Things To Do
in Şərur

Şərur is a market town in the Sharur District of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Azerbaijan, situated in the Aras River valley near the border with Iran. The surrounding landscape blends fertile valleys with low hills, giving a rural, frontier feel that characterizes much of southern Azerbaijan. Life here centers on agriculture, crafts and seasonal markets that showcase local hospitality and tradition.

Visitors can explore traditional streets, sample rustic cuisine and observe a culture shaped by centuries of trade and regional exchange.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Şərur
morning
:

Arrive in the picturesque town of Şərur, situated in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a traditional Azerbaijani breakfast featuring fresh bread, cheeses, and local jams. Take a leisurely walk to familiarize yourself with the town's charming streets and warm hospitality.

afternoon
:

Visit the local market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and purchase some unique handicrafts and local produce. Interact with the friendly vendors and learn about traditional Nakhchivani cuisine. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café, sampling dishes like plov and dolma.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a nearby viewpoint to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the surrounding mountains. Dine at a family-run restaurant where you can savor authentic Azerbaijani dishes cooked with family recipes. End the evening with a stroll through the town, taking in the warm evening air.

day 2
Historical Sightseeing
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the ancient Momine Khatun Mausoleum, an architectural gem considered a symbol of Nakhchivan. Explore the intricacies of its design and learn about its historical significance. Nearby, the historical Juma Mosque provides a glimpse into the region's rich religious architecture.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a local eatery specializing in regional dishes, followed by a visit to the Nakhchivan State Museum to delve deeper into the history and culture of the area. The museum's exhibits showcase artifacts, traditional clothes, and art from centuries past. Have a leisurely walk in the garden surrounding the museum, which features sculptures and fountains.

evening
:

Savor a delightful dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the town’s twinkling lights and the surrounding hills. Engage in conversation with locals to learn more about traditional music and folklore. Conclude your day by attending a captivating local music performance or cultural event if available.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-10
Coffee/tea at cafe$1-3
🧃Bottle of water$0.5-1
🥖Local bread or pastry$0.2-0.8
🚗Taxi start (1 mile)$1-2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Friendly locals and hospitality
  • Authentic cultural experiences
  • Affordable prices for travelers
  • Accessible nature and landscapes
  • Limited nightlife and urban amusements
  • Rural areas can have sparse English speakers
  • Border area travel sometimes requires advance planning
  • "Salam" - Hello
  • "Günaydın" - Good morning
  • "Necəsiz?" - How are you?
  • "Zəhmət olmasa" - Please
  • "Çox sağ olun" - Thank you
  • "Bağışlayın" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
  • "Yol göstərə bilərsiniz?" - Could you show me the way?
  • "Nə qədərdir?" - How much is it?

Places to Visit in Şərur

Visit one of these nice places.

Aras River at Sunset Viewpoint

Open plains along the Aras with golden hour light and distant hills.

Historic Town Center Streets

Cobbled lanes and traditional façades provide texture for street photography.

Bazar at Dawn

Colorful stalls, spices and fresh produce as vendors start their day.

Rural Farmland and Arid Hills

Wide landscapes with fields, windbreaks and distant mountains.

Mosque Courtyards and Minarets

Quiet courtyards with geometric patterns; ideal in soft daylight.

Culinary Guide

Food in Şərur

Azerbaijani cuisine in Şərur emphasizes lamb and dairy with herbs, grain dishes and crisp flatbreads; meals are often shared and revolve around seasonality and local produce.

Şərur Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Plov (pilaf)

A saffron-colored rice dish (often with lamb or chicken) cooked with herbs and sometimes dried fruits; a centerpiece for gatherings.

Must-Try!

Dovga

A yogurt-based soup with herbs and greens; light, refreshing and commonly served with bread.

Kabab

Grilled lamb or beef skewers, frequently seasoned with garlic and herbs; a staple at family meals and teahouses.

Qutab

Thin flatbread stuffed with greens, cheese or meat and lightly fried; enjoyed warm with yogurt sauce.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Sharur Market (central bazar)

A bustling hub for fresh fruit, nuts, herbs, bread, dairy and regional snacks; ideal for tasting everyday flavors.

Climate Guide

Weather

Şərur has a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and cool winters; spring and autumn are mild with pleasant temperatures and limited rainfall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting and politeness

Greet with a respectful salam or good day; use polite titles and show deference to elders.

Photography etiquette

Ask before taking photos of people or private spaces; avoid photographing at religious sites without permission.

Safety Guide

Safety

Overall safety is good in the town and surrounding areas; practice common-sense safety in crowds, secure valuables, and be cautious on country roads at night. Check travel advisories if crossing borders.

Tipping in Şərur

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; in restaurants, 5-10% is common if service is not included.

Payment Methods

Cash in AZN is widely used; many places in town accept cards, but ATMs are more common in Nakhchivan City and mobile payments are growing.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Very hot and dry; bring sun protection, water and light clothing; plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.

Winter

Cool to cold with possible rain or snow in higher areas; layer up and wear sturdy shoes.

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming flora; ideal for walking and photography.

Autumn

Moderate temperatures and harvest atmosphere; great for markets and scenic drives.

Nightlife Guide

Şərur at Night

Nightlife in Şərur is modest: tea houses and small cafes offer evening conversations; few bars or clubs exist and activity tends to wind down earlier than in larger cities.

Hiking in Şərur

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Aras River Valley Trail

Easy to moderate riverside hike with open views and agricultural scenery.

Shahbuz Ridge Trail

Mountain route with panoramas of the surrounding landscape and pine forests.

Countryside loop near Sharur

Flat to rolling farmland paths suitable for a half-day hike or bike ride.

Airports

How to reach Şərur by plane.

Nakhchivan International Airport

Regional gateway with flights to Baku and some international connections; reachable by road from Şərur.

Heydar Aliyev International Airport

Baku's large international airport offering many international and domestic connections.

Iğdır Airport

Turkish airport near the border with potential regional flights; convenient for some cross-border travel.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, with markets, mosques and cafes within a short stroll; beyond the center, a car or taxi is typically needed to reach surrounding villages and nature sites.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Azerbaijani

The overwhelming majority in the region; the culture centers on hospitality, family and traditional crafts.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport with local clubs and informal games across towns.

Wrestling and traditional sports

Common at community events and school competitions.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light in Şərur; local buses and minibuses connect to nearby towns; for longer trips, private taxis or rental cars are traditional options; road conditions vary outside the main town.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Şərur.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers will find eggplant, greens, legumes and dairy widely available; request plov with vegetables or yogurt-based soups.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available in the Sharur District with local clinics and a district hospital; for more complex care or emergencies you may travel to Nakhchivan City where larger hospitals and specialists are located.

Discover Azerbaijan

Read more in our Azerbaijan 2025 Travel Guide.

Azerbaijan Travel Guide