Best Day Trips from Baku: Gobustan, Quba & More
Top day trips from Baku you can do in one day. Explore Gobustan petroglyphs, Quba mountains, Shamakhi wineries, and the Absheron Peninsula.
Best Day Trips from Baku: Gobustan, Quba & More
Baku is great, but some of Azerbaijan's best sights are just a short drive away. Here are the top day trips you can do without spending the night.
1. Gobustan & Mud Volcanoes 🌋
Distance: 60 km south | Time: 6-8 hours round trip
What You'll See:
- Gobustan National Park: 40,000-year-old rock carvings (petroglyphs).
- Mud Volcanoes: Bubbling cold mud (half of the world's mud volcanoes are in Azerbaijan!).
- Bibi-Heybat Mosque: Beautiful reconstruction of a 13th-century mosque.
How to Go:
- Tour: ~60 AZN per person (includes transport + guide).
- DIY: Bus #125 from 28 May Station to Gobustan village, then taxi to sites (~30 AZN total).
Best For: History lovers, photographers.
2. Absheron Peninsula (Fire Temples) 🔥
Distance: 30 km northeast | Time: 4-5 hours
What You'll See:
- Ateshgah Fire Temple: Ancient Zoroastrian temple with eternal flames.
- Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain): Natural gas flames burning on a hillside.
- Mardakan Castle: Medieval fortress.
How to Go:
- Tour: ~40 AZN per person.
- DIY: Bus or taxi (~20-30 AZN).
Best For: Culture and fire enthusiasts.
3. Quba & Khinalig 🏔️
Distance: 170 km north | Time: 10-12 hours (long day!)
What You'll See:
- Quba: Apple orchards, Qechresh Forest (red mountain).
- Khinalig Village: One of the highest and oldest continuously inhabited villages in the Caucasus (2,300m altitude). Requires 4x4.
How to Go:
- Tour: ~100-150 AZN (includes 4x4 to Khinalig).
- DIY: Bus to Quba (5 AZN), then hire a 4x4 locally (~80 AZN).
Best For: Adventure seekers, mountain lovers.
4. Shamakhi & Lahij 🍷
Distance: 120 km west | Time: 8-10 hours
What You'll See:
- Shamakhi: Juma Mosque (one of the oldest in the Caucasus), Diri Baba Mausoleum.
- Lahij: Ancient copper-smithing village with cobblestone streets.
How to Go:
- Tour: ~80-100 AZN.
- DIY: Marshrutka to Shamakhi, then taxi to Lahij.
Best For: Craft lovers, off-the-beaten-path explorers.
5. Qobustan Beach & Caspian Coast 🏖️
Distance: 50 km south | Time: Half day
What You'll See:
- Beaches: Bilgah, Mardakan, Novkhani (popular with locals in summer).
- Seafood Restaurants: Fresh Caspian fish.
How to Go:
- Taxi/Bolt: ~15-20 AZN one way.
- Bus: Cheap but slower.
Best For: Summer relaxation, seafood lovers.
Summary Table
| Destination | Distance | Time | Cost (Tour) | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gobustan | 60 km | 6-8h | ~60 AZN | Year-round |
| Absheron | 30 km | 4-5h | ~40 AZN | Year-round |
| Quba/Khinalig | 170 km | 10-12h | ~120 AZN | May-Oct |
| Shamakhi/Lahij | 120 km | 8-10h | ~90 AZN | Apr-Oct |
| Beaches | 50 km | 4h | ~30 AZN | Jun-Sep |
Pro Tips
- Book Tours: If you don't want to deal with logistics, book through GetYourGuide or local agencies.
- Start Early: Most day trips require an early start (8-9 AM).
- Bring Snacks: Food options can be limited in remote areas.
Happy exploring!