Azerbaijan is brimming with geothermal wonders from healing oil baths to natural hot springs bubbling in its mountains. This unique blend of geothermal richness makes the country a paradise for wellness travelers.
And what is the best way to experience it all? By hitting the open road. Renting a car in Azerbaijan makes it easier to reach hidden springs and resorts tucked away in remote highlands and quaint villages. Keep reading to uncover the best geothermal spots in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan sits atop abundant natural heat and mineral resources, making it a geothermal treasure in the Caucasus. The country is home to hundreds of mineral-rich springs and even unique crude oil wells used for therapeutic baths. Locals have woven these natural spas into their healing culture for centuries. " Istisu” (meaning “hot water”) springs are traditional remedies for ailments ranging from rheumatism to skin conditions. Communities flock to these springs and mud baths, believing in their restorative powers.
The government now supports this healing tradition. Azerbaijan is working to grow eco-tourism and build more thermal resorts. Old Soviet spa centers like Naftalan and Galaalti have been updated into modern wellness resorts. New hot spring spots are also being developed in areas like Kalbajar and Nakhchivan.
There are over 930 mineral springs across Azerbaijan, and many are now open for visitors. With help from the government, these geothermal spots now have better facilities, trained staff, and research on their health benefits. Travelers can enjoy real healing experiences like oil baths and arsenic springs in safe places.
Here are the best geothermal spots in Azerbaijan to discover by road.
Naftalan Oil Baths offer a spa experience you won’t find anywhere else—bathing in warm crude oil. The thick black oil is known for helping with over 70 health problems, including skin issues like psoriasis and joint pain. Guests soak in the oil for about 10 minutes while they are closely watched. Afterward, the oil is gently cleaned off. It’s a healing ritual unlike any other.
The oil reduces swelling and improves blood flow, which can help with arthritis and eczema. These baths have been part of Azerbaijan’s wellness history for over 100 years. Today, the old Soviet sanatoriums have been turned into modern clinics and hotels for wellness visitors. While there, you can also visit the Naftalan Museum to learn more about its past. These oil baths offer healing and a deep look into Azerbaijan’s long tradition of natural wellness.
Galaalti Thermal Resort is about 1,000 meters above sea level in the green hills of northeast Azerbaijan. Located in Shabran, this wellness retreat is just 120 km from Baku. What makes it special is its mineral water, which is known for helping with kidney problems and improving metabolism. Many doctors recommend this water for people with kidney stones.
Guests can drink the water straight from the spring, but because of its natural compounds, it can’t be bottled. The resort also offers mineral baths and other treatments to help with digestion and body detox. All of this takes place in a peaceful setting, surrounded by fresh mountain air and quiet forests.
Masalli Istisu Hot Springs are located in the southern part of Azerbaijan, in the Masalli district. This area is home to one of the largest and oldest hot spring spots in the country. The water comes out at 60 to 70°C, rich in hydrogen sulfide, iodine, and calcium. Locals have used it for centuries to treat all sorts of health problems.
Soaking in the thermal pools can help ease joint and muscle pain. It is said that the water helps with rheumatism, skin issues, and kidney problems. At the Masalli Istisu Health Centre, you’ll find indoor baths and a large outdoor pool in a quiet, wooded area. After a 10 to 15 minute soak, you can feel relief from pain and notice smoother skin. For travelers, this is a rustic but refreshing stop.
Istisu Resort sits high in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the Kalbajar region, more than 2,200 meters above sea level. It was once a top wellness destination during the Soviet era, welcoming up to 50,000 guests a year. After many years of closure due to conflict, the area is now open again for travelers looking for natural thermal springs.
The 12 mineral springs in Istisu release hot, mineral-rich water at around 58°C. The water contains iron, lithium, magnesium, and iodine, which help with joint pain and skin problems. Visitors can soak in natural stone pools while enjoying fresh air and mountain views. There are no big spa buildings here—just raw nature and simple comforts. Bathing in these mountain springs, surrounded by peaceful views, is often the best thermal experience in Azerbaijan. It takes about 7 hours to get to Istisu by car from Baku. The last part of the drive is on winding mountain roads, so use a 4x4 vehicle.
Not far from Istisu in the Kalbajar district, you’ll find Zuar Hot Springs. It’s an excellent stop for road trippers looking for a quiet, natural spa. The springs sit beside a river and are reached by driving 17 km on a rough mountain road. The water can reach 65°C, perfect for a warm soak in the cool mountain air.
