Naftalan is a city in Azerbaijan, known as a medical touristic center. It is located on an agricultural plain near the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. The word naftalan also means a petroleum product that can be obtained there. It is the centre of a petroleum industry, with a grade of oil referred to as "Naftalan".
Spring (April - June): Mild temperatures (15-25°C), ideal for a relaxing visit.
Summer (July - August): Warm (25-35°C), great for spa treatments and outdoor activities.
Autumn (September - November): Pleasant weather (10-22°C) with fewer crowds.
Winter (December - February): Cold (0-10°C), perfect for a quiet wellness retreat.
By Car: A 3-hour drive (210 km) from Baku, along the Baku-Ganja highway.
By Bus: Regular buses run from Baku’s International Bus Terminal (around 4 hours).
By Taxi: Private and shared taxis are available for direct transfers from Baku.
Naftalan Spa – Famous for its therapeutic oil baths, used for centuries for healing.
Naftalan Oil Museum – Learn about the history and therapeutic benefits of Naftalan oil.
Chichekli Mosque – A historical mosque offering a glimpse into the region's architecture.
Ganja City (Nearby) – Visit the nearby city for historical attractions like Javad Khan Street and Juma Mosque.
Goygol Lake (Nearby) – A beautiful lake surrounded by mountains, great for picnics and nature walks.
Enjoy the therapeutic Naftalan oil baths for relaxation and health benefits.
Visit the Naftalan Oil Museum to understand the healing traditions of the region.
Explore nearby Ganja city and its historical sites, including the Nizami Mausoleum.
Relax by Goygol Lake and enjoy a scenic walk or picnic.
Try traditional Azerbaijani spa treatments for rejuvenation.
Luxury:
Naftalan Health Resort – Offers full wellness packages with spa treatments.
Qalaalti Hotel & Resort – A wellness resort with thermal pools and spa services.
Mid-Range:
Naftalan Guest Houses – Comfortable, traditional stays with local hospitality.
Budget:
Local guesthouses – Budget-friendly options with a homely atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Piti – A slow-cooked lamb stew, a traditional Azerbaijani dish.
Kebabs – Grilled meat dishes, popular in Naftalan and surrounding areas.
Shekerbura – A sweet pastry filled with nuts, common during holidays.
Baklava – A sweet dessert made from filo pastry, honey, and nuts.
Top Restaurants:
Naftalan Health Resort Restaurant – Known for traditional Azerbaijani cuisine and wellness-focused meals.
Ganja City Restaurants – Various places to try local specialties such as Qabala or Shaki kebabs.
Local Cafes and Guesthouses – Enjoy freshly prepared local dishes with homegrown ingredients.
Therapeutic Tradition: Naftalan has been a renowned destination for health tourism since the 19th century, particularly for its oil baths.
Hospitality: The people of Naftalan are known for their warm hospitality and offer a relaxing atmosphere for visitors.
Wellness Culture: The region focuses heavily on health and wellness, and many visitors come for the spa and therapeutic experiences.
Folk Music & Dance: Traditional Azerbaijani music and dance, often featuring instruments like the tar and kamancha, are part of the local culture.