’s a place where you can experience the quirky phenomenon of bubbling mud. A visit to Gobustan, just 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Baku, will allow you to explore these volcanic oddities, with opportunities to climb the volcanoes or even bathe in the therapeutic mud—just be cautious of those with radioactive material.