Top Things to Do in Lankaran Azerbaijan for Every Traveler

With a history dating back to ancient times, Lankaran, Azerbaijan is a lovely seaside city on the shores of the Caspian Sea, where one can find not only subtropical weather, but also green forests and priceless cultural-historical heritage as well. Home to ancient castles and bustling markets, black sands and fine local food, the city of Lankaran offers something to every type of traveler combining history, nature, and unique Azerbaijani hospitality.

Must-see and must-do in Lankaran, Azerbaijan

Overview of Lankaran

Lankaran is a vibrant city in southern Azerbaijan, famed for its coastal beauty, lush forests, and rich cultural heritage.

Location

Lankaran is a city in the far south of Azerbaijan, located between the Caspian Sea to the east and the lush Talysh Mountains to the west. Such a strategic location provides the city with a combination of sea and mountain scenes, thus creating a capital of natural diversities.

To the north there is Gizil Aghaj State Reserve, a paradise of migratory birds, and to the south Azerbaijan borders an ancient Hirkan Forest that is known for rare iron trees and the critically endangered Caucasian leopard. The soil of Lankaran is all-fertile, and the city harbors citrus orchards, tea plantations and a strong food-culture heritage, and these facts firmly established Lankaran as both a cultural, and an agricultural centre of Azerbaijan.

History

Lankaran has a rich and varied history which has been influenced by the strategic position at the coast of Caspian Sea. The region is believed to be inhabited since ancient times due to archaeological evidence, which also shows that it was a trading hub with cultural exchange.

Lankaran was the capital of Talysh Khanate in the 18th century, with construction of fortresses and intensive rapid development of the city. Persians controlled the city until it was ceded to the Russian Empire in the early 19th century under the Treaty of Gulistan (1813), with full control solidified after the Treaty of Turkmenchay (1828). In modern days, Lankaran has preserved its cultural heritage in historic buildings, culture, and archeology of the city, which is the witness of its lush history.

Why to visit

The city of Lankaran is a place of rare beauty, rich cultural heritage and the true Azerbaijani hospitality. Its position between the Caspian Sea and the Talysh Mountains make the arrangements of wonderful features, including black-sand beaches and rich subtropical forests.

There are historical sites such as Lankaran Fortress and the Khan’s House to visit, biodiversity at the Hirkan National Park to enjoy, or birdwatching at the Gizil Aghaj Reserve to do. The region’s fertile soils produce fragrant tea, citrus fruits, and signature local dishes such as lavangi. Lankaran can be visited year-round, although summers are hot and humid while spring and autumn are considered the most pleasant seasons.

Reason to visit Lankaran

Interesting fact about Lankaran Azerbaijan

Lankaran is not only a beautiful city on the coast; it is a destination, which can be characterized by its distinctive peculiarities to other destinations in Azerbaijan. What can be better than excellent weather conditions, interesting history of the country in context of the Soviet Union, and uncommon natural phenomena? That is why the region is filled with surprises that interested travelers will want to discover.

• Most wet region within Azerbaijan: Lankaran is the rainiest region in Azerbaijan, with annual precipitation typically ranging from around 1,100 to 1,800 mm depending on location and measurement period.
• Local lore suggests that during the Soviet era, cosmonauts sometimes visited the Istisu springs for rest and recovery, although this has not been historically confirmed.
• Black Sand beaches: Azerbaijan is home to rare therapeutic black-sand beaches, most famously found in Lankaran and the neighboring Astara region, popular with tourists due to the health effects attributed to their use.

Top thing to do in Lankaran Azerbaijan

Discover the best experiences in Lankaran, Azerbaijan, from historic landmarks to natural wonders and authentic local culture.

Khanbulan Lake

Khanbulan Lake is a tranquil natural spot near Lankaran, popular with locals for relaxation and picnics, though it remains less known among international travelers. The lake also has lush iron trees forests surrounding it and makes it an ideal place to unwind with a cup of tea, view the scenery and spend time in a calm state.

On spring and summer days the forests are glowing in green, and autumn paints them in saturated red. The air is cool and fresh with a rich in oxygen and it becomes a refreshing retreat for nature admirers and a place to visit in southern Azerbaijan.

Khanbulan Lake

Khan's house

A memorable historical site that is situated in Lankaran is the Khan’s House which was constructed by Mir Ahmet Khan in the year 1912 to his wife, Tughra Khanim. It is the design work of French architects; it incorporates both Azerbaijani and European architecture and white and red bricks were brought in Baku. It was among the first multi-storey buildings in the city and is notable for its European-influenced design and early adoption of modern amenities.

Nowadays it is a museum where the personal items of the last khan and his wife are exhibited along with the artefacts of the Bronze Age. The garden has unique, centuries-old trees, it gives visitors the opportunity to have Azerbaijani tea and local fruit preserves.

Khan's house

Round Tower

Among the buildings that survived the troubled 18th-century history of Lankaran that was dominated by Russia-Iran rivalry is the Round Tower constructed in 1768. It was originally built in the city fortifications; and until 1970 it was used as a prison.

One local legend claims that Josef Stalin was once imprisoned here and escaped through a secret tunnel, though historians find no evidence to support this story. While there is no historical evidence to confirm this, the story adds to the mystique of the site. This unbelievable monument still remains a strong sign of strength and layers of history of Lankaran, giving an interesting insight into the historical battles and strategic significance of the region.

Round Tower

Black-sand beach

The seaside is one of the most beautiful and unique places on the Caspian Sea at Lankaran black-sand beach. It is a famous location due to its fine volcanic sand with shallow waters and it is a destination place when it comes to beach volleyball, soccer, water polo and sunbathing.

