Azerbaijan eSIM

Baku is one of the world's most surprising capitals — a mix of medieval old city (UNESCO World Heritage), futuristic skyscrapers like the Flame Towers and oil-funded luxury. The old city (Icheri Sheher) has narrow alleys, the Maiden Tower and historic mosques. The boulevard along the Caspian Sea is magnificent for walking.

Azerbaijan has one of the most interesting regional cuisines of the Caucasus. Plov (saffron rice with various additions like meat, dried fruits and chestnuts) is the national dish. Dolma, kebabs and qutab (thin pancakes with meat or herb filling) are other highlights. Black tea from the samovar is the standard welcome drink.

The mud volcanoes near Baku are a geological phenomenon found in only a few places in the world. Gobustan National Park (40km from Baku) has millennia-old rock carvings (UNESCO) and nearby mud volcanoes. The Absheron Peninsula also has the eternal flame Yanar Dag.

The Sheki valley in northwest Azerbaijan is a well-preserved historical area with the colourful Sheki Khan Palace, medieval caravanserais and traditional Sheki halva (sweet). About 4 hours from Baku by bus or car. The Gabala mountain region is another day-trip destination.

Azerbaijan is one of the original lands of Zoroastrianism and fire worship. Ateshgah (the Fire Temple) on the Absheron Peninsula was a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Zoroastrians. Yanar Dag (burning mountain) is a natural gas fire that has burned for millennia. Both are unique sights.