The Best Photo Spots in Azerbaijan: How to Capture the Beauty of This Stunning Country

Azerbaijan is a country full of contrasts and stunning scenery, from the surreal Candy Cane Mountains and serene Goygol National Park to the modern skyline of Baku with its iconic Flame Towers. Whether you love nature, history, or urban landscapes, this guide will help you discover the best photo spots in Azerbaijan.

Come explore our complete photo guide and capture the country’s most unforgettable sights, perfect for photographers and travelers alike.

Capturing the Best Photo Spots in Azerbaijan: Important Info to Keep in Mind

Are you ready to learn all about taking the perfect pictures in Azerbaijan? Before diving into the top photo spots of the country, let’s go over some of the basics so you can plan your trip just right.

What is the Most Beautiful Part of Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan is full of beautiful areas to photograph. Baku is the best for architecture and nearby beaches, while the south is known for its lush greenery. Head north east and you'll have rainbow colored mountains and fabulous mountain views, while the central part of the country boasts beautiful flower fields and lakes.

If you plan on doing a road trip in Azerbaijan and are wondering the best places to visit in Azerbaijan for photography, then there is no wrong route - simply ones more suited for each photographer.

 What is the Best Time to Visit Azerbaijan for Photography?

Each season offers something magical here, so the best time to visit Azerbaijan certainly depends on what you're looking to capture. 

We visited in summer and were able to enjoy fields of lavender and sunflowers, while the spring offers fields of poppies and other beautiful blooms. It was also super green at this time, making the mountains that much more beautiful to photograph. The beaches at this time are more ideal to visit, and the pink lake is the most vibrant.

The fall is also particularly stunning in Azerbaijan, and we've seen some incredible photos of the foliage and snow-capped mountains.

The Best Photo Spots in Azerbaijan

Now that you know a bit about what the country's landscapes entail, let's dive into all of the best photo spots in Azerbaijan!

Candy Cane Mountains

The Candy Cane Mountains, located in Khizi, are renowned for their striking red, white, and pink striped formations. These unique geological structures resemble the swirls of a candy cane, offering photographers a surreal and colorful landscape. 

The best time to capture their vibrant hues is during sunrise or sunset when the light accentuates the vivid colors. A visit here is a must for anyone compiling a list of places to see in Azerbaijan, especially for those seeking unique and dramatic landscapes.

Goygol National Park

Goygol National Park is one of Azerbaijan's most picturesque areas, featuring serene lakes surrounded by dense forests and towering mountains. The park offers a tranquil setting for nature photography, with opportunities to capture reflections on the lake's surface and the rich greenery of the surrounding woods.

 It's an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Azerbaijan, but also needs to be planned out since certain areas can only be accessed with guides, and the park is not open 24/7. We cover all of this in our Goygol National Park guide.

Mount Kapaz

Located inside Goygol National Park is one of Azerbaijan's highest peaks and best photography spots. While you can see the peak from the lakes of Goygol, the real treat is getting up close. The mountain offers challenging hikes and stunning views, making it a prime location for adventure and landscape photography.

Important Note: I order to hike Mount Kapaz you'll have to go with a guide. We'd recommend reserving in advance!

Tufandag Mountain Resort

Located in Gabala, Tufandag Mountain Resort is a year-round destination for adventure enthusiasts and photographers. 

In winter, the resort transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for capturing winter sports and alpine landscapes. During the warmer months, the area offers lush greenery and panoramic mountain views, making it a versatile spot for capturing its stunning landscapes.

Laza Waterfalls

The Laza Waterfalls, situated in the Gusar region, are a series of cascading falls surrounded by lush greenery. While the waterfalls themselves make this area worth visiting, the entire area around them is full of fields of green and dramatic peaks.

Leave yourself a few hours here so you can stop along the drive there, and to have a delicious barbecue lunch at one of the many restaurants located next to the falls.

Mount Shahdag

If you're visiting Laza Waterfalls then you can also combine a visit to Mount Shahdag, part of the Greater Caucasus range. You can enjoy breathtaking views and diverse terrains for photography just up the road from the waterfalls, or if you're up for a real adventure, you can do a trek there. 

The mountain is accessible year-round, with winter months providing opportunities for snow-covered landscapes and summer months revealing alpine meadows and rugged peaks. It's a prime location for capturing the dramatic contrasts of Azerbaijan's mountainous regions, no mater when you decide to go.

