Things To Do
in Xaçmaz
Xaçmaz is a sunlit northeastern town on the Caspian Sea, surrounded by citrus groves and green hills. It serves as a relaxed gateway to the Quba region’s countryside, offering easy coastal walks and village experiences. The town center features a traditional market, friendly locals, and seaside charm along the broad promenade.
With its mix of coastal scenery and rural culture, Xaçmaz provides a gentle taste of northern Azerbaijan.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at Xaçmaz International Airport and enjoy a hearty Azerbaijani breakfast at a local café. Settle into your boutique hotel and unpack while soaking in views of the nearby Caspian Sea. Stroll through the leafy city streets to familiarize yourself with the neighborhood.
Head to the central bazaar to haggle over fresh produce, local spices, and handmade souvenirs. Visit the regional history museum to learn about the rich heritage of the Shirvan region. Pause for tea at a traditional teahouse and sample sweet baklava.
Dine on freshly caught fish at a waterfront restaurant overlooking the Caspian coastline. Take a leisurely walk along the illuminated promenade as street musicians play folk tunes. Return to your hotel for a nightcap on the rooftop terrace before turning in.
Drive out to the ancient Shabran Fortress at first light, tracing crumbling stone walls and hidden watchtowers. Climb to the highest point for sweeping views of the rolling plains below. Listen to your guide recount tales of medieval Shirvanshah battles.
Continue your adventure with a hike up Chirag Mountain’s rugged trails, pausing to photograph wildflowers and panoramic vistas. Enjoy a picnic lunch beside a bubbling mountain spring. Explore nearby cave formations where shepherds once sheltered.
Descend back to Xaçmaz and stop at a mountainside café for hearty lamb kebabs and freshly baked lavash. Watch the sunset paint the valley in hues of orange and pink. Return to your hotel feeling invigorated by the day’s exploration.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-4 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (1 night) | $25-60 |
| 🧺Groceries for a week | $20-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed coastal town with immediate access to rural villages
- Friendly locals and strong fresh-food scene
- Moderate climate with pleasant summers and mild winters
- Close proximity to the Quba region’s scenery and hikes
- Affordable travel costs and simple, walkable town center
- Limited nightlife and fewer big-city amenities
- Public transport outside Xaçmaz town can be infrequent
- Some areas may have limited English-speaking staff
- Slightly longer journeys for major international connections
- "Salam" - Hello
- "Çox sağ olun" - Thank you very much
- "Xahiş edirəm" - Please
- "Sağ olun" - Thanks
- "Necəsiz?" - How are you?
- "Haraya getməliyəm?" - Where should I go?
- "Bu nədir?" - What is this?
- "Gecən xeyir" - Good night
Places to Visit in Xaçmaz
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide sea horizons, silhouettes of fishermen, and soft evening light over the Caspian Sea create classic coastal photos.
A leafy, walkable stretch with boats, reflective water, and locals in daily activity—great for candid street scenes.
Colorful market stalls and textured walls provide vibrant scenes of daily life and local color.
Rows of citrus trees with warm backlight; perfect for landscape and close-up fruit photography.
Food in Xaçmaz
Xaçmaz Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant saffron-infused rice dish often studded with meat, dried fruits, or vegetables; pairs well with fresh salad and yogurt.
Must-Try!
A tangy yogurt-based soup with herbs and sometimes rice; light but comforting and widely available at local eateries.
Delicate lamb or beef dumplings served in clear broth with herbs; a traditional staple in northern Azerbaijan.
Stuffed flatbreads folded and lightly fried, filled with greens, cheese, or meat; great for a quick bite from street vendors or casual cafes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling place to taste seasonal produce, dairy, grains, nuts, and traditional snacks straight from farmers and local producers.
Seasonal stalls along the promenade offering fried fish, flatbreads, fresh fruit, and sweet treats with a view of the water.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common; use formal greetings in public spaces. Address people with respectful terms, especially elders.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; shoulders and knees covered in such spaces.
Always ask for permission before photographing people, particularly in villages and markets.
Safety
Tipping in Xaçmaz
Ensure a smooth experience
If service is not included, leaving 5–10% at restaurants is appreciated. Small tips to guides or drivers are common but not obligatory.
Cash in Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) is widely accepted; many places also accept cards in towns and larger venues. Smaller eateries may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blossoming orchards; great for walking, market visits, and photography without heat fatigue.
Warm to hot days; plenty of sun by the sea. Stay hydrated, seek shade, and enjoy seaside breezes along the promenade.
Pleasant temperatures and harvest ambiance; ideal for markets, rural tours, and scenic drives through orchard corridors.
Cool to mild, with occasional rain; coastal views can be dramatic with overcast skies. Dress in layers and enjoy cozy teahouses.
Xaçmaz at Night
Hiking in Xaçmaz
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic mountainous hike near the ancient village of Khinalug in the Quba District; offers striking alpine views and a chance to connect with centuries-old village life.
Riverside paths with easy terrain, ideal for day hikes, photography, and quiet nature moments.
Accessible day hikes in the Greater Caucasus foothills, offering forested slopes and panoramic scenery within a few hours’ drive.
Airports
How to reach Xaçmaz by plane.
Major international hub in Baku; serves numerous airlines and destinations. From Xaçmaz, travel by road or rail to the city and onward to the coast.
Smaller regional airport serving the Gabala region; accessible for faster connections to the north and nearby natural areas, with occasional seasonal flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Xaçmaz, with strong rural and agricultural traditions.
A notable minority in the wider region, contributing to linguistic and cultural diversity.
Smaller communities present, especially in older quarters and among long-time residents.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, with local clubs and casual matches throughout towns and villages.
Traditional and contemporary wrestling remain part of regional sports culture, with local events in some villages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Xaçmaz.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes can be prepared without meat; look for vegetarian plov, dairy-based dishes, and vegetable stews. Ask for olive oil instead of animal fats when available.
Many dishes use rice or corn-based elements; clarify ingredients in sauces and breads to avoid gluten.
Most eateries offer halal options; confirm preparation methods if strict halal requirements are essential.