Tourism in Quba means exploring one of Azerbaijan’s unique spots, filled with waterfalls, valleys, forests, carpet factories, and much more to see and enjoy. Quba is one of the towns in the Azerbaijani countryside, nestled among the Caucasus slopes and river gorges. Located north of the Shahdag Mountains, one of the major Caucasus ranges, Quba itself rises 600 meters above sea level.
Does Climate Affect Tourism in Quba?
Tourism in Quba is particularly beautiful in spring when gardens bloom, trees are lush, and the ground is covered in greenery. The mountainous forests begin to thaw, as Quba contains mountainous regions that are part of the Caucasus Mountain range.
Tourist Places in Quba Azerbaijan
With prices starting at $120, you can hire a car to take you from Baku to Quba, which is 165 km north of Baku. Although it is a city in the Azerbaijani countryside, Quba has an infrastructure that makes it a suitable tourist destination. This article highlights the features that make tourism in Quba unique, including several notable attractions:
Shahdag Mountain
Located in northeastern Azerbaijan under the towering Caucasus Mountains, Shahdag offers breathtaking natural scenery. Shahdag of Azerbaijan is the largest mountain resort for winter sports in the Caucasus region and the second most popular destination worldwide for Russian and recently Arab tourists. The area boasts pristine glaciers, deep valleys, stunning mountain lakes, and gorges, making it an ecological treasure filled with diverse flora and fauna.
Sakina Khanim Mosque
Built by the widow of A. Bakikhanov, this mosque features a cylindrical shape with each side containing an arched window. It is considered one of the main tourist attractions in Quba.
Sakina Mausoleum
This mausoleum, built in the 16th century, is a notable site for those visiting Quba. While it is less famous than other attractions, it remains a point of interest if time permits.
Juma Mosque
Built in the 19th century, this octagonal red-brick mosque features a large hall with a massive dome, enhancing tourism in Quba.
Arched Bathhouse
Constructed in the 17th century and completed in the early 18th century, this red-brick bathhouse maintains an ideal internal temperature. French writer Alexandre Dumas described it during his travels to the Caucasus.
Red Village (Krasnaya Sloboda)
Known as Krasnaya Sloboda or Red Village, this intriguing destination is a priority for any Quba tour. It is home to a Jewish community that has preserved their religion and language for over two thousand years.
Khinalig Village
Located at an altitude of 2500 meters, this village is home to an ethnic group with its own unique language, spoken by no one else in the world.
History Museum
No Quba tour is complete without visiting this museum, showcasing ancient artifacts discovered around the city. It operates from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM with a break between 1:00 and 2:00 PM, and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Genocide Museum
Opened in 2013 to honor the memory of those killed by the Bolsheviks in 1918, this modern museum serves as a memorial to Azerbaijan’s struggles with neighboring countries.
Gyachresh
A belt of forests and tall trees shades this area, making it a popular natural spot for tourists visiting Quba.
Qadim Quba
Known for its expert craftsmanship, Qadim Quba is a workshop for Azerbaijani Caucasian carpet-making. The workshop operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, closing for an hour at midday.
Types of Traditional Quba Carpets:
- Ag Gul
- Chichi
- Pirabadil
Nizami Park
Named after poet Nizami, this park features two rows of stairs leading to tiered areas, with sycamore trees, seating, and the sounds of birds. Notable features include:
- Metal tower
- Decorated tower
- Statues of poets
- Cemetery
Shahdagh National Park
Located on the bank of the Velvelichai River, the water flows through this vast park in Quba.
Apple Farms
Quba alone boasts over 40 types of apples, offering visitors a glimpse of life before modern chemicals, with naturally watered, untreated apples.
Rivers and Waterfalls
Several rivers and waterfalls enrich tourism in Quba, such as Gudyal River, Velvelichai, Afurjin, Tengealtin Gorge, and Afurdzhin Waterfall, which are among the top natural attractions in Azerbaijan.
How to Have a Complete Quba Tour?
Most visitors start their journey in Baku before heading to Quba. After arranging for transportation, time can be divided among major sites to fully enjoy the diverse experiences that tourism in Quba offers. Key activities to include in a Quba tour are:
- Visiting a forest
- Exploring a mountain village
- Walking through a valley and waterfall
- Touring a carpet factory
- Praying at one of Quba’s mosques
- Visiting a museum
- Enjoying a meal at a Quba restaurant to try national food and drink
Experiencing these activities means you’ve enjoyed the varied and authentic essence of tourism in Quba, a destination that remains unchanged despite the passage of time. Tourism in Quba is nature-oriented, and hiking is a popular activity for tourists. However, this may present challenges for people with disabilities. The locals are known for their simplicity and generosity, often raising livestock and crafting beautiful handmade souvenirs for visitors.
Best Restaurants for Tourism in Quba
Chalette
A wooden restaurant overlooking natural scenery, enhancing your enjoyment of the meals served.
Ayləvi Kafé
A popular café serving kebabs and tea, housed in a wooden cabin with outdoor seating under chestnut trees during summer.
Lucky Restaurant
Favored by many Arab tourists for its modern and European-inspired cuisine.
Best Hotels for Tourism in Quba
When choosing tourism in Quba as a summer getaway or visiting any time of year, several hotels are well-liked by Arab tourists:
Shahdag Hotel
One of the best hotels in a quiet location, featuring elegant interiors, a fitness center, free internet, and a sauna. Each room includes basic amenities like a hairdryer, TV, and private bathroom. Breakfast is halal, with European and vegetarian options available.
Quba Olympic Hotel
Known for its good reputation among Arab tourists, although communication can be challenging as not everyone speaks English, and few speak Arabic. The hotel offers a children’s playground, pool, free internet, garden, and restaurant. Some services are available for an additional fee, such as laundry and meeting rooms, and there are designated non-smoking and family rooms.
This comprehensive guide ensures your tourism in Quba is enjoyable, with detailed suggestions on activities, dining, and accommodations to make the most of your visit to this beautiful Azerbaijani destination.
