Explore Quba

Quba is a city and the administrative centre of the Quba District of Azerbaijan. The city lies on the north-eastern slopes of Shahdag mountain, at an altitude of 600 metres above sea level, on the right bank of the Kudyal river. It has a population of 47,200.

Best Time to Visit:

  • Spring (April - June): Pleasant weather (15-25°C), lush green landscapes.

  • Summer (July - August): Warm (25-30°C), ideal for mountain trips and waterfalls.

  • Autumn (September - November): Mild weather (10-22°C), colorful forests.

  • Winter (December - February): Snowy (0-8°C), great for winter sports at Shahdag.

How to Get There:

  • By Car: A scenic 2-3 hour drive from Baku (170 km).

  • By Bus: Regular buses and minibuses run from Baku’s International Bus Terminal (3-4 hours).

  • By Taxi: Shared taxis are a faster but slightly more expensive option.

Top Attractions:

  1. Qechresh Forest – A stunning natural retreat with towering trees.

  2. Khinalug Village – One of the oldest and highest mountain villages in the world.

  3. Afurdja Waterfall – A breathtaking 75-meter-high waterfall.

  4. Nizami Park – A peaceful park perfect for a stroll.

  5. Sakina Khanum Mosque – A beautiful 19th-century mosque.

  6. Jewish Red Village (Krasnaya Sloboda) – A historic Jewish settlement with synagogues.

  7. Shahdag Mountain Resort – A top destination for skiing and snowboarding in winter.

  8. Apple Gardens – Quba is famous for its delicious apples, and you can visit orchards.

Activities to Do:

  • Explore Qechresh Forest and have a picnic in nature.

  • Visit Khinalug for breathtaking mountain views and ancient history.

  • Hike to Afurdja Waterfall for an unforgettable nature experience.

  • Try horseback riding in the Quba countryside.

  • Ski at Shahdag in winter or enjoy hiking there in summer.

  • Discover the Jewish heritage of Red Village.

  • Taste fresh apples and local honey from Quba’s farms.

Accommodation:

  • Luxury:

    • Shahdag Hotel & Spa – A top-notch resort for skiing and relaxation.

  • Mid-Range:

    • Quba Palace Hotel – A scenic getaway with great amenities.

  • Budget:

    • Hostels & Guesthouses in Khinalug – Great for an authentic village experience.

Food & Restaurants:

  • Must-Try Dishes:

    • Quba-style Kebab – Delicious grilled meats.

    • Qutabs – Thin pancakes stuffed with meat or herbs.

    • Apple Desserts – Quba’s famous apples are used in many sweets.

  • Top Restaurants:

    • Chay Baghi – A scenic restaurant in the forest.

    • Dew Cang Restaurant – A cozy place for local dishes.

    • Shahdag Mountain Resort Restaurants – Great food with mountain views.

Local Culture:

  • Rich Mountain Heritage: Quba is home to Azerbaijan’s oldest mountain communities.

  • Jewish Community: The Red Village is one of the world’s few all-Jewish settlements outside Israel.

  • Apple Harvest Festival (Autumn): Celebrating Quba’s famous apple orchards.