Tired of city crowds and tight schedules? Then skip Baku’s traffic and head for the hills. Azerbaijan’s countryside is a complete reset, with quiet roads, fresh air, and landscapes that change every hour. You’ll pass misty forests, lakes, and mountain villages where time feels slower. By renting a car in Azerbaijan, you can freely explore these peaceful spots. It’s the best way to discover the country’s raw beauty, one scenic drive at a time.
City life has its perks, but sometimes it’s the small towns and quiet roads that leave a lasting mark. Let’s look at how the Azerbaijan countryside compares to its cities in pace, scenery, and culture.
In Baku, areas like Fountain Square and Nizami Street are always buzzing. People move fast, cafés are full, and traffic on roads like Tbilisi Avenue barely slows. Ganja has its busy spots like Javad Khan Street and city bazaars, where the pace stays high from morning until night. In contrast, villages like Lahij, Kish, and Lerik move at a much slower rhythm. Locals sit in tea houses chatting over cay (tea), and the sound of roosters or rustling trees often replaces city noise.
In cities like Baku, you’ll see the Flame Towers, modern malls like Ganjlik Mall, and wide highways lined with high-rise buildings. Parks such as Upland Park and Dədə Qorqud Park offer green space, but they can get crowded, especially on weekends. Out in the countryside, the scenery changes fast. Driving through Lahij, Qakh, or the Talysh Mountains, you’ll pass rivers, walnut groves, forest trails, and open farmland. In regions like Dashkasan or Kalbajar, the road winds through alpine meadows with crisp air and sweeping mountain views.
In Baku, you’ll find ride-hailing apps like Bolt, international fast food chains, and shopping centers such as Port Baku Mall. Restaurants serve global cuisines, and English menus are common, especially in tourist areas. Everything feels modern and easy to access. In contrast, villages like Basqal, Kish, and Ordubad hold on to tradition. Locals still bake bread in outdoor clay ovens, weave carpets by hand, and cook meals from scratch using homegrown ingredients. In Lahij, silversmiths craft jewelry using centuries-old techniques.
These routes cover lakes, forests, highlands, and cultural landmarks—ideal for travelers driving in Azerbaijan.
To explore Astara by car, take the winding coastal road from Lankaran to Astara. The route runs parallel to the Caspian Sea, offering scenic views of the water on one side and green hills on the other. As you drive deeper into the region, you’ll notice the landscape shift. Rice paddies and citrus groves line the roadside, giving the area a lush, subtropical feel.
Make a stop at Yanar Bulag, a rare natural spring that releases both water and flammable gas. Light a match near the surface and watch the water catch fire. Afterward, head into the Hyrcanian forests for a slow, shaded drive through misty roads covered in tall, ancient trees. These forests are best explored in the morning when fog still clings to the branches and the air feels cool and fresh.
End your trip by following the coastal road south to the Iran border checkpoint. The town of Astara itself is small but charming, with local tea houses and peaceful sea views.
To explore Kish by car, begin your journey in Sheki. From there, the drive to Kish takes about 20 minutes through peaceful countryside roads. The route winds gently through green foothills, offering quiet scenes of grazing animals, orchards, and small farms along the way.
Once you arrive, park near the center of the village and continue on foot through cobbled paths lined with stone houses. A highlight of your visit is the Albanian Church of Kish, said to be one of the oldest Christian churches in the Caucasus. Driving here gives you the flexibility to enjoy the region without rushing. You can pause for photos along the roadside, stop at local homes selling jam or dried fruit, or continue deeper into the mountains for a peaceful picnic with a view.
Lake Maralgol is a hidden crater lake formed by volcanic activity, tucked deep within the Lesser Caucasus mountains. Surrounded by dense forests and highland slopes, the lake offers a peaceful setting far from city crowds.
Driving from Ganja, travelers pass through quiet villages and winding mountain roads. There is no direct public transport to the area, and driving is the only way to get here. The journey becomes more rugged as the forest thickens, so a 4x4 vehicle is best for the final stretch. The road ends near a trailhead, where a short hike leads to the lake.
Dashkasan is a highland region in western Azerbaijan known for its cool summers and pine-covered slopes. Unlike more touristy areas, it remains quiet and low-key, making it perfect for travelers who enjoy open landscapes and fresh mountain air.
The area is also home to the Dashkasan caves, a network of natural formations hidden among the hills. Driving to Dashkasan from Ganja or Naftalan offers a peaceful and scenic route. As you gain elevation, the road winds past forested hills, meadow clearings, and traditional villages where life moves slowly.
Wildflowers bloom in summer, and the air stays cool even during the hottest months, offering a pleasant break from the lowland heat. Once in the region, take your time driving through side roads and open fields. Many grassy meadows sit just off the main road, ideal for relaxing or enjoying a quiet picnic. The Dashkasan caves themselves are best reached with local guidance, as they're often hidden by trees or hills. Some are large enough to walk through, while others are tucked into rock walls.
Kalbajar is one of Azerbaijan’s most scenic and remote regions, recently reopened to travelers after years of restricted access. Tucked in the western highlands, it’s known for its alpine landscapes, fast-flowing rivers, and mineral-rich hot springs.
As you drive into the region, the road climbs through narrow valleys, passing forested slopes and open mountain passes. One of the main highlights is Istisu, a historic spa area famous for its natural hot springs. The water here is rich in minerals and was once part of a major health resort. Today, you can stop and soak your hands or feet in the flowing streams near the road. Locals believe the water has healing properties, and the setting, surrounded by mountains and open skies, feels calming and far removed from city life.
The Talysh Mountains stretch across southern Azerbaijan near the Iranian border. This region is defined by foggy hills, dense forests, and remote highland farms tucked into steep valleys. The landscape shifts quickly as you drive. One moment you’re surrounded by mist and tall trees, the next you’re looking out over deep gorges with endless green slopes.
A drive through this area takes you to remote villages like Lerik and Yardimli, where life feels slow and grounded. Lerik is famously known as the “land of centenarians” thanks to its clean air and natural lifestle. Small cafes and roadside stalls appear now and then, offering local honey, herbs, or hot tea. Because the region is spread out and public transport is rare, having a car is essential. It allows you to explore smaller roads, take spontaneous stops for photos, or visit family-run guesthouses perched on mountain ridges.
Ordubad, located in the remote Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, is one of Azerbaijan’s least-visited yet most rewarding regions to explore by car. Surrounded by rocky canyons and high desert plateaus, this ancient town is known for its apricot orchards and traditional stone houses.
Driving to Ordubad from the capital of Nakhchivan City takes you through dramatic terrain. The route winds past dry valleys, red rock cliffs, and narrow ridges with wide views over the Aras River. You’ll pass through sleepy villages with hand-built homes, shepherds tending their flocks, and long rows of apricot trees, especially stunning in bloom or harvest season.
Once in town, the streets are narrow and lined with historic mosques, caravanserais, and small museums that reflect the region’s Silk Road past. However, Nakhchivan is separated from mainland Azerbaijan, so you’ll need to fly in and rent a car locally.
Countryside road trips in Azerbaijan bring you to places far from the usual routes. From subtropical forests to alpine lakes, every region offers a new experience. For a hassle-free experience, consider renting a car with Finalrentals. If you’re flying into Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, you can pick up your car right after landing. And if you’re staying in the city first, you can choose from several central pick-up locations that make it easy to start your journey when you're ready.
