Azerbaijan is a unique country in terms of tourism. This region is rich in beautiful natural places, resorts of a modern level, which are no worse than European ones, for example. The country today is developing the scope of summer beach tourism, as well as winter. The ski resorts of Azerbaijan (the description of which you will find in this article) attract tourists who come from various places, and their flow does not decrease, but only increases annually.
Azerbaijan Resorts
Where is it worth coming to Azerbaijan? These are undoubtedly resorts in cities such as Gabala, Hussar, Sheki, Naftalan. The list goes on. Here you can find comfortable places to relax in five-star hotels, go on a tour and see natural monuments of extraordinary beauty and historical sights of the country. But the main form of recreation in the resorts are winter sports. The ski resorts of Azerbaijan (photo below) offer the opportunity to actively and comfortably spend time. The most popular in this area are the Tufan and Shahdag complexes.
Shahdag
In the past, this area was a kind of gateway in the north-east of the country to Europe and the countries of the Middle East. This region, which is surrounded by the mighty Caucasus Mountains, is rich in natural beauties. Here you can find the remains of ancient glaciers, look at gorges and lakes, see how rich the flora and fauna of Shahdag is.
The climatic conditions of the region suggest cold winters and warm summers, which is suitable for practicing various sports at any time of the year. In Shahdag is one of the largest ski resorts in the country, as well as the famous national park. Arriving here, you will feel the beauty of these paradise places, which you will not be able to forget for a long time.
Complex "Shahdag"
Recently, the ski resorts of Azerbaijan have received great development. The Shahdag was opened in 2011, with the second cableway and ski slope opening in the presence of President Ilham Aliyev. The complex itself is located at an altitude of two and a half thousand meters above sea level, provides for the presence of nineteen different slopes.
Shahdag employs highly experienced instructors who train tourists in skiing. In addition, you can snowboard here or try what aero skis are. Children's rest is also possible with the use of ATVs. Your child will not be bored, because here he can find something to do in the fortress from balls or ride an inflatable sled.
Finding the Shahdag summer-winter complex is very simple: it is located not far from the territory of the national park of the same name, in a picturesque mountainous area. Do not worry that you will have nowhere to stay for relaxation, as there are many hotels in which tourists can book rooms for every taste and from various price categories. If you are tired of playing sports, you have the opportunity to go to one of the many spas and relax after a tiring skiing or snowboarding.
You can come to Shahdag not only in winter, but also in summer. At this time, tourists of any age can relax in an adventure park, on inflatable fortresses. You can also walk on a quad bike, etc. All these services are offered by the modern four-star Zirva hotel, equipped with an elevator base.
Shahdag Hotels
Since today a large number of travelers come to the ski resorts of Azerbaijan, the hotels here must comply with global trends and standards. In the tourist complex, which is surrounded by mighty mountains, providing an amazing natural landscape, as well as a national park, you can stay in one of the modern hotels. Each has its own advantages, as well as the unique design of the building itself. Therefore, you have the opportunity to choose a hotel room for yourself, based on your personal preferences.
Very popular rest in the "Zirve". This is a hotel of the modern generation with three stars, which offers its services to those who love active tourism and skiing. In this hotel you can feel all the delights of relaxation and admire the local beauties.
Also, a large number of tourists settle in mountain houses, which are a kind of ski hotel for the whole family to relax. Here you can both be alone and live together with relatives or friends.
The country's first modern mountain hotel is the Shahdag Spa Hotel. This place combines the traditional customs of Azerbaijan and the current trends in the hotel business. At the Shahdag Spa Hotel, you can feel like you are in a hotel that can be compared to the most luxurious establishments around the world.
In addition, PIK PALACE Shahdag, which is two hundred and thirty kilometers from the capital of Azerbaijan, the city of Baku, will provide you with a truly chic vacation.
Complex "Tufan"
The complex called "Tufan" is located in the city of Gabala, Azerbaijan. The ski resort was opened just two years ago, in a beautiful mountainous area. Despite the recent history of the complex, it is well equipped and offers tourists a high level of service. Here, work is still underway to improve the resort, but it is open to visitors. There are four modern cable cars, ski slopes, as well as ski school teachers.
Many hotels are open for living, for example, the five-star Riverside Hotel, where you can buy or rent skis. Today, the infrastructure of Tufan is improving, here you can find a place to relax both for yourself and your child. Therefore, do not waste your money and efforts in vain, because it is absolutely not necessary to go to distant lands and pay huge sums at western resorts. Come to Azerbaijan and see that a real fairy tale is closer than you think.
Gabala city
Arriving in Azerbaijan, many tourists get tired of the ski resorts and want to really feel the flavor and atmosphere of these places. In Gabala, you can see a lot of historical and cultural monuments, the nature of the region, try the local cuisine, buy souvenirs.
As for the history of the city, it has been going on for two thousand years. Until 1991, it had a different name, and until the second half of the last century, so few people lived here that it was called a village in general. Recently, Gabala has become completely different.
The city is surrounded by a mountainous sequence of the Caucasus, so tourists will not have to be bored here. You can feel the heady air of these places, enjoy the view of clean, transparent rivers and lakes. Gabala is known as the local Switzerland.
The climatic conditions here are influenced by the mountainous terrain. The area is famous for its chestnut and walnut forests. In spring, trees bloom here, which provides a unique landscape.
Attractions Gabala
In this city, visitors can see many cultural and historical attractions. Tourists are especially recommended to visit the Albanian temple, the tombs of Sheikhs Mansur and Badraddin, the historical museum and the local theater, etc.
If we talk about natural attractions, the main ones are mountain gorges near Tufan and Bazar-Yurt. In the Gabala region, visitors like to look at the ridges of rocks, peaks behind the clouds and forest expanses.
This is where one of the most famous routes for climbers is located. This is Bazarduzu mountain, the climb of which attracts many tourists.
In Gabala, employees of an excursion organization that deals with tours of historical sights, plan hunting and fishing trips. On Lake Nohur, you can settle in a local recreation center. Here, tourists have the opportunity to walk to the waterfall or along forest trails.
In this area there is a unique route for tourists, which exactly copies the path of Alexander Dumas in the Caucasus in 1858.
As for the city of Gabala itself, then you can walk along the clean and well-groomed streets. If you get bored with the urban atmosphere, you will have the opportunity to hit the road through chestnut and walnut forests, many of which are more than a hundred years old.
Gabala has its own amusement park. In "Gabaland" you can ride wonderful rides that will give you and your family unique memories of your vacation. Luna Park is open from morning until night, so you can walk here until late. "Gabaland" provides for the possibility of buying national Azerbaijani souvenirs made by local craftsmen.
Holidays in Gabala
Gabala and its surroundings have many establishments where you can eat and enjoy dishes of European and national cuisine. Khanlar Restaurant serves gourmet food. In this expensive institution, you can try one of the real Azerbaijani delicacies - the offal of a ram.
In the Gabala region, there is a village called Khamzali, where tourists can buy a special halva, the secret of which is not disclosed to anyone.