Baku: Top 6 beaches in the resort city

Bilgya

When it comes to the best beaches in Azerbaijan, Bilga immediately comes to mind.

Bilga, also known as Bilgakh, is considered the oldest settlement near the capital of Azerbaijan. According to rumors, the name comes from the Persian word " " and can mean "land of swamps" or "land of silk producers." Nowadays, this beach town is popular with both families and lively young people, despite its location 30 kilometers from Baku. A new road has been built from the city to the beach, which is easily accessible by bus or car.

The beach areas here are comfortable, with incredible views of the horizon and very clean air. The sea water is clear, but not very deep, which may not be ideal for diving enthusiasts, but will appeal to those who just want to splash around on the shore or teach their children to swim.

Bilga Beaches:

• The beach of the Bilga cardiological sanatorium – you can access the free beach from the sanatorium. It is open to tourists all year round. People come here to take mud baths, taste iodine-bromine mineral water from the well, get a therapeutic massage, relax, and improve their health.
• Bilgah Beach is a five-star hotel with a private beach, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa center and Turkish hammam, a meditation room, and a fitness room. The hotel has restaurants serving national and European cuisine and a water park for children.
• Amburan Beach Club is, according