Looking to trade the desert landscapes for misty green mountains and tea plantations? The Talysh region in southern Azerbaijan offers a lush escape between the Caspian Sea and the Talysh Mountains. As one of the most relaxing road trips in Azerbaijan, it takes you through quiet villages, dense forests, and coastal towns at your own pace.
As a Saudi traveler, you’ll feel at home here. The region shares a Muslim-majority culture, and you’ll find plenty of halal food options. In our Talysh road trip guide, you’ll learn how to plan your drive, where to rent a car, and make your adventure smooth and stress-free.
The Talysh region is a hidden gem away from busy city life. This area is ideal for Saudi tourists looking for cool air and green views. The climate is borderline humid subtropical, with rainfall spread across the year and temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C in summer. This keeps the land fertile and perfect for rice paddies, citrus groves, and tea plantations. Roads leading to this area, such as the M3 and R47 highways, are in good condition. These routes connect Baku to Lankaran and Lerik, with clear signage in Azeri and English.
Culturally, you’ll feel at home. Azerbaijan is secular but has a majority-Muslim population. In the Talysh region, halal restaurants are typical. You’ll also find mosques in towns like Lankaran and Masalli, and most shops close during Friday prayers. Locals are friendly and often speak Azeri and some Russian, but a local guide app can help if you don’t speak the language. This region is also home to the Talysh ethnic group, known for their distinct music, clothing, and food. Exploring their traditions adds depth to your road trip.
If you plan to drive into mountain areas like Lerik, rent an SUV or a mid-sized car with good suspension for a smoother trip. The roads can get narrow and curvy at higher altitudes. Having your International Driving Permit (IDP), passport, and Saudi license ready is essential, and most rental companies accept bookings with credit cards only.
Once you leave the urban noise of Baku, the scenery turns into semi-desert plains – part of the Shirvan steppe. Expect long, flat stretches of land with minimal vegetation. Around the 150 km mark, you can take an optional break at Shirvan National Park near Salyan. This protected area features semi-arid terrain, shallow lakes, and is home to animals like goitered gazelles, desert foxes, and over 200 species of birds. Entrance is open during daylight hours, and a short drive inside gives you access to observation points and walking trails.
As you continue heading south, you’ll cross the Kura River, the longest in Azerbaijan. Past the Masalli district, the landscape becomes greener. The humidity rises, and you’ll see signs of the subtropical climate, including rice paddies, tea bushes, and citrus trees. The Caspian Sea appears to your left, and the Talysh Mountains begin forming a dramatic backdrop to your right. This coastal lowland is one of the most fertile areas in the country, thanks to its rich alluvial soil and steady rainfall. Farmers often set up small stands on the roadside to sell fresh tangerines, lemons, and persimmons, especially in spring and fall.
By this point, you’ve entered the heart of Talysh. Traffic becomes lighter, and the drive turns more scenic. Before reaching Lankaran, look for the Archivan village called Yanar Bulag. This natural spring emits methane gas, and locals often demonstrate how the water catches fire by holding a lit match to the flowing stream.
Lankaran is the largest city in the Talysh region and is an ideal base for your southern Azerbaijan road trip. Nestled between the Caspian Sea and the Talysh Mountains, this coastal city is far quieter and more traditional than Baku. Once you park your rental car, Lankaran is best explored on foot. Start with a visit to the Lankaran Khan’s House (Xan Evi), built in 1913. Today, it functions as the city’s main ethnographic museum with more than 6,500 historical items, from Bronze Age tools to relics from the Talysh Khanate. The building blends local and European architectural stles, featuring mythological carvings on its facade and classic tiled floors.
Nearby, you’ll find the Lankaran Fortress and its Prison Tower (Zindan Tower), built in the 18th century. These ruins are remnants of the old defensive walls that protected the region during the Talysh Khanate. The prison tower, a circular brick structure, is famous for a local legend that Joseph Stalin was once imprisoned there in 1903 and escaped via an underground tunnel that led to the old lighthouse nearby.
