Lankaran — Subtropics, Tea and Dark Sand Beaches

Lankaran is a town in southern Azerbaijan, about 270 km from Baku near the Iranian border. The climate is humid subtropical: green hills, tea plantations, citrus groves and mild winters.

What to see

• Dark-sand beaches — the Caspian sand here is dark from minerals.
• Lankaran fortress and lighthouse — remains of old fortifications in the centre.
• Hirkan National Park — relict forests with ironwood trees and rare wildlife, a UNESCO site.
• Tea plantations — watch the harvest and taste fresh tea.
• Istisu waterfall and hot springs nearby.

What to eat

Lavangi — chicken or fish stuffed with walnuts, onion and sour plum paste — and local tea with lemon and jam.

Getting there

By car it's about 3.5–4 hours; there are also trains and flights from Baku. An overnight stay is best. Fancy a trip south? Message us and we'll plan it.