Lankaran

Lankaran (Lənkəran) is a city in Azerbaijan's Talysh Region on the Caspian Sea coast, with a population of about 89,000, roughly half of whom are ethnic Talish. The area has a high concentration of Shia Muslims. Lankaran is one of the oldest settlements in Azerbaijan, inhabited since the Bronze Age. It grew as a key stop on the Silk Road, and in 1742 the Talish Khanate moved its capital here. The city lies in a sub-tropical lowland with the Caspian coast to the south-east and the Talysh Mountains to the west. Winters are cool with moderate rain, spring is beautiful for seaside walks, summers are hot but pleasant in the mornings and evenings, and autumn is warm during the day with cool nights.

By Plane

Lankaran International Airport (LLK IATA) is located in the eastern part of the city. Because of its proximity to the Iranian border, the airport is a good entry point for travellers continuing to Iran.

By Train

The train station is in the city centre. An electric train runs between Baku and Lankaran (around 2.5 manat), departing Baku at 08:00 and returning at 17:00. A night train costs 3.20–5.40 manat, departing Baku at 23:30 and returning at 21:00.

By Car / Road

From Baku, a shared taxi from the Lavangi Avtovagzal costs about 10 manat per seat (4 people) and takes roughly 3.5 hours. Buses and marshrutkas depart from Baku's 20th January terminal every other hour from 08:00 (5 manat, 5–6 hours). Direct services also run from Ganja (08:00, 09:00) and other cities.

Taxis cost 1 manat per ride within the city. Intra-city buses all depart from and return to the Big Bazaar; several routes (1–6) cover the main districts. Walking is feasible in the compact city centre. English is not widely spoken — an Azeri, Russian, or Turkish phrasebook is useful. Talish is also commonly spoken.

• Old Prison and Lighthouse — the historical prison where Joseph Stalin was once held; he escaped through a secret tunnel to the Mayak Lighthouse and onto the Caspian Sea.

• Tomb of Seyid Khalifa — a 19th-century tomb in Jil village with carved tombstones and artefacts reflecting Islam and fire-worshipper traditions.

• House of Isa Khan — a notable early 20th-century architectural structure.

• Historical-Local Lore Museum — memorabilia of Mir Akhmed of Talysh Khan in his former apartment house (built 1913).

• Hazi Aslanov Memorial House-Museum — dedicated to the major-general, with a monument in the city centre built in 1983.

• Mosques — two major mosques near the small and large bazaars, plus 19th-century mosques in Sutamurdov, Shikhakeren, and Jil settlements.

• Public Baths (Hamamlar) — Khaji Mirze and Khaji Gurban baths near the small bazaar, plus a European-style public bath.

• Beaches — beaches south of town are cleaner and more isolated; there is beach access by the Kanarmesha area with restaurants.

• Istisu Hot Springs — natural hot springs east of Lankaran, set in a wooded area with oak and iron-wood trees.

• Heydar Aliyev Park — the sprawling city-centre park where locals congregate, featuring a museum, monuments, and musical fountain shows. Plans exist to extend the park to the sea.

• Xanbulan Lake (Khanbulan Reservoir) — a wooded reservoir in the lower foothills, ideal for picnics and nature hikes.

• Aurora Tea Factory (☏ +994 171 57072 for appointments) — near Xanbulan Lake, visitors can tour the factory and sample tea in a rose garden.

• Ballabur Castle — the site of ancient Bazz Castle, where the Khuramid chief Babek defended against Arab invasion.

• Zirva Physical Fitness Center (80 Nizami Street, ☏ +994 171 45353) — a health centre with massage, sauna, steam bath, swimming, gym, and more.

• Khazar (Caspian) Lankaran Football Stadium — home to the 2007 national champion team.

• Azeri weddings (toys) — wedding parties at Shadliq Evi (Wedding Palaces) are a cultural experience with food, music, and dancing. Ask locals for an invitation.

• Drama Theater — in the city centre, with scheduled plays and events.

• Lavangi chicken — the local signature dish, chicken stuffed with walnuts and onions, baked with plov (rice).
• Freshly-baked tendir bread — a breakfast staple, eaten with butter, honey, or cheese.
• Local restaurants serve Azerbaijani cuisine including dolma, kababs, and fresh fish from the Caspian.
• Dosa Mall offers a modern dining court.

Lankaran is famous for its tea (çay). The Aurora Tea Factory is a notable producer. Tea is served at chay hanas (teahouses) throughout the city — a great place to socialise and play dominoes with locals. Tap water is not recommended; bottled water is readily available.

• Budget: modest hotels and guesthouses near the bazaars.
• Mid-range: the Gala Hotel and other mid-range options in the city centre.
• Upscale: the city has a few upscale hotels catering to business travellers and tourists.

The Big Bazaar and Small Bazaar are the main shopping areas, selling local handicrafts, fresh produce, and traditional goods. Lankaran is known for its tea, citrus fruits, and handmade crafts such as pottery, coppersmithing, and weaving. Bargaining is expected in the bazaars.

• Astara (south toward the Iranian border) — border town with Caspian beaches.
• Masalli (north) — coastal region with tea plantations.
• Lerik (west) — mountain town in the Talysh Mountains.
• Baku (268 km north, 3.5 hr by taxi) — Azerbaijan's capital.
• Istisu Hot Springs — natural hot springs east of Lankaran.