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The best of summer in Azerbaijan

Summer is a great time to visit Azerbaijan and to explore everything the country has to offer. It’s the perfect time for families to reconnect and experience unforgettable moments. Renowned for its mesmerising natural heritage, rich culinary culture, and exciting cities, the country can offer visitors and families a relaxing yet action-filled holiday. 

One can easily spend 10 days in Azerbaijan experiencing Baku’s amalgamation of old and new and exploring the splendid mountains and untouched greenery of the country’s regions. From June to September, Azerbaijan is sunny and bright with a cool breeze: the perfect weather to take part in exhilarating outdoor activities. Here’s a list of some fun things to see and do in Azerbaijan during the summer.

Check out the primitive petroglyphs of Gobustan and the natural wonder of mud volcanoes

Rising out of the semi-desert, Gobustan is a UNESCO Cultural Landscape of more than 6,000 rock engravings. Tourists can also see graffiti by a Roman legionary - the furthest east it has ever been found.  These petroglyphs are artistic chronicles of the past and bear great importance for studying both the pre-history of humanity and several spheres of primitive art. Gobustan’s monuments cover a period of approximately 20,000 years beginning from the end of the Upper Palaeolithic age till the beginning of this era. 

Interesting fact: Around 350 out of the 800 mud volcanoes known in the world are located in the Gobustan region of Azerbaijan. 

Gaze through the galaxy at Tusi-Bohm Planetarium and double down on entertainment at the Megafun centre 

Journey through the planets and across the galaxy at Tusi-Bohm’s state-of-the-art planetarium located in the heart of Baku. Powered by a phenomenal 4K projector, the planetarium offers scores of movies, cartoons, enlightening documentaries and special exhibits. 

Venue - The Tusi-Bohm Planetarium is at 1 Neftchilar Avenue, Park Bulvar Shopping Centre, 4th floor, Baku. A 30-minute walk or 3-minute drive away from the planetarium is the Megafun entertainment centre.

A summer vacation is incomplete without sun, sand and sea.

Visit Amburan Beach Club and Amburan Mall.  Amburan Beach Club is a resort with pools, aquapark, playground, kids club, restaurants and a beach suitable for families with children. Amburan Mall is just across the road and its second floor has a small kids’ entertainment zone with interesting activities including a VR room.

Other family friendly resorts include the Sea Breeze Resort, Bilgah Beach Resort, and Dalga Beach Resort with pools, kids’ playgrounds, restaurants and beaches perfect for a day on the beach. 

Don’t miss visiting the first and only kitesurfing centre in Shuraabad which offers a unique and exciting experience for anyone interested in water sports. The centre offers kitesurfing courses for kids and adults.

Horse riding is a great nature adventure

Visit Omar Riding Club in Mehdiabad, which is approximately a 50-minute drive from Baku. In addition to horse riding, there are several other activities that families can enjoy together including a natural lake where you can ride boats or catamarans, or even go fishing. There’s also a mini zoo to entertain the little ones, as well as a fun children’s playground. 

Attend an international music festival in Baku.

Zhara is an annual international summer music festival that takes place in Baku on the coast of the Caspian Sea. It’s the capital’s largest summer event attracting tens of thousands of spectators and millions of viewers. Zhara 19 will be a 4-day festival featuring many popular international artists.

Venue - The festival takes place at the internationally renowned Sea Breeze Resort & Residences beach hotel, which is located 14 km from the Heydar Aliyev International Airport, in the picturesque area of Nardaran, right by the Caspian Sea.

Enjoy some quiet time at Silent Lake 

Silent Lake Shamakhi is situated 125 km from Baku and can be reached very easily. It’s a fantastic place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, relax and have a great time. Hidden between the mountains and surrounded by breathtaking views, this place is a piece of paradise on earth. 

Azerbaijan is rich in culture, attractions, delicious food and music. One can have a great summer vacation by discovering the hidden gems of this beautiful country, by simply walking around Baku, which feels like an open-air museum, by exploring the various family friendly activities and resorts or by relaxing and unwinding at Silent Lake.