Baku is more than a city of modern towers and ancient walls. It is a gateway to many short but rewarding trips. Baku’s surroundings have something for everyone. You can find cultural sites and natural wonders to enjoy. In one day, you can drive to scenic mountains, quiet villages, or sunny beaches. Here are some of the places you can travel by renting a car in Baku.
Gala Village is one of the easy drives from Baku. It is about 40 minutes from the city on the Absheron Peninsula. This village is home to the Gala State Historical and Ethnographic Reserve, a unique open-air museum that shows traditional Azerbaijani life. You can walk among old stone houses and courtyards. The museum offers hands-on activities like baking bread in traditional ovens or weaving carpets. Visitors can also feed animals such as camels, goats, and lambs at the small zoo.
Qobustan is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its ancient rock carvings. Kuwait tourists is Baku can see over 6,000 petroglyphs (rock carvings) on the rocky hillsides. These carved images show animals, hunters, and dances from thousands of years ago. The landscape here is dry and dotted with mud volcanoes. Some venture off the main road to see bubbling mud pools up close. On the way to Qobustan, stop by the Bibi-Heybat Mosque just outside Baku. Its architecture is stunning with its turquoise domes and detailed patterns.
The Ateshgah Fire Temple is an ancient place of fire worship located in Surakhani, about 30 km from central Baku. It reflects a time when fire worship was central to the religious practices of Zoroastrians and later Hindu traders from India. Built in the 17th and 18th centuries, the temple was a place of pilgrimage for followers of fire-based religions, drawn by the natural gas flames that once burned constantly in the central altar.
Its pentagon-shaped courtyard is surrounded by cells or small rooms where monks and pilgrims once stayed. The central altar, once fed by natural gas vents, was considered sacred. Though the flames are now sustained by a gas pipeline, the structure remains authentic, and the atmosphere retains its spiritual feel. Inside the complex, you can find museum displays that explain the site's multi-religious background. Exhibits include Sanskrit, Punjabi, and Persian inscriptions, ancient trade artifacts, and models showing how people lived during the temple’s active years.
The Caspian Sea coast near Baku offers clean beaches and fresh air. Bilgah Beach is a popular spot for a quick seaside escape. It has public areas where you can swim or sunbathe on golden sand. The sea water is calm during summer and great for a dip. Nearby, there are cafes selling grilled meat, corn, and cold drinks. Bilgah Beach is free to enter and is busiest on summer weekends.
For more comfort and amenities, head to Amburan Beach Club in the same area. This beach club has pools, loungers, and restaurants. It charges an entry fee, but in return you get a private, well-kept beach experience. You can relax by the pool or under a shaded cabana. It even has a large swimming pool if you prefer poolside relaxation. The drive to Amburan takes about 30 minutes from Baku city. These beaches are best enjoyed in late spring and summer when the weather is warm.
Lahij is a historic village high in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. It is a longer drive, around 2.5 hours one way. The village of Lahij is known for its cobblestone streets and traditional workshops. Local artisans specialize in copper crafting and carpet weaving. You can watch blacksmiths and woodcarvers at work in their shops, too. Small shops sell hand-made copperware that make unique souvenirs. The village has a small museum and old mosques that show its rich heritage. They even have their own dialect, the Tat language. Plan this trip only if you have a full day free, but it is an experience you will remember.
Shamakhi is a region west of Baku with a long wine-making tradition. The drive here takes about 1.5 hours through gentle hills. Many vineyards offer tours where you can see how wine is produced from local grapes. Late summer or early autumn is a great time to visit during the grape harvest. Some tours include a stop at a winery for lunch or tasting sessions. One well-known spot is the organic Meysari Winery. Travelers from Kuwait can also stop by the historic Shamakhi Juma Mosque in the town.
Sumgayit is a bustling city just a 30-minute drive from Baku. A modern highway connects the two cities. It is the third-largest city in Azerbaijan, set along the Caspian coast. Once an industrial town, Sumgayit has grown into a lively urban center. The Sumgayit History Museum charts this evolution. It has a long seaside promenade called Sumgayit Boulevard with fountains and modern sculptures. This clean boulevard is perfect for a sunset walk. It also features modern shopping centers if you want to do some quick shopping.
