Planning a romantic trip to Azerbaijan? The country has stunning mountains, quiet beaches, and golden sunsets that could be your backdrop for romantic settings. One of the best ways to enjoy it all is to go for a sunset drive. The views are peaceful, the light is soft, and the roads take you far from the crowds. Plus, if you rent a car in Azerbaijan, you can freely explore hidden spots and stop whenever a view steals your breath. Let’s explore some scenic sunset drives in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan offers one of the most diverse landscapes in the Caucasus. In just a few hours, you can drive from the dry, semi-desert plains near Gobustan to the lush forests of the Greater Caucasus. Along the Caspian coast, the sunset views open up to wide, shimmering waters, especially near Lankaran and Baku’s outskirts.
As the sun sets, the changing terrain from rocky cliffs to serene farmland is your front-row seat to nature’s variety. The country has well-maintained highways, like the M1 and M3, for long drives. Plus, during golden hour, Azerbaijan’s landscapes turn into glowing postcards. The red and orange tones bounce off the Caspian Sea, while the mountains catch a warm light that softens their edges.
Even simple scenes like sheep grazing or tea plantations near Astara look stunning under that light. It's perfect for wide-angle shots or romantic selfies without any filters needed. For couples, it’s a peaceful and scenic getaway. Many routes are less crowded, especially outside city centers. Pull over near Guba’s apple orchards or pause along the quiet stretches by Lake Goygol for some stillness.
The drive from Baku to Gobustan takes about one hour. It covers around 68.1 kilometers via the Salyan Highway (E119/E60). After going through the main road, the final stretch to the mud volcanoes is unpaved. The rocky dirt road is easier to drive through with a higher vehicle. There are no gas stations or shops once you're off the highway, and the volcano site is in open terrain with no service facilities.
Gobustan has the highest number of mud volcanoes in the world. The dry, cracked ground and bubbling craters look like a scene from a sci-fi film. Around sunset, the whole area changes. The light hits the mud and stone just right, casting deep orange and gold colors across the hills. The cold, thick mud glistens in the low light, and small gas bubbles rise slowly to the surface. The quiet around you makes the place feel otherworldly. Just watch your step—the mud can be slippery even if it looks dry.
The drive from Ganja to Lake Goygol takes about 1 hour, covering 44 kilometers via the R19 road. The route passes through forested land and climbs toward the mountains. You'll see small villages and thick pine woods as you go higher. The last part of the drive has sharp turns and a slower pace, but the fresh mountain air and scenery make it enjoyable. Entry to Goygol National Park is 2 AZN.
Lake Goygol is one of the best sunset spots in Azerbaijan. It is famous for its still, clear water that reflects everything around it. At golden hour, the lake shows soft light on the trees and snowy mountain tops. The surface looks like glass, and the colors in the sky double in the water. You can follow the trail around the edge of the lake to find photo spots. There are small wooden platforms by the shore where you can see the water and the nearby hills clearly.
The drive from Quba to Khinaliq takes about 1 hour and 19 minutes, covering 60.8 kilometers via the Quba–Susay Way. The road climbs deep into the Greater Caucasus Mountains and gets narrower the higher you go. There are no barriers on many parts of the route, and some sections run along steep edges. The road surface is mixed. Some parts are paved, others are rocky or dirt. Carefully drive with a regular car, but a 4x4 is safer. Fuel up and stock up on snacks in Quba because there are no services along the way.
Khinaliq is one of the highest villages in Europe, sitting at about 2,350 meters above sea level. The village comprises stone houses stacked along the mountain slope, with views stretching across valleys and peaks. The air is thin and fresh, and clouds often settle low in the afternoon. By sunset, the sky starts to glow while the clouds dip below the village.
Driving along the Lankaran coastline gives you a peaceful mix of sea and green hills. The road runs close to the Caspian Sea, with waves on one side and thick trees on the other. This region is one of the greenest parts of Azerbaijan. You’ll pass palm trees, tea farms, and small villages as you go.
There are plenty of good stops along the way. Local beaches are easy to find and usually quiet, especially during weekdays. You can take a break, walk on the black sand, or have tea in one of the small seaside tea houses. Between Lankaran and the hills, you’ll also find palm groves and quiet spots with wide views of the sea. For sunset, head toward the Tengerud area or near the edge of Hirkan National Park. These spots are open and calm, with clear views of the sun going down over the sea.
The drive from Sheki to Kish Village takes about 15 minutes and covers 6 kilometers along the Kish highway. Kish is home to the Church of Saint Elishe, believed to date back to the 1st century. The structure was rebuilt in the 12th century and is a key part of the region’s Christian history. The village sits about 800 meters above sea level, with cooler air and wide views of the surrounding hills. Stone houses and narrow cobbled lanes reflect the village’s past. It’s not a large place, so you can walk the main paths in under 30 minutes. Most sites are near the church, which is marked clearly on most map apps.
Sunset is especially beautiful here due to the village’s hilltop setting. The sun dips behind the western ridge, casting soft amber light over the stone walls and red rooftops. The colors bring out the textures in the church and homes. It’s also cooler in the evening, so it’s pleasant for a walk. The best views are from behind the church or the trail leading up the hillside. There are no lights along the upper paths, so head back before it gets dark.
The drive from Shamakhi to the Jangi Plateau takes about 40 minutes, covering roughly 35 kilometers. The road starts smooth but becomes uneven as you climb higher into the hills. Parts of the route are unpaved, so choose a vehicle with good clearance. There are no gas stations or shops along the plateau stretch. GPS directions are mostly reliable, but some turns may not be clearly marked. Watch for local signs once you're outside the town.
The Jangi Plateau offers wide-open views of the sky and rolling hills. The landscape is bare and quiet, with low grass and scattered rocks. At sunset, the light spreads across the hills in long bands. There are no trees or buildings to block the view, so the whole sky lights up with soft pink and gold tones. The wind is constant and cool, even in summer, which makes it a good place to escape city heat.
The drive from Lahij to Niyaldag Ridge takes about 30 to 40 minutes, which covers 20 kilometers. The route is partly paved, but many sections are gravel and dirt. You should choose a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle, especially during or after rain. This area sits in the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, and the road follows sharp turns and steep edges. There are no fuel stations or stores beyond Lahij, so stock up before starting the climb.
Lahij is known for its cobblestone streets and copper workshops. As you drive toward Niyaldag Ridge, the air gets thinner and the land opens up. The ridge sits at over 2,000 meters in elevation. From here, you can see layers of hills roll into the distance. At sunset, the clouds catch soft light while the land below turns deep green and brown.
This route is perfect for couples looking for quiet and space. There are no crowds or noise—just wind, mountains, and sky. Stop near the top and walk a few steps off-road to find a clear view. The ridge is open on all sides, so you’ll get light from every angle. It’s peaceful and cool, even in summer. Bring something warm and stay just long enough to watch the colors change. After dark, the road back can be tricky, so start your return while there’s still light in the sky.
The best sunset spots in Azerbaijan offer mud volcanoes, calm lakes, high mountain villages, and quiet beaches. Enjoy these scenic drives and arrive at your spot at least 30 minutes early to park, walk around, and settle in. To make the most of it, book your car with FinalRentals. Whether you're picking up from Baku, Ganja, or other major cities, we offer flexible options and a wide range of vehicles. Choose what suits your trip, whether it's a compact car for city drives or a 4x4 for mountain roads to Khinaliq or Niyaldag Ridge.