Zuar is all about nature. You can relax in small stone pools filled with hot mineral water, while the cold river flows nearby. Many people like to switch between the hot spring and a cold dip in the river. This mix can help with muscle pain and is believed to boost blood flow. There are no buildings or spa services, but the area is usually clean.
Travelers driving from Baku take about 3 to 4 hours to reach Gabala, a region known for mountain views, music festivals, and healing springs. Two villages, Yengija and Gamarvan, stand out for their thermal waters. In Gamarvan, the spring flows at around 39°C and is rich in iron and sulfur. Since 2007, modern spa centers, like the Qafqaz Thermal Spa Resort, have been using these natural waters.
Visitors can enjoy both natural therapy and luxury treatments. At the Yengija spa, you can soak in thermal pools while looking at the forested mountains. The water contains chloride, sulfates, and sodium bicarbonate, which help with joint pain, skin issues, and tiredness. The spring water in Yengija is naturally cool, but it's warmed using hot mountain stones for healing baths. In Gamarvan, the water is warm and used directly from the source. Some of it is even bottled because of its health value.
In Nakhchivan’s Julfa district, about 15 km from Julfa town, you’ll find Daridagh Arsenic Springs. This rare hot spring contains small, safe amounts of natural arsenic. The water has been used for healing since the late 1970s at the Daridagh Arsenic Water Treatment Center. The spring water comes out at 52°C, but is cooled to around 37 to 40°C for bathing.
Bathing in this water can help with eczema, scabies, rheumatism, and nerve problems. Doctors at the Daridagh Arsenic Water Treatment Centre guide visitors through short, planned baths. There are very few arsenic springs in the world, and Daridagh’s mix of minerals stands out. If you’re on a road trip in Nakhchivan, this spot offers a rare chance to try a local health tradition that many believe supports long life and healing.
In Nakhchivan, there are two famous springs, Sirab and Badamli. Instead of hot water, these springs give out cold, fizzy mineral water. Locals call it a “healing drink.” Both waters are bottled at the source and sold across Azerbaijan, but visiting where the water starts makes the experience more special. Sirab is near Nakhchivan city, while Badamli is in the Shahbuz district, surrounded by mountains.
Drinking fresh mineral water from these springs is natural therapy. Sirab water, which has sodium bicarbonate, is used to help with stomach and liver issues. Some types even contain a small, safe amount of arsenic. People follow water-drinking routines here to ease gastritis or improve digestion. Badamli water is also used to help with gallbladder and stomach problems.
Visitors can tour the springs or stop by small museums nearby. They can taste the fizzy water fresh from the ground and even fill a bottle. If you’re driving through Nakhchivan, stopping at Sirab or Badamli is a refreshing and healthy way to take a break.
Quba, in northern Azerbaijan, is known for its cool weather, apple orchards, and a few hidden hot springs. While these springs are not fully developed, some warm water spots can be found near the river in the Tengya Alty Gorge. Travelers on a road trip can ask locals about nearby “istisu” (hot water) areas. One small spring bath is located in a peaceful gorge near the town.
The experience in Quba’s springs is simple and natural. You might come across a basic stone or concrete pool filled with warm mineral water, where local families go to relax. Picture sitting in a warm outdoor bath, surrounded by tall cliffs and the sounds of flowing water and birds. The water can help with tiredness and make the skin feel softer. When you drive to Quba, you can enjoy more than just the hot springs. After your soak, you can visit old mosques in town or head up to the mountain village of Khinalig.
The best time to explore geothermal sites in Azerbaijan is from April to October. During these months, the weather is mild, and most mountain roads are clear and safe for driving. Spring brings fresh greenery, while autumn offers colorful views, which are both perfect for wellness road trips.
In summer, highland springs like Istisu, Zuar, and Galaalti are great escapes from the heat. The cooler mountain air makes hot spring bathing even more enjoyable. For lowland spots like Naftalan and Masalli, early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for soaking and avoiding midday heat. If you're traveling to Nakhchivan, spring and early autumn are best for visiting Daridagh, Sirab, and Badamli. The climate is dry but pleasant, and driving conditions are more comfortable.
Exploring Azerbaijan’s geothermal wonders is a unique journey that blends healing and adventure. The best hot springs and wellness spots are easier to reach when you travel by car. Rent a car with Finalrentals to access a wide range of vehicles from compact cars to 4x4s. Pick up your rental in Baku and start your wellness road trip.