Masazir Lake is a shallow salt lake located only 20 km from Baku. Its water often turns pink due to the algae and high salt content, especially in warmer months. The lake has an eerie, beautiful color that draws photographers and nature lovers. You can view it from the roadside or take photos near the salt processing plant. While swimming is not allowed, it's a quick and scenic drive that offers something very different.
This day trip combines fire and fortress. Start your visit at Yanar Dag, the “Burning Mountain,” where flames rise nonstop from the hillside due to natural gas seeping through the ground. The fire burns brightest in the evening, but daytime visits are also worth it. There’s a small museum nearby explaining the science and legends of the fire. The area has benches and a viewing deck for safe and easy access.
After Yanar Dag, drive 20 minutes to the Mardakan Quadrangular Castle, one of the oldest and best-preserved fortresses near Baku. This tall tower was once used for defense and watchkeeping. You can climb the narrow stone staircase to the top of the tower for a wide view of the surrounding village. The castle walls and courtyard give you a sense of Azerbaijan’s medieval history.
Zira is a quiet town on the southeastern edge of the Absheron Peninsula. It is one of the easy drives from Baku, taking about 40 minutes. The road to Zira offers scenic views of the Caspian Sea, semi-arid fields, and quiet villages. Zira Beach is a clean, sandy spot located just over 5 km from the town center. It’s relatively uncrowded and has basic amenities like shade huts and changing cabins. The beach is part of the Absheron National Park, a protected area that supports wildlife such as gazelles, migratory birds, and rare plants.
Just beyond the beach, you’ll find the Shah Spit, a narrow landform that stretches into the Caspian Sea. It is the easternmost point of mainland Azerbaijan. The terrain here is flat and sandy, with shallow saline ponds that attract seasonal birds. The area is known for its strong winds, making it popular among kite flyers and nature watchers. As part of the national park, the Shah Spit is an important conservation zone, with restricted access in some areas to protect its fragile ecosystems.
Nardaran is a coastal village about 40 minutes northeast of Baku. The village is best known for the Nardaran Fortress, built in the 14th century by the Shirvanshahs as a defensive stronghold. The structure features thick stone walls, arrow slits, and a central watchtower.
A short drive from the fortress takes you to Nardaran Beach, a peaceful spot with calm waters and a relaxed local vibe. The beach has picnic areas, shaded spots, and a few seafood stalls that serve freshly grilled fish. Unlike more commercial beaches, Nardaran stays quiet, especially on weekdays, making it ideal for a low-key swim or seaside lunch.
The Pir Hasan Mausoleum is a peaceful religious site located in the Surakhani district of Baku. Locals visit it for prayer, reflection, and blessings. The mausoleum honors including Pir Hasan, a respected spiritual figure, and Khadija Khanum, who is believed to be linked to the Prophet Muhammad’s family. The site includes a small mosque, graves, and a shaded garden area where visitors can sit quietly.
Kuwaiti tourists in Baku can use their valid Kuwaiti driving license and passport when renting a car in Baku. Some rental agencies may also ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP), so bring one along. Make sure the name on your license matches the name on your passport to avoid issues during the rental process.
Most rental cars in Baku are automatic, which makes driving more comfortable for many travelers. Roads in and around Baku are in good condition, especially major highways. However, always check local parking rules in advance. Street parking in the city may have restrictions, and fines are issued regularly for violations.
In Azerbaijan, people drive on the right side of the road. Speed limits are clearly marked, and there are many speed cameras, especially on main routes and near towns. Keep an eye on traffic signs, use a GPS app for navigation, and always buckle up. Seat belts are required by law.
A self-driven day trip is the best way to enjoy Azerbaijan’s diverse attractions. It gives travelers the freedom to explore comfortably. That is why many visitors prefer renting a car with Finalrentals when visiting Azerbaijan. We offer a wide variety of cars, from compact models to SUVs. Booking is easy online, and pick-up in Baku is convenient. With the right car, exploring Baku will be as memorable as the destinations you choose.
