There is a mysterious city at the foot of the emerald-coloured Talysh mountains, on the golden sandy shores of the melodic Caspian. This place is called “Pearl of the South, golden Lankaran”. The lush forests, the rugged mountains, and the blue Caspian are nature’s gifts to Lankaran. Hirkan National Park and Kyzylagach Reserve, ice springs and Istisu hot springs are its pearls.

Lankaran is one of the largest and oldest cities of Azerbaijan, the largest city in the southern region. The distance from Baku to the district centre is 268 km. İt is located at the intersection of 38 northern and 40 eastern latitudes, on the south-western shore of the Caspian Sea, where the Lankaran River flows into the Caspian Sea.

How to visit Lankaran from Baku?

The shortest trip between Baku to Lankaran is by car.  Before the airport begins running again-it takes around 2,5 hours. If you want to go from Baku to Lankaran by taxi it costs 10 manats (4 people) per person. You can find taxis or marshrutkas going to Lankaran every day from Baku International Bus Terminal. Bus Tickets are available on their official website

The train station is right in the middle of town. Among Baku and Lankaran, there is an electric and night-train service. The ticket to the electric train costs around 2.5 AZN  and leaves Baku at 08:00 AM and returns to Baku at 17:00 PM. The night train costs from 3.20-5.40 AZN, leaving Baku at 11:30 PM and arriving at 9:00 PM.  You can check the train tickets from Azerbaijan Railways website

If you prefer a private tour with professional guide check our Lankaran & Lerik Tour

Where to visit in Lankaran

Archaeologists verified evidence that the region was populated since the Bronze Period. Lankaran continued to develop as a significant stopover point for caravan routes, owing to the connections between East and West such as the silk road. The southern part of Azerbaijan is the most special one with its subtropical climate, which makes nature different here. Lankaran is considered the most fertile and oldest settlement in Azerbaijan, as a paradise city. It is the habitat of the last long-livers leopard in Europe. Here are some of the places we would recommend you to visit:

1. Hirkan National Park

The area of the national park is 21,435 hectares. The National Park covers the natural areas of the Talysh Mountains, which are distinguished by their unique natural complexes. The main purpose of the establishment of the National Park is the comprehensive protection of nature in the area, the protection of relict and endemic plant species of the Third Period, the preservation of typical species of flora and fauna included in the “Red Book” of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Mammals include leopard, spotted deer, lynx, badger, wild boar, roe deer, raccoon and others. grooves can be found. Among the species of amphibians living in the area, the common newt, combed newt, Syrian garlic frog, Caucasian crucian, common land frog are widespread. Among the reptiles in the territory of the National Park are the Mediterranean tortoise, the striped naked lizard, the whirlwind lizard, the ruined lizard, the Aesculapius snake and others. species are available.

Among the species included in the “Red Book” in the area are the dark red Talysh longhorn, Talysh cuckoo, three-storied Talysh runaway, oak diskette, euphemism, Talysh brahmins, large vine haze, Oxim golden butterfly, Alexandra pearl, Talysh velvet butterfly and others.

2. Lankaran Khan Palace

Lankaran khan’s palace was built in 1913 by architects invited from Europe by the order of Mir Ahmad Khan, a descendant of khan. All construction materials used here were brought by ship from Baku. This magnificent building was the first multi-storey building in Lankaran. The facade of the building is decorated with mythological figures. The building still had electric lighting and heating for the first time before the revolution. At present, the Lankaran History and Ethnography Museum are located in this magnificent building.

3. Khanbulanchay Reservior

Khanbulan reservoir is one of the most beautiful places in Azerbaijan. The name means “the spring of the khan” in Azerbaijani language. The reservoir was built in 1976 to meet the irrigation water needs of tea plantations. Now it is one of the most visited places in Lankaran where the beauty of nature is unexplainable. It offers as a chance to enjoy a few wonderful moments which is very delightful and relaxing this ecosystem is free from pollution, mental tension and this ecosystem are totally cut off from the busy world.  While drinking traditional samovar tea travellers can enjoy the wonderful view of the land5scape.

4. The castle where İosif Stalin was imprisoned (Zindan)

The circular fortress (Zindan) was built at the same time as the Lankaran fortress, about 1747-1786. The satellite of the castle is the second similar lighthouse. These two fortresses became strongholds on both sides of the common Lankaran fortress system. Even the total area of ​​the Lankaran fortress was almost twice as large as the Baku fortress. Until 1869, this fortress served as an important defence and stronghold in the wars that took place here. After the occupation of the area by Russian troops, the walls of the common fortress were destroyed and the military fortress was demolished. The circular tower began to be used as a prison. The detainees are said to have been brought here via a secret underground passage between the dungeon and the lighthouse. This ensured the confidentiality of those brought here. The round tower was used as a prison until 1970.

In the State Program on socio-economic development of the regions approved by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a special place was allocated for this monument and the monument was restored.

5. Lankaran Lighthouse

The lighthouse was formed by installing a 2.9-meter lantern on a 30.5-meter-high building. Initially, the lighthouse was located on the seashore. At present, with the decline of the Caspian Sea, it is far from the sea.

It is believed to have been built in 1747-1786. It was one of the strongholds of Lankaran fortress. In 1869, the prison was abolished, ready to operate in the lighthouse. It is used as a beacon by placing a lantern at the top of the building. Mayan is given to the Caspian navy of the Russian Empire. In 1957, the lighthouse building was renovated. In 1969, the beacon celebrated its 100th anniversary. In 2002, the lighthouse building was renovated again.

6. Lankaran spring wellness resort

This place is famous for its special “Istisu” (which means “hot water”) healing sources. The resort is one of the most effective balneological complexes in the world. It is one of the most effective balneological resorts on the earth. The complex is surrounded by a mountain-forest view, only 10 minutes walk from  Sea and 15 minutes from the Airport. The resort has a unique architectural style, consists of a wellness centre, equipped mineral springs, a kids’ centre and includes a total area of ​​11 hectares. Visitors are offered a full range of thermal procedures written on the advice of highly qualified specialists. Visitors can also taste appetising local and foreign cuisine from the main restaurant’s open-air terrace.