Continue your stroll to the Lankaran Lighthouse. Though you can't enter, the lighthouse is a striking photo stop, especially at dusk when it lights up. From there, walk along Lankaran Boulevard, a paved seaside walkway that follows the Caspian coast. One of the unique features here is the black sand beaches of Lankaran and nearby Astara. Locals believe this volcanic black sand has healing properties, and many come here for natural therapy or peaceful walks.
Another must-see is the Lankaran Bazaar, located in the city center. This bustling market is packed with fresh herbs, citrus fruits, honey, and Lankaran-grown tea. You’ll smell mint, basil, and dill in the air. The region’s tea is considered the best in Azerbaijan due to the ideal elevation, humidity, and fertile soil. You can try a cup at a nearby çayxana (tea house) or go beyond the city for a tea experience.
Just 15 km west of Lankaran, near Khanbulan Lake, is a well-known tea plantation and factory. You can stop here for a factory tour to see how tea is dried, rolled, and packaged. Most tours end with a tasting session where you can sample black and green teas, often served with lemon and local honey. The view over the lake, surrounded by hills and mist, makes it a peaceful stop on your Talysh road trip.
One of the best parts of a road trip is trying new food. The most famous local dish is Lavangi (also spelled Levengi). It’s a stuffed dish with chicken or fish, filled with ground walnuts, chopped onions, and herbs like coriander and mint. It often includes tart ingredients such as sour plums, prunes, or pomegranate molasses, which give the meat a deep sweet-and-sour taste. Lavangi is traditionally baked in a clay oven, which gives it a smoky flavor and juicy texture. It’s a celebratory food, so it may not be on every menu, but guesthouses and family-run eateries often prepare it if requested a few hours in advance.
In addition to lavangi, the cuisine in Lankaran includes freshwater and Caspian fish, such as kutum and sturgeon, often grilled or served in aromatic stews with tomatoes and herbs. You’ll also find plenty of vegetable-based dishes, including stuffed eggplant, tomato salads, and rice cooked with local herbs. A popular side is Kükü, a type of herb-and-egg omelet that’s soft on the inside and crisp on the outside. Another seasonal favorite is pumpkin plov (pilaf), which is made with saffron rice, chestnuts, and sweet pumpkin.
Meals here usually end with a pot of black tea served in armudu (pear-shaped) glasses. Tea is a part of the culture and comes with fruit jams. Try dipping feijoa jam or candied citrus peel into your tea. Tea houses in Lankaran often serve homemade citrus desserts, and you may be offered slices of lemon cake or orange-flavored halva as a sign of hospitality.
After your time in Lankaran, drive west toward the mountains to reach Lerik, which is about 1 hour away. The road climbs from the coastal plain into the Talysh Mountains, with sharp turns and panoramic views at almost every curve.Lerik is known as the “Land of Centenarians.” Many residents here are believed to have lived for over 100 years. The town has a Longevity Museum, which displays photos, stories, and artifacts from locals who lived long lives. One famous case is Shirali Muslimov, who lived to be 168 years old.
The town is quiet, with traditional tea houses, friendly locals, and cooler temperatures due to its altitude of over 1,000 meters. You can enjoy short hikes to picnic spots or mountain streams surrounded by wildflowers. In summer, local cafes serve tea with fresh mountain honey. Go to Lerik if you want a break from cities and a deeper look into life in the Talysh highlands.
Astara is the southernmost stop on your Talysh road trip, just 40 km from Lankaran. The drive takes about an hour, following a scenic stretch of road along the Caspian Sea. To your left, you’ll catch sea views, and to your right, green hills and Hyrcanian forests. These forests are part of Hirkan National Park, a UNESCO-listed reserve known for ancient trees and misty, cool air. This section of the drive is peaceful, and great for slowing down and enjoying the landscape.
Once you reach Astara, stop at Astara Boulevard. It’s a relaxing seaside park perfect for a stroll or a quick tea break. You’ll find fountains, palm trees, and cafés along the waterfront. The town is calm, with Persian influences seen in its markets and goods. You’ll be just steps away from the Iran border, with the checkpoint visible at the town’s edge. The local bazaar is a good stop for Azerbaijani tea, saffron, rice, and other regional products.
