Naftalan is a city famous for its healing oil and wellness resorts. Many visitors come here to rest, feel better, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. If you're considering renting a car, Naftalan is a great stop for a short road trip. Our Naftalan travel guide will cover the best things to do, where to stay, and why this place is special. From ancient stories to medical oil baths, you will discover a town that mixes old traditions with modern healing.
Naftalan is not like other tourist towns. It is calm, focused on health, and full of culture. People come to this town to feel better, especially if they have joint or skin problems. The main attraction is the Naftalan oil, which has strong healing powers. Naftalan spas are also more affordable than Western spas, which is ideal if you plan to stay longer.
The number one reason travelers visit Naftalan is for its unique oil therapy. This thick, dark oil is found only in this region and cannot be burned like regular oil. Instead, it’s used in medical centers to help people with skin diseases, joint pain, and nerve disorders. Sanatoriums and resorts offer oil baths, ointments, and even inhalation therapies, all based on formulas developed over a century.
Naftalan has many places that reflect its healing history. The most memorable is the Museum of Crutches, where you can see hundreds of walking aids left behind by people who felt better after treatment. Other landmarks include the Tea House, which is shaped like a samovar, and the Naftalan Cultural Center, which hosts performances and art shows.
In between treatments, you can enjoy Naftalan’s peaceful green spaces. Nizami Park and Nariman Narimanov Park are quiet spots with trees, lakes, and play areas for kids. You’ll also find Naftalan City Park, a well-kept area where locals relax and sip tea. The Goranboy River and Garasu Volcano are nearby if you want more nature.
The easiest option is to rent a vehicle in Gabala. You can land at Gabala International Airport, then drive for about 2 hours (137 km) via the Bakı-Ələt-Qazax-Gürcüstan/M2 highway. You’ll pass gas stations, small towns, and local markets, so you can stop for breaks if needed. Once you enter R25, follow the signs into Naftalan’s quiet streets.
To rent a car in Azerbaijan, you must have a valid driver’s license from your home country. If it’s not in the Latin alphabet, get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Most rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old and have held your license for at least 2 years. You’ll also need your passport, a credit card, and sometimes a security deposit. The roads are best driven with a compact SUV or midsize sedan. Choose an SUV if you want extra space or plan to stop in nearby villages. But a sedan is enough if you will only visit Naftalan and want better fuel economy. Most rental companies in Gabala offer automatic vehicles.
In the past, people from the Silk Road stopped here to rest and use the oil for healing. Some old writings even mention that a camel was healed after lying in the oil. Later, the famous poet Nizami Ganjavi and the traveler Marco Polo also discussed it. In the 1800s, a German engineer named Jaeger came to this town. He wanted to use the oil for fuel, but it wouldn’t burn. Instead, he saw people using it to treat their pain. So he made the first medical cream and started the first sanatorium. During the Soviet Union, many health centers were built, and people came from all over to use the oil baths.
Oil baths are the most popular in Naftalan. You go to a spa or sanatorium, meet a doctor, and get a short medical check. Then, you go into a private room with a deep tub. The oil is warm and very slippery. You stay in the bath for only 10 minutes because it is strong. After the bath, someone helps you clean off the oil. You take a shower and use a sponge and shampoo. Sometimes the oil is reused, which can feel strange, but it is part of the local tradition. Bring old clothes, because the oil may stain your skin or things you touch.
Your first visit to a Naftalan spa often begins with a health check. A doctor will ask about your medical history and ensure the oil bath is safe. This part is very important because Naftalan oil is strong. If you have specific health problems like heart issues or cancer, the doctor may say no.
Bring your shower gel, sponge, and old clothes to make the most of your bath. The oil is thick and will stay on your skin after the bath. Most centers provide a basic shower, but using your own soap to clean off properly is better. Don’t wear anything fancy that day because the oil can stain clothing and shoes. The whole process takes around an hour, including waiting time and clean-up. If you’re sensitive to smells, be prepared. The oil has a strong, industrial scent.