Khinaliq Village

Khinaliq is the highest mountain village in Azerbaijan, offering a glimpse into traditional mountain life. The village's remote location provides a unique setting for cultural and landscape photography, with opportunities to capture the daily lives of its inhabitants, as well as the village's backdrop of stunning mountain scenery.

Photography Tip: Don't miss out on the trails leaving town up to the various viewpoints of the village. They can be tricky to navigate, so give yourself extra time!

Afurja Waterfall

Afurja Waterfall is a hidden gem in Azerbaijan's natural landscape outside of Guba. The waterfall is set amidst dense forests, and falls over a rock wall that caves in allowing photographers to walk right behind the waterfall for truly unique shots.

Photo Tip: Bring a wide lens get a more complete shot of the waterfall.

Masazir Golu

Masazir Golu, a saltwater lake near Baku, is known for its unique pink hue, especially during the summer months. The lake's vibrant color contrasts beautifully with the surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for photographers interested in capturing unusual natural phenomena.

Photo Tip: The lake is really big and not may areas are easily accessible. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time, and proper footwear for walking in wet, delicate areas.

Yanar Dag

Yanar Dag, or "Burning Mountain," is a natural gas fire that blazes continuously on a hillside on the Absheron Peninsula. The flames provide a dramatic and unique subject for photography, especially during the evening when the fire is illuminated against the night sky.

Pirallahi Island

Pirallahi Island, situated in the Caspian Sea, is known for its rich history and diverse wildlife. The island's unique blend of natural beauty and historical sites makes it the perfect subject for photographers interested in capturing both landscapes and cultural heritage.

Flame Towers

The Flame Towers are a trio of skyscrapers in Baku that have become iconic symbols of the city. The towers' unique design offer striking subjects for architectural photography, and even more-so when they're beautiful illuminated with images at night.

Baku Viewpoint

The Baku Viewpoint sits on a pier and offers panoramic views of the city, including the Caspian Sea and the Flame Towers. It's an excellent location for capturing wide-angle shots of the city's skyline and the surrounding landscape.

Mini Venice

A slice of Venice has come to Baku, where you can find a quaint manmade-lake with gondola rides offered - it's not only one of the most unique things to do in Baku, but it makes for some great photos too!

Baku Eye

The Baku Eye, a giant Ferris wheel located along the Caspian Sea promenade, offers elevated views of the city and the sea. You can capture sweeping vistas of Baku's skyline and coastline from the top of the wheel, or you can capture the beautiful ferris wheel popping out against the waters behind it.

Gobustan Mud Volcanoes

Gobustan Mud Volcanoes are a unique geological feature located near Baku. The mud volcanoes' otherworldly landscape provides dramatic subjects for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light casts long shadows and highlights the textures of the terrain.

The Gobustan Mud Volcanoes are one of the best day trips from Baku, and span across many kilometers including hundreds of mud volcanoes! For the best photography opportunities we recommend going off-roading outside of the main museum area.

Photo tip: Bring a drone for some truly unbelievable perspectives

Alpaca Azerbaijan

Alpaca Azerbaijan is a farm located in the countryside, offering visitors the chance to interact with alpacas.If you're looking for some cute a cuddly animal pictures, then this is a fun place to do it!

Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory

The Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory, situated in the mountains, is one of the best places for night sky photography. The observatory's location away from city lights provides clear views of the stars, making it an excellent spot for capturing amazing astrophotography shots while in Azerbaijan.

Qaranohur Lake

Qaranohur Lake is a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by forests and mountains, and is a true gem of Azerbaijan. It's a quaint place to photograph anytime, but is particularly beautiful in the fall season.

 Photo Tip: Bring a drone for a unique perspective of the lake from above!

Poppy Fields of Ismailli

If you're visiting Azerbaijan in spring, then you're in for a real treat. The poppy fields in Ismailli create vibrant red carpets across the countryside. Photographers can capture the fields in full bloom, with the colorful flowers contrasting against the green backdrop of the hills in this beautiful region.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

Nohur Lake

Situated near Gabala, Nohur Lake is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, with plenty of shops and eateries. Whether you plan on renting a boat and rowing around the lake, or simply admiring it from the outside, you'll be able to get some fabulous pictures here.

Essenso Lavender Garden

Planning a visit to Azerbaijan in the summer? The Essenso Lavender Garden, located in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, is a fragrant and colorful destination for your Azerbaijan bucket list. 

There are dozens of rows of lavender with cute photo props, along with sunflower fields and other pretty spots across the farm to capture.