Nature lovers can explore Gizil Aghaj National Park, which is just north of Astara. It’s a wetland bird reserve, home to flamingos and ducks during migration seasons. For a nature break, head to Təngealti, a forested riverside area with picnic spots and trails. It’s part of the accessible section of Hirkan National Park near Astara.
Astara also has black-sand beaches, known for their dark mineral-rich grains. You can relax by the Caspian coast, enjoy the warm summer water, and try a meal of grilled Caspian fish or fish lavangi stuffed with walnuts. End your meal with hot Astara tea, a local staple that perfectly suits the coastal setting.
On your way back north, you can include a stop at Masall. Masalli is known across Azerbaijan for its natural hot springs, Istisu. The main attraction is the Masalli Istisu Health Center, located near the Vilash River on the road to Yardimli. This traditional sanatorium-stle complex is surrounded by nature. For a small entrance fee, visitors can soak in open-air thermal pools filled with naturally warm, sulfurous water. Basic massage services and mud treatments are also available for visitors looking for deeper relaxation.
You don’t have to book a treatment to enjoy the stop. Many travelers just dip their feet or hands in the warm streams flowing from the earth. Some of the cooler mineral springs are even drinkable. There are picnic areas near the springs, so you can enjoy a peaceful lunch break in the woods. As you drive through Masalli town, look for roadside stalls selling local honey and citrus jam. This sweet regional product is made from orange or bergamot peel. It pairs perfectly with tea and makes a great souvenir.
As you drive through southern Azerbaijan, you’ll pass parts of Hirkan National Park, which stretches across Lankaran and Astara. This park protects the Hyrcanian forests, one of the oldest forest types in the world. These trees survived the Ice Age and now cover the mountains in a thick, green layer. Some plant species here don’t grow anywhere else on Earth.
If you enjoy walking in nature, spend a few hours in Hirkan Park. There are marked trails near Khanbulan Lake, with easy paths for short walks. Even a 20-minute walk under the old ironwood trees is refreshing. You might see woodland birds or small animals like jackals or wild boar, though they usually avoid people. The park also has signs warning about the Caucasian leopard, a rare and protected species that still lives in the forest.
For a bit of fun, try horseback riding near Khanbulan Lake. Locals sometimes rent horses for short rides by the water. The lake is a popular picnic spot, and you’ll see families boiling tea on samovars and grilling kebabs. It’s a great place to stop, relax, and enjoy the peaceful mountain setting. If you like birds, head to the Gizil Aghaj Reserve near Astara. It’s a coastal wetland where flamingos and pelicans stop during migration. In the mountains near Lerik and Yardimli, you might hear or see eagles and other upland birds. Even if you’re not a birdwatcher, birds' sounds and the forest and sea views make the trip more special.
Driving to the Talysh region isn’t just about nature. As you pass small villages, you may hear traditional Talysh music playing. Sometimes, local women in colorful dresses sing folk songs that tell stories about the mountains and sea. A smile and a simple “Salam” (hello) can open doors even with a language gap.
The region also has a deep historical background. It was once part of the Talysh Khanate before joining the Russian Empire in the 1800s. In Lankaran, you can visit old sites like the fortress, the Kichik Bazar Mosque, and early Russian-stle buildings. These places help you picture how the region changed through time.
For Saudi tourists in Azerbaijan, the tea culture here will be familiar. Guests are always offered black tea with jam or sweets, much like Arabic coffee with dates. In rural towns, tea is often made using a samovar, a traditional metal urn. You’ll even find a giant samovar monument in Lankaran, marking its place as a tea hub.
A road trip through the Talysh region offers a cooler climate, rich nature, and strong cultural ties for Saudi tourists. You’ll drive through fertile valleys, coastal roads, and historic towns where halal food and mosque access are easy to find. Final Rentals is a top choice for car rental in Azerbaijan. Our platform offers affordable rates, easy booking, and pickup locations in Gabala and Baku. Whether heading to the coast or into the mountains, you can find the right vehicle for your trip.