Nights are particularly enchanting, especially when the full moon rises over the Caspian Sea. It is even more beautiful when the air is filled with the soulful music of a tar that makes the black-sand beach one of the memorable places not only to relax but also to visit to watch the cultural beauty of the south of Azerbaijan.

Black-sand beach

Lankaran cuisine

Lankaran is a must-visit destination for food lovers, with local delicacies renowned across Azerbaijan and the wider post-Soviet region. Alongside national favorites like piti, shah kebab, sebet kebab, and gutabs, the city offers unique dishes you won’t find elsewhere.

One of the most iconic local dishes is lavangi — chicken or fish stuffed with walnuts, onions, and spices. Other regional specialties include sirdag and badimcan kükü, which highlight the area’s love for eggplant. Rich in flavor and tradition, Lankaran’s cuisine reflects the region’s fertile lands, fresh ingredients, and deep culinary heritage.

Traditional Lankaran cuisine

The bazaar

Lankaran bazaar is a great local hotspot and Lankaran is incomplete without witnessing this place. Divided into two parts, the Big Market and the Small Market, it has been a trading centre of the city for numerous centuries. Visitors only have to stroll in the colourful streets, where local people will speak the melodic Azerbaijani Turkish language, as they conduct this shopping routine daily to purchase fresh organic foods, clothes, homeware products, and buy handmade crafts.

In the extreme right side of the market is the old Bazaar Mosque which contributes a cultural value to this bustling trade center. Making a visit to the bazaar would provide a real insight into the traditions and communal life of Lankaran and the general flow of the day.

The bazaar at Lankaran

Lankaran awaits

Previously an important station on the ancient Silk Road, Lankaran greeted the caravans that went from the Caucasus to Khorasan. It is a popular tourist destination today especially among those visitors who explore the south of Azerbaijan usually through Iran.

Nevertheless, Lankaran is much more than a night stopover. Its coastline and lush nature, history, and culture with touch of Caspian Sea, provide a lot of memories to enjoy. Then, it is possible to spend a couple of days here, finding its unique beauty and feeling the warm hospitality, which makes Lankaran really unforgettable.

Lankaran awaits with history, nature, and flavors

Tip to visit to Lankaran Azerbaijan

Lankaran is a historic, cultural and naturally beautiful location suitable to give people a genuine taste of Azerbaijani travel. There are some practical tips that you can have before you depart and use to enjoy your trip.

• Local transportation: Taxis are the least difficult means to travel, nevertheless, one can also easily walk throughout the city center as it is pleasant.
• Currency: Azerbaijani manat (AZN) is taken; take small bills in order to shop at markets and local shops.
• Language: Azerbaijani is spoken, though Russian is known to many locals also.
• Social behaviours: Dress decently when moving around religious places, never take photographs of people without asking.
• Food to try: Don’t miss local specialties like sirdag, badimcan kükü, and lavangi.

Best time to visit

The sub-tropical climate and variety of landscapes that Lankaran offers transforms it into a place that is attractive to visit at any time of year. Each season has a travel experience of its own depending on what you would like to do in terms of relaxation including the beach, touring lush forests or experiencing local culture.

• Spring (March - May): Best time to visit mild weather, flowering parks and nature, nature trips to Hirkan National Park.
• Summer (June - August):An ideal time to enjoy the beaches with warm weather and high spirits on the shores of the black sand beach of Lankaran.
• Autumn (September - October – November): It has cooler weather, beautiful red and gold foliage of Talysh Mountains and quieter travel.
• Winter (December - February): Not as cold as the other parts of Azerbaijan, also fewer tourists, therefore it is a brilliant time to get some rest and experience a bit of the local tea culture.

How to get there

Reaching Lankaran is convenient, with several transportation options available from Baku and other parts of Azerbaijan:

• By air: Lankaran International Airport (LLK) has flights from Baku, taking about 1 hour.
• By bus: Regular intercity buses from Baku’s International Bus Terminal take around 6–7 hours.
• By train: Overnight trains from Baku to Lankaran offer a comfortable and scenic journey.
• By car: Driving from Baku via the M3 highway takes about 5–6 hours, offering flexibility to explore stops along the Caspian coast.

How to reach there

FAQs about Lankaran Azerbaijan

Here are common questions and answers to help you plan your trip and make the most of visiting Lankaran, Azerbaijan.

How many days should I spend in Lankaran?

The best option is to stay in Lankaran two to three days so that visitors have time to visit its historical monuments, natural places, tea plantations, and bakery of the city making Lankaran a unique and relaxed city.

Are there thermal springs in Lankaran?

Yes, Lankaran is the place where one can find natural thermal springs with the world-renowned Istisu and Andjin springs. The value of these mineral-rich waters is that they have a therapeutic property and appeal to those people who are in search of relaxation, wellness facilities, and a unique natural experience in southern Azerbaijan.

Is Lankaran family-friendly?

Yes, Lankaran is a place with safe beaches, calm parks, historical attractions and nature preserves. The presence of cultural attractions, outdoor activities and local food make it a friendly tourist destination especially to the younger generation in the South of Azerbaijan.

In conclusion

Lankaran is an interesting place to visit where the Caspian Sea is connected with the green mountains, and this is the place of history, various nature, and tasty food. The city offers to discover old fortresses and tea plantations, as well as enjoy lavish black-sand beaches. The Azerbaijan e-visa application process removes the friction of traveling to this country by allowing travelers to be able to plan their visit online in a matter of minutes. No matter what you are looking to experience, Lankaran is a year round destination, whatever you are after, whether culture, natural beauty, or local cuisine, nothing but the finest of southern Azerbaijan is on offer in Lankaran.