If you’re looking to escape the city bustle, you’ll find plenty of coastal attractions near Baku. From lively city beaches to tranquil seaside towns, Azerbaijan’s shoreline has something for every beach lover. What makes the experience even better is the freedom to travel at your own pace. You can rent a car in Baku to discover hidden coves and charming coastal towns without needing public transport. Let’s dive into some of the best beaches and coastal highlights you won’t want to miss on your trip.
Azerbaijan’s Caspian shoreline offers a wide range of beach experiences within a few hours’ drive from the capital. You’ll find everything from family-friendly resorts with full facilities to quiet local towns with unique seaside charm.
If you’re after one of the best beaches in Azerbaijan not far from the capital, Bilgah Beach should top your list. It is located on the northeastern tip of the Absheron Peninsula, which is around a 30 to 40 minute drive from central Baku. This long stretch of sandy shore has been a favourite since Soviet times, and it’s easy to see why. The sand here is clean and inviting, and the Caspian Sea waters are perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot summer day.
Bilgah offers a mix of public beach areas and sections attached to resorts or clubs, so you can choose the vibe you prefer. If you’re travelling with family or just want a simple day by the sea, the public part of Bilgah Beach lets you lie out a towel, build sandcastles, or take a stroll along the coastline.
If you are craving a bit more comfort and service, several upscale resorts line the beach, including a well-known beach hotel with its own water park and loungers. You can sip a cold drink from a beach bar or enjoy lunch at a seaside café while gazing at the Caspian’s waves. Bilgah’s natural beauty and accessible amenities makes it an ideal first stop on your coastal journey from Baku. Don’t forget to stay for the late afternoon. Seeing the sun dipping towards the Caspian from Bilgah is a delightfully tranquil experience to cap off your day.
Novkhani Beach is on the northwestern Absheron coast, a 50-minute drive from Baku. It is one of the oldest-known beach areas near the capital. In Soviet times, this was a famous summer holiday spot, and it still remains lively in the warmer months. The beach is sandy and broad, backed by summer houses and small eateries. The Caspian waters here are usually calm enough for swimming.
Along the main strip of Novkhani, you’ll find free public beach stretches and managed sections with simple services. Cafés serve fresh seafood dishes like grilled fish, while tea houses let you enjoy a shaded rest with local tea after swimming. Volleyball games are common here, and the wide sandy areas are perfect for beach sports or long walks at sunset.
Shikhov Beach (Şıxov Beach) is Baku’s local seaside playground and one of the most convenient coastal spots. Just a 30-minute drive south of the city centre, this beach has long been a go-to for residents looking for a quick splash in the sea. The beach at Shikhov has public areas and sections run by hotels or clubs. The sand is darker and coarser than the northern Absheron beaches.
Many visitors prefer to use the beach club or hotel facilities at Shikhov for a cleaner environment. For example, places like the Crescent Beach area or other club complexes maintain their own stretch of sand, complete with sun loungers, parasols, and even swimming pools. These facilities often charge an entry fee, but in return, you get showers, changing rooms, and sometimes access to a pool or seaside café. Aside from swimming, you can rent a jet ski or try windsurfing when conditions are right. The Caspian breeze here can be excellent for water sports. There are also a few seaside restaurants where you can grab fresh seafood or a chilled drink.
Pirshagi (also spelled Pirsagi) is a small seaside town located northeast of Baku, about 25 kilometres from the city. In contrast to Baku’s busier spots, Pirshagi offers a more laid-back vibe. As you approach the area, you’ll notice traditional dacha houses (summer villas) and a general slow pace of life.
The beach at Pirshagi boasts a long stretch of sand. The water here is typically clean and calm, making it a pleasant spot for swimming. You won’t find the high-end clubs or flashy resorts of other beaches. Instead, Pirshagi is about simple pleasures. Walk along the shoreline, feel the sand between your toes, and watch local families picnic or fishermen casting lines from old piers. There are a few basic cafés and vendors around, especially in summer.
In recent years, a few small guesthouses and resort facilities have popped up around Pirshagi as the area gains popularity. You might find a section with sun loungers for rent or a beach club offering umbrellas and refreshments. However, it’s all on a much smaller scale than Amburan or Shikhov.
Shuvalan Beach is located east of Bilgah, about 40 kilometres from Baku. Historically, the area was known for its healing climate and summer dachas. Today, it continues to attract families and travellers seeking wide sandy shores. The beach stretches along a spacious bay, with golden sand and shallow water good for wading and family-friendly swimming.
There are public and semi-managed areas in Shuvalan. Though facilities are minimal, public parts are free to access, so bring your own beach gear. Some small sections provide sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, along with kiosks selling snacks and soft drinks. You’ll often see locals fishing along the rocks or children playing in the shallows. With fewer crowds than Bilgah or Shikhov, Shuvalan perfectly balances accessibility and peace.
