The 7 best national parks in Azerbaijan to be one with nature

There are countless acres of national parks spread throughout the entirety of Azerbaijan, which are home to some of the most unique wildlife species on earth. These parks also boast some of the most varied landscapes, featuring distinct foliage, rich greenery, and a variety of soiled lands.

If you have a passion for wildlife and desire to witness endangered and rare animals in their natural surroundings, Azerbaijan should be on your travel list. Whether you're with family, friends, or on a honeymoon as a couple, this place offers something appealing for all types of travelers.

To make things a little bit easier for you, we have listed some of the best national parks in Azerbaijan. A visit to any of these parks could be exactly what you are missing out on, as they are home to some incredible migratory birds, wildlife, and even a great variety of underwater marine life.

There are countless acres of national parks spread throughout the entirety of Azerbaijan

The most beautiful national parks in Azerbaijan

Situated in the Caucasus region between the Black and Caspian Seas, Azerbaijan boasts an abundant natural resource base, a diverse range of flora and fauna, and the highest level of biodiversity among European nations.

The national parks in Azerbaijan are public areas or bodies of water with unique environmental, historical, and other significance that are protected by the government for the goals of environmental preservation, education, science, cultural studies, and other objectives.

Here are the most beautiful national parks in Azerbaijan

1. Gobustan National Park

The Gobustan National Park Baku is one of the most visited national parks in Azerbaijan. Situated approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Baku, the capital city, this site holds UNESCO recognition for its mud volcanoes adorned with petroglyphs and several musical rocks.

The carvings etched on the rock walls trace back 40,000 years, portraying an array of shapes that include human figures and animals. Among the about 6,000 strange carvings, some of the more fascinating and unusual ones are the representations of whales and dolphins, which are said to be representative of the marine life found in the Caspian Sea.

Azerbaijan's mud volcanoes are also nearby. Gobustan National Park in Azerbaijan is one of the more well-liked day trips from Baku, and it is often organized by the hotel. 

The Gobustan National Park Baku is one of the most visited national parks in Azerbaijan

2. Absheron National Park

Covering 783 hectares of land, the Absheron Peninsula is a safeguarded region frequently overlooked by tourists visiting Azerbaijan. Home to Absheron National Park, this area remains under-visited primarily due to lackluster reviews and limited circulating information about its unique ecosystem and protected wildlife.

If you are a nature lover, the "Absheron Peninsula" has over 25 species of endemic and non-native plants. The park itself resembles "semi-desert terrain," with a wide variety of flora, fauna, and of course dunes. For tourists who are lucky, you may be fortunate enough to spot some of the other wildlife species that grace the grounds, such as tortoises, foxes, jackals, and more.

3. Agh Gol National Park

The "Agh Gol National Park" is located near the Iranian border in the southern part of Azerbaijan. Over the years, one of the main draws for smaller visitors to the park has remained its dry terrain situated amidst the Kur-Araz lowlands. The jade-colored oasis has long been a well-known feature of this area and represents a rather major portion of these lowlands.

Inside this park, you'll discover a habitat for over 140 bird species, including more than 80 that nest there, making it an ideal haven for bird enthusiasts. However, accessing this national park in Azerbaijan can pose difficulties without arranging for a private driver and guide.

4. Shirvan National Park

For travelers seeking a sort of day vacation, there is Shirvan National Park, which is approximately a day's drive from Baku. The park is known for its "semi-desert terrain," which is strikingly similar to the Absheron Peninsula.

Shirvan National Park Azerbaijan was established in 2003 and has been an enormous success with the goal of safeguarding endemic plants and animals, especially the gazelle.

Apart from the mammals, the park is home to more than 200 species of birds and a diverse range of marine life. Unlike other national parks in Azerbaijan, accommodations in the form of bungalows and camping areas are available.

Big car for safari in Shirvan National Park

Explore more about the best places to visit in Azerbaijan

5. State Goygol National Park

Another important and well-regarded site in Azerbaijan is the State Goygol National Park. Within the park is the much-discussed Lake Goygol, which has been a popular tourist destination.

Within 90 minutes of Ganja, the lake and its surroundings are a popular day trip destination.  In 1925, the Soviets established this protected area to restore mountain forests, lakes, and meadows. The natural beauty of this Azerbaijani national park is abundant, with steep valleys interspersed with rivers and a series of lakes dominating the landscape, as well as endemic wildlife such as bears, deer, and boars, as well as a rich diversity of plants. 

6. Altyaghach National Park

If you are an animal lover, this park has a lot of them. On the grounds of this park, you can find creatures such as roe deer, bears, wild boars, lynxes, foxes, rabbits, squirrels, wolves, and more.

Altyaghach nation park spans an area where 90.5% is blanketed by temperate deciduous broadleaved forests, primarily featuring iron trees, Caucasus hornbeams, Oriental beeches, cuds, birch trees, and more. This national park is a habitat for East Caucasian tur (Capra cylindricornis), a rare mountain-dwelling goat-antelope species exclusive to the eastern part of the Caucasus Mountains.

Before planning your trip to explore the stunning national parks, it’s essential to know what is the weather like in Azerbaijan to choose the best time for your adventure.

7. Hirkan National Park

Strictly protected, Hirkan National Park is 99% covered in forests in a mostly mountainous area, situated between the Talysh Mountains and the Lenkoran Lowland.

The Hirkan National Park protects endemic and remnant plant species from the Tertiary period. Its forests are home to 150 of 435 different species of trees and shrubs. Some of the tree species found there are the Hirkan box tree, iron tree, chestnut leave oak, fig tree, Hirkan pear tree, Silk Acacia, Caucasus palm tree, Caspian gleditsia, butcher's broom, alder tree, and animals like the Persian leopard, the Talysh pheasant, golden eagle, and others.

Hirkan National Park is 99% covered in forests in a mostly mountainous area

Read more: Discover the top 10 places to visit in Baku

Exploring National Parks in Azerbaijan Today!

The "best" national park in Azerbaijan truly depends on the traveler; choose whether you prefer warm or cold weather, driving, walking, or climbing, or being in a desert or surrounded by a lot of water. When you plan your trip to this stunning country, choose the park that best suits your needs from this list.

So can't wait to explore some of the best national parks in Azerbaijan? Apply for an Azerbaijan eVisa effortlessly via our Azerbaijan Immigration Services website, and prepare to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of these seven stunning national parks. 

Our streamlined process ensures swift processing, expert support, and secure handling of your application, enhancing your travel experience. With accessibility from anywhere globally, we aim to provide a hassle-free solution for your entry into Azerbaijan, prioritizing your convenience and peace of mind.