Caspian Sea Beaches Near Baku: Complete Guide
Best beaches near Baku for swimming and relaxation. Guide to Bilgah, Mardakan, Novkhani, and Nabran with transport, facilities, and tips.
Caspian Sea Beaches Near Baku: Complete Guide
The Caspian Sea isn't the Mediterranean, but on a hot summer day, it's a welcome escape. Here are the best beaches near Baku.
Important: The Caspian Sea 🌊
- Is it salty? No, it's a lake (the world's largest). The water is slightly brackish.
- Is it clean? Varies. Some beaches are clean, some are not. Stick to the recommended ones below.
- Swimming Season: June - September.
1. Bilgah Beach 🏖️
Distance: 30 km north of Baku | Time: 40 min
What to Expect:
- Type: Mix of public and private beach clubs.
- Facilities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, cafes, showers.
- Crowd: Very popular with locals on weekends.
- Cost: Public areas are free. Beach clubs charge 10-20 AZN for sunbed + umbrella.
How to Get There:
- Taxi/Bolt: ~15-20 AZN one way.
- Bus: Cheap but slower.
Best For: Families, day trips.
2. Mardakan Beach 🌴
Distance: 35 km northeast | Time: 45 min
What to Expect:
- Type: Quieter than Bilgah.
- Facilities: Basic. Some cafes.
- Crowd: Moderate.
- Cost: Mostly free.
How to Get There:
- Taxi/Bolt: ~18-22 AZN.
Best For: Those seeking a less crowded experience.
3. Novkhani Beach 🏝️
Distance: 40 km north | Time: 50 min
What to Expect:
- Type: Developing area with new resorts.
- Facilities: Modern beach clubs.
- Crowd: Growing in popularity.
- Cost: 15-30 AZN for entry to private clubs.
Best For: Upscale beach day.
4. Nabran Beach 🌊
Distance: 200 km north | Time: 3 hours
What to Expect:
- Type: Azerbaijan's premier beach resort town.
- Facilities: Hotels, restaurants, water sports.
- Crowd: Very busy in summer.
- Cost: Varies by resort.
Best For: Weekend getaway, not a day trip.
Beach Clubs vs. Public Beaches 🏖️
| Type | Cost | Facilities | Cleanliness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public | Free | Basic/None | Variable |
| Beach Club | 10-30 AZN | Sunbeds, showers, cafes | Good |
Recommendation: Pay for a beach club. It's worth it for the comfort and cleanliness.
What to Bring 🎒
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Hat & Sunglasses
- Cash (many places don't take cards)
- Flip-flops
Safety Tips ⚠️
- Lifeguards: Rare. Swim at your own risk.
- Jellyfish: Occasionally present. Not dangerous but can sting.
- Valuables: Don't leave them unattended. Use beach club lockers if available.
Summary
- Best Overall: Bilgah (close, good facilities).
- Best for Peace: Mardakan.
- Best for Luxury: Novkhani beach clubs.
Enjoy the Caspian! 🌊