Nardaran Beach lies about 31 kilometres from Baku and is one of the most traditional seaside spots on the Absheron Peninsula. Unlike private clubs, Nardaran offers a more natural experience. The coastline is wide, sandy, and backed by small fishing communities. The water here is usually clean, though currents can sometimes be strong. It’s better for strolling and sunbathing than long swims on windy days.
During summer, local families gather for picnics under umbrellas or makeshift tents. Vendors sell fresh corn, grilled kebabs, and cold drinks. Some small sections are managed with basic facilities like sunbeds and changing cabins, but most of the beach is open and public. It’s not as established as Bilgah, but its rustic charm makes it a rewarding stop on your coastal drive in Azerbaijan.
If you’re up for a longer drive and want to see a completely different side of Azerbaijan’s coast, set your course northward for Nabran. About a 3-hour drive from Baku, Nabran is a region is where the Caspian shoreline meets lush green forests. Nabran isn’t a single beach but a collection of small seaside villages and resorts spread along the coast, all loosely referred to as “Nabran”. The air here feels fresher, and the forests provide shade and cooler temperatures.
You’ll find accommodations when you arrive, from large resort complexes and sanatoriums to modest family-run guesthouses and cabins in the woods. Many resorts are hidden among tall pine and chestnut trees just a stone’s throw from the beach. The sand may be mixed with pebbles in some spots, and you might discover little coves and inlets ideal for a quiet swim.
Resorts often maintain their own section of beach, sometimes complete with pools and gardens. There’s plenty to keep you entertained in Nabran beyond sunbathing. Many resorts offer activities like horseback riding through the forest, hiking trails, or even small water parks for kids.
If you travel to the opposite end of Azerbaijan’s coastline from Baku, you’ll discover Lankaran, a charming coastal town in Azerbaijan. Lankaran is about a 3-hour drive from Baku. It offers an experience quite distinct from the Absheron Peninsula up north. One of the first things you’ll notice is the colour of the sand: Lankaran’s beaches feature unusual black volcanic sand. Locals proudly claim this black sand has therapeutic properties.
Most of Lankaran’s beaches are located outside the city, either to the north or south. Traditionally, some beach sections in Lankaran are segregated by gender. There may be separate areas for men, women, and families. Just follow any posted signs about where to swim. Entrance fees to these managed beach sections are very affordable. Facilities are basic, but there are changing rooms, umbrellas for rent, and a small café selling tea, cold drinks, and snacks like fresh local fruits. The Lankaran region is famous for its tea plantations and citrus groves. So, try a glass of local iced tea with a squeeze of lemon while you relax by the waves.
When planning your Baku beach outings, timing is everything. The best time to visit coastal areas around Baku is during the late spring to early autumn months. From June to September, you’ll find the weather hot and sunny. It is ideal for swimming, sunbathing and outdoor fun.
In mid-summer (July and August), daytime temperatures in Baku regularly climb into the 30s °C (high 80s to 90s °F), and it stays warm in the evenings. You can enjoy strolls on the beach or open-air cafés at night. This is also when beach clubs and resorts are in full swing. Expect lively crowds, events, and the most available services during these peak months.
If you prefer slightly milder weather or fewer people, consider coming at the edges of summer, around late May or early June and September. During these times, the heat is a bit more moderate (think mid-20s to low 30s °C), but the sea is still warm enough for a comfortable swim (especially in early autumn, after it’s been heated all summer).
Visiting in early autumn can be lovely as the water retains warmth and the bulk of summer holidaymakers have left. By contrast, the winter and early spring (November through April) are off-season for beaches. Baku’s winters are relatively mild, but it’s far too chilly for a beach day, and many seaside facilities close or have limited services.
Taking a trip to explore Baku’s beaches and coastal attractions is exciting. To make the most of it, here are some handy travel tips and things to keep in mind:
Renting a car in Baku is the most freedom-filled way to explore. Having your own vehicle lets you hop between beaches on the Absheron Peninsula or venture to farther spots like Nabran and Lankaran on your own schedule. Roads to major beach areas are generally in good condition. Azerbaijan drives on the right side, and road signs are usually in Azerbaijani, but you can use navigation apps.
Azerbaijani sun can be intense in summer, so pack your beach bag smartly. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself during peak sun hours (11 am to 4 pm). Many popular beaches have loungers and umbrellas for hire, but at public beaches like Pirshagi or some stretches in Shikhov, you may want your own beach mat or towel and a portable umbrella. Flip flops or sandals are a must for the hot sand, especially the black sand in Lankaran, which can heat up underfoot. Don’t forget swimwear; consider a lightweight cover-up or t-shirt for when you’ve had enough sun or plan to grab a bite at a café.
These beach road trips near Baku and beyond are one of the best ways to enjoy Azerbaijan beyond the city. From golden sands at Bilgah to the black volcanic beaches of Lankaran, each stop gives you a different view of the coast. To make the most of your seaside holiday, rent a car with Final Rentals. You can easily book online, choose from a wide range of vehicles, and pick up your vehicle in Baku Airport when you arrive.
