Lankaran is known as the tea capital of the country. In this region in southern Azerbaijan, you’ll drive through mountains and coastal plains until you reach lush tea plantations near the Caspian Sea. Lankaran’s subtropical climate makes it one of the places where Azerbaijani black tea thrives, and you can taste it right at the source. You can explore at your own pace, especially if you rent a car in Baku. Our Lankaran travel guide will cover the best time to visit, how to reach the plantations, and the top things to see once you arrive.
Many travelers begin their trip in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. From there, it’s about 253 kilometers to Lankaran along the Caspian coast. The drive takes under 3 hours on the Bakı – Ələt Yolu (E119), which is a well-maintained highway. You’ll pass small towns, roadside cafés, and stretches of open coastal scenery. Once you leave the busy streets of Baku, the road becomes smoother and easier to navigate. Clear highway signs guide you along the E119 toward Salyan and then south to Masallı. From there, you continue toward Lankaran until you reach the green landscapes and tea plantations.
Lankaran’s environment is unique in Azerbaijan. It has a humid subtropical climate with warm temperatures and abundant rainfall. This contrasts the drier regions up north. This climate, along with the region’s fertile soil, creates perfect conditions for tea cultivation.
In the early 20th century, farmers started growing tea here, and during the Soviet era the industry expanded significantly. Today, Lankaran and its neighboring districts like Astara are the heart of Azerbaijan’s tea production. Azerbaijan is among the northernmost tea-growing areas in the world. That means when you visit Lankaran, you’re seeing tea plantations at the very edge of where tea can grow on the globe. The result is a distinct flavor of tea that locals are very proud of.
In Azerbaijani culture, offering tea is a gesture of warm hospitality. When you arrive in Lankaran, don’t be surprised if someone greets you with a glass of aromatic black tea. People here love to share their tea and their traditions. Sipping a strong cup of Lankaran tea, perhaps sweetened with local jam.
Timing your trip right can make a big difference. Generally, spring (April and May) is the best time to visit the tea plantations. During spring, the tea bushes are a vibrant bright green and the climate is comfortable. You’ll enjoy pleasant weather with temperatures that are warm but not too hot. This is perfect for walking around the plantations and sightseeing.
Another ideal period is early autumn (late September and early October). At that time, the summer heat fades into cooler temperatures but the days are still mostly dry. It’s also around the tea harvest season, so you might witness some picking or processing activities.
Summer is still an option if you don’t mind heat. The summer months (July and August) are hot and very humid in Lankaran, which can be a bit uncomfortable. Winters are mild and snow is rare. However, the tea fields are less active and the weather can be rainy, so most travelers prefer the warmer seasons.
When you visit Lankaran, you’ll quickly see why its tea plantations are such a big part of life here. The region’s subtropical climate, rich soil, and humidity from the Caspian Sea meeting the Talysh Mountains make it perfect for growing tea. Tea has been part of Lankaran’s story since the 19th century, but it truly expanded in the 1930s with large plantations.
The fields are beautiful to walk through, with waist-high tea bushes stretching in neat lines. The harvest starts in May when the leaves are young and tender. Many plantations still use hand-picking, a skill passed down for generations. Tours often take you through every step of tea making. It starts from picking the leaves to withering, rolling, oxidizing, and drying them in special fermentation rooms. Some even let you wear traditional tea picker clothing.
No visit is complete without tasting. Tea is served in a samovar, poured into pear-shaped armudu glasses. It is often enjoyed with Lankaran lemon slices, pumpkin jam, or sweet murabba. Some blends mix black tea with peach or barberry for a unique flavor. If you come in autumn, the Tea, Rice, and Citrus Festival is a lively way to enjoy the harvest season.
Khuray Village is one of the main hubs for Lankaran’s tea production. The hills around it are covered in plantations that have been worked for decades. Here, you can watch skilled pickers select only the youngest leaves, which give the tea its delicate taste. Tours usually include a walk through the fields and a visit to the drying rooms, where you’ll see the machinery and racks used in processing.
In the north of Lankaran, Göyşaban Village greets visitors with a giant tea samovar monument. This area is home to smaller, family-run plantations. It is perfect if you want a close-up look at local farming life. Because it’s near the Caspian Sea, the air here is fresh, and the climate is slightly different, giving the tea a special character. A trip to Göyşaban can also include time in nearby fishing villages. Here, you can enjoy fresh seafood alongside a steaming glass of tea.
If you want a full tea experience, the Nilado Green Tea Estate is the place to go. Spread over 143 acres, it produces about 80 tonnes of tea every year. The estate was built on the site of an old Soviet plantation and has been restored for tourists. Here, you can join the harvest, see the processing in action, and taste teas infused with fruits like peach and barberry. The tea house has mountain and sea views. The on-site hotel and restaurant make it easy to stay and soak in the atmosphere.
While tea is the main theme of your trip, Lankaran and its surroundings offer plenty of other things to see and do. Start with a stroll around Lankaran city. You can find remnants of the old city walls and a historic lighthouse that once served as a prison. In the town center, keep an eye out for a giant samovar monument. It’s a huge teapot sculpture that celebrates Lankaran’s tea heritage.
Don’t miss the lively Lankaran Bazaar, the local market. Walking through the bazaar is a feast for the senses. You’ll see heaps of fresh oranges, lemons, and of course stalls selling locally grown tea. It’s a great place to buy some Lankaran tea to take home, along with other treats. Bargaining is common. Even if you don’t buy anything, the friendly chatter and colorful displays are worth experiencing.
Nature lovers will also find highlights in this region. Just outside the city is Hirkan National Park, a lush forested area that is part of a UNESCO-listed biome unique to the Caspian region. If you enjoy hiking or bird-watching, the park is a must-visit with its ancient ironwood trees and diverse wildlife. Also, consider visiting the Caspian Sea beaches near Lankaran. The town sits along the coast, and you'll find quiet beaches where you can relax. The sand on some shores here is dark due to volcanic minerals.
For a change of scenery, you could take a day trip to the mountain town of Lerik, high in the Talysh Mountains, known for its cool climate and the Longevity Museum. Locals here are famous for living over 100 years. Or head a bit north to the Istisu hot springs in the nearby region for a therapeutic bath. Finally, don’t leave Lankaran without tasting the local cuisine. This area is known for dishes like lavangi, which is chicken or fish stuffed with ground walnuts and onions, slowly cooked for a rich flavor.
To help you make the most of your journey, keep these practical tips in mind:
A relaxing trip to Lankaran gives you more than scenic drives and fresh tea. You can walk through green fields, meet friendly locals, and taste tea right where it’s grown. The Caspian Sea views, mountain air, and rich traditions make every moment memorable. To make your journey convenient, rent a car with Final Rentals. Choose from a wide selection of vehicles, secure the best deals, and complete your booking online in minutes.
