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a journey through Azerbaijan one season at a time

From lazy summers on the Caspian Sea to snow-capped winter adventures, Azerbaijan, nestled between Europe and the Middle East, offers year-round interest to travelers.

Summer: A Caspian getaway

Summer is the ideal season for a leisurely retreat to the Caspian Sea. And Azerbaijan's Caspian coastline, stretching over 800 kilometers, comes alive as the temperature rises. As azure waters crash upon golden sands, visitors are granted a picture-perfect backdrop for relaxation and exploration.

In the nation’s capital, Baku Boulevard wraps around the seafront, creating a beautiful place to sit and experience a different side of the city. The route will also take you to many attractions such as Deniz Mall, the Carpet Museum, and the Baku Eye. Also within easy reach is Little Venice, complete with gondolas for a relaxing boat trip through manicured gardens.

The nearby old town, with the striking Nizami Street at its heart, is the perfect place to enjoy the city’s historical architecture, before finding a local café to soak up the atmosphere of the vibrant Fountain Square. As the sun sets, head back to the coastline as it transforms into a romantic retreat, where you can stroll along the shores and enjoy a magical view over the water.

Baku is within easy reach of the Absheron Peninsula – the most remote still being within an hour’s drive. Whether you’re taking a day trip or decamping for the week, Absheron’s pristine coastline offers a wide array of active experiences, including hiking, ziplining, and paragliding. And for music fans, the peninsula has a vibrant late-night scene, which plays host to a variety of music festivals in the summer months.

Autumn: A time for cultural discovery

Autumn brings color and culture to the shores of Azerbaijan, as vineyards across the country begin harvesting the grapes to make this year’s crop of local wine. With the use of an array of grape varieties including Madrasa, Bayan Shira, Khindogni, and Azerbaijan’s unique pomegranate infusion, Autumn marks an influx of visitors looking to explore Azerbaijan’s budding wine scene.

At the heart of this scene is the country’s annual Wine and Grape festival. The three-day festival aims to promote local production of wine, increase export potential, and highlight the history of winemaking in Azerbaijan.

And for music lovers, Autumn brings with it the premier live jazz event in the South Caucuses, the Baku Jazz Festival.

With a remarkable line-up that draws visitors from around the globe, the festival's atmosphere blends seamlessly with the wider charm of Baku itself – with its bustling streets, warm hospitality, and rich history providing a fitting setting for all kinds of cultural expression. This includes spaces for art lovers, who can explore the Baku Museum of Modern Art and YARAT Contemporary Art Space.

Winter: Adventure and celebration

As snow sweeps across Azerbaijan, travelers can enjoy a trip of magical contrast. The cities are full of seasonal festivities bringing people together, while the mountains provide a chance to escape into an awe-inspiring natural environment.

For the adventurous, the nation's mountainous terrain is ideal for winter sports. Hit the slopes at Shahdag Mountain Resort in Gusar or Tufandag Winter Resort in Gabala, where snow-covered trails offer top-tier skiing and snowboarding experiences, surrounded by the beauty of snowy peaks. Or take a day-long hike on the Khinaliq-Galakhudat or Galakhudat-Griz trails to enjoy views of Mount Gizilgaya and the vast Gudyalchay river valley.

Meanwhile, the rest of Azerbaijan prepares for its legendary New Year's Eve celebrations. Baku Market transforms into a wonderland, with streets adorned with decoration, and the iconic Flame Towers illuminating the night sky. Visitors are invited to join the jubilant crowds as they gather to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new with a symphony of fireworks and festivities.

Spring: A season of tradition

With winter loosening its grip, Azerbaijan emerges from hibernation and bursts into color. But as the blossoms arrive, this change in weather marks another important milestone - the arrival of Novruz, a festival that represents the heart and soul of a nation.

The celebration of Novruz is a time-honored tradition that reflects the spirit of renewal, unity, and gratitude. Celebrated for over 3,000 years, the central tenet of Novruz is an elaborate spread adorned with seven symbolic items. Each item, such as sprouted wheat symbolizing rebirth or sumac berries signifying sunrise, pays homage to the triumph of light over darkness.

In destinations including Sheki, Basgal, Baku, and Lahij, you’ll find markets brimming with local delicacies, and the warmth that defines Azerbaijani hospitality. As the sun sets in Baku’s Yashil Bazar, visitors are encouraged to join families in public squares to embrace the Novruz tradition of leaping over bonfires – a symbolic act believed to cleanse the soul.

The beauty of Azerbaijan is not confined to a single season; it's a year-round invitation. Whether you're spellbound by the tradition of Novruz, enchanted by the shores of the Caspian Sea, immersed in the vibrant music of autumn, or exhilarated by winter sports, each season marks a new chapter in your journey through Azerbaijan.

Find out more about the seasons of Azerbaijan