Turian Chay Reserve

This incredible area we passed by heading towards a winery, and although we didn't have a ton of time, we had to fly the drone to check it out.

The Turian Chay Reserve is a protected area known for its rich biodiversity. The reserve is full of unique formations contrasting the flowing rivers, making it excellent for photography. We stopped for the drone shot, but would recommend trying to spend some time there!

Heydar Aliyev Park

Heydar Aliyev Park in Ganja will make you feel like you've teleported to Paris. This stunning arch looks just like the Arc de Triomphe, but it really comes alive at night when it illuminates stunningly. With lamp posts lining the entrance, manicured gardens, and fountains, the entire park is fun to photograph.

Photo Tip: Get your shots before midnight, as that's when the lights turn off! They turned off for us actually a few minutes earlier.

Imamzadeh Ibrahim

Imamzadeh Ibrahim, located in the town of Ganja, is a historical site featuring an ancient mausoleum. It's one of the most vibrant and captivating buildings in Azerbaijan, and a great cultural experience as well.

Tip for Visiting: Bring something to cover up. If you don't have anything, they'll give you something to put on.

Sunflower Fields Azerbaijan

The sunflower fields in Azerbaijan bloom in late summer, creating vibrant yellow landscapes across the countryside. You can find them in various locations throughout the country, but we found this particular one just outside the city of Ganja.

Sirsira Selalesi

This waterfall is a total hidden gem. We found this one by just scrolling the map, and decided to take our chance. The waterfall's secluded location makes it a peaceful setting for capturing long-exposure shots and the surrounding natural beauty.

Hacagaya

Hacagay is a one of the true gems of Azerbaijan, and despite being one of the hardest places to find on the map, it truly was rewarding.

Tucked away in the mountains, this site is not only spiritual for locals, but it's also one of the best photo spots in Azerbaijan.

Capturing the Best Photo Spots in Azerbaijan

Now that you know all of the most Instagrammable spots in Azerbaijan, let's help you capture the moments with the best gear you can invest in.

Capturing the Best Photo Spots in Cappadocia: Gear (& What We Use)

Want to capture photos similar to ours? Here is the gear we used in the different locations around Azerbaijan.

• Mirrorless Camera: Sony Alpha 7riii
• Wide Lens: Great for big waterfalls or capturing wide landscapes (We use the Sony GM 14")
• Wide-Range Lens: Ideal for capturing most shots (We use the Sony GM 24-70).
• Telephoto Lens: Good for bringing the mountains in the back closer (We use the Sony GM 70-200)
• Drone: We use the Mavic Mini Pro 4 because it's super light, shoots vertically, and has amazing video quality, although we'd also recommend the Mavic 4 Pro for higher quality photos.
• Action Camera: We use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & can be used with an extra long selfie stick for drone-like shots where you can't use one.
• Tripod: We use the JOBY Rangepod Tripod
• Presets: We use our own Scratch Your Mapa Presets (these ones are mostly with the Into the Wild Preset Collection)

The Best Photo Spots in Azerbaijan: Final Thoughts & What's Next

Azerbaijan is a beautiful country, full of gorgeous landscapes. Whether you're exploring the dramatic peaks, alpine lakes, or some of the other-worldy landscapes like the candy cane mountains and Gobustan Mud Volcanoes, it truly is a photographer's playground in this underrated country.

What's Next?

Now that you know the best photo spots in Azerbaijan, you'll probably want to learn more about what traveling around the country is like!

Here are a few other travel guides we have about Azerbaijan:

 How to Visit Azerbaijan

 The Best Places to Visit in Azerbaijan

 Renting a Car in Azerbaijan

 Azerbaijan Road Trip

 The Naftalan Oil Baths Experience

 Gobustan Mud Volcanoes

 Goygol National Park

 Best Things to Do in Baku

We're going to also be having new articles each Thursday as well, so stay tuned!

Ready to explore all of the best photo spots in Azerbaijan? It's such a unique country, and we know that if you're a photographer you're going to fall in love with it just like we have.

Want to learn more visiting Azerbaijan? We have quite a few other Azerbaijan Travel Guides, as well as more coming up every week! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so that you can stay up to date with our latest content, and get special discounts on our shop.

Ready to start planning an unbelievable trip to Azerbaijan? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers customized travel planning, so that you can sit back, relax, and fully enjoy an incredible trip. Take a peak at a few of our travel planning packages we offer, or email us today to learn more!

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