World / Europe / Azerbaijan

The Turkish, Persian and Russian worlds confront and merge with one another in Azerbaijan. Tourism is relatively undeveloped in this ex-Soviet republic but most holidays in Azerbaijan usually begin and end in the capital Baku, an oil boom town on the Caspian Sea. Although the capital is more attuned to business visitors, a base in Baku allows tourists to explore the UNESCO-listed Old City and the fire temples and fortresses of the nearby Absheron Peninsula. South of the city, intriguing petro glyphs and mud volcanoes may be enjoyed on day trips while, further to the north, attractive mountain towns like Quba offer rural getaways and opportunities for hiking.

Much of Azerbaijan consists of farmland interspersed with quiet towns and villages, where tradition is strong but Baku is the exception to the rule. Azerbaijan's largest and most cosmopolitan city, Baku offers modern shopping areas, museums and international restaurants and hotels. Business visitors will find excellent meeting and conference facilities, with several top notch hotels boasting well-equipped business centres. When business is done, Fountains Square with its shady outdoor cafes, close to the Old City, is the place to come to relax.