Oil baths in Naftalan vary in price. Basic single sessions cost around 52 manat for two people, including basic toiletries. Fancier hotels may charge more, but they also offer better facilities. Many guests stay for a week or more and follow a daily treatment plan. Long-term programs usually cost less per session. You don’t need to book months in advance, but it’s good to schedule early if visiting during peak season. Most places accept cards, but having cash is useful too.
There are many interesting places to visit in Naftalan. You can relax in the spa or explore museums, parks, and historical sites.
Naftalan has several museums that highlight its healing history and unique identity. The Museum of Crutches is a powerful symbol of hope, filled with walking aids left behind by guests who felt cured after their treatment. The Naftalan Museum of Local History gives you a deeper look into the town’s story, with displays of traditional tools, clothing, and items from the oil industry. The Cultural Center also hosts music, art, and community events that show off the town’s traditions.
If you need a peaceful break, Naftalan offers green spaces perfect for slow walks and fresh air. Nariman Narimanov Park is a favorite for families with its trees, benches, and play areas. Nizami Park is also great for walking and watching locals go about their day. For something different, visit the Samovar House, a tea house shaped like a giant samovar. This spot serves hot tea and local food in a quirky, cozy space.
Nature lovers can find fresh air and scenic views just outside the city. Gahar Lake, surrounded by forests, is a peaceful place for short hikes, picnics, and quiet reflection. Not far from town, the Garasu Volcano is a natural mud volcano you should visit. These locations are perfect if you want a short drive after your spa treatments. Even within town, local Naftalan bathhouses offer traditional healing services in a more rustic setting.
If you plan a road trip to Naftalan, many great places are just a short drive away. These spots are perfect for day trips before or after your wellness treatments.
Naftalan has many choices for hotels. Some are old Soviet-stle sanatoriums, and others are new luxury resorts. You can find options that match your budget and treatment needs. Whether you want all-day wellness services or just a quiet place to sleep, there is something for everyone in this healing town.
If you want a high-end experience, Chinar Hotel & Spa and Gashalti Resort Hotel are the top picks. These five-star hotels offer modern rooms, spacious pools, and medical spa centers with Naftalan oil treatments. Doctors on-site provide full checkups, and guests receive customized therapy plans. You’ll also find gyms, saunas, buffets, and free shuttle service from Ganja.
Spa Hotel Nur Naftalan and Gozel Naftalan (Beautiful Naftalan) are more affordable but still offer a complete wellness experience. These places include Naftalan baths, physiotherapy, massages, and paraffin wraps during the stay. Rooms are clean, and the staff helps you follow a daily healing routine. Both hotels offer three meals a day, doctor consultations, and airport transfer from Ganja.
If you are planning a more extended visit or want to save money, try Naftalan Sanatorium or Kepez Sanatorium. These are older buildings from the Soviet era but are still popular. They provide group rooms, basic amenities, and access to Naftalan treatments. You get meals, medical checks, and simple comfort at a low cost. The peaceful environment and no-frills wellness services make these sanatoriums a good option for people who want healing without high prices.
The weather is calm and pleasant from April to June and from September to October. This is perfect for outdoor walks and daily spa sessions. Visit during these periods to combine healing therapies with sightseeing. Resorts are less crowded than in summer, so the experience feels more personal and relaxing.
Naftalan’s summers can be very hot, with daytime temperatures making outdoor activities uncomfortable. In contrast, winter brings cold winds and sometimes snow, which can affect travel plans. While sanatoriums operate year-round, some walking paths or nature spots are harder to enjoy in extreme weather. If you visit in winter, bring warm clothes. If you come in summer, try to schedule treatments early in the day, then rest indoors when it’s hottest.
Festivals in Naftalan usually take place during spring and fall. These events include traditional music, folk dance, and food stalls, giving you a feel for Azerbaijani life. You might see a music performance at the Cultural Center or a small market selling local crafts. While the main reason to visit is wellness, these local experiences make your time in Naftalan more memorable and meaningful.
Naftalan is where you can enjoy health treatments, quiet parks, and cultural sites. Rent a car with Final Rentals to explore Naftalan and nearby places at your own pace. Final Rentals is a trusted car rental platform in Azerbaijan offering easy online booking, affordable rates, and a wide range of vehicles. Pick up your car from major airports or city locations and enjoy a smooth trip even if it’s your first time in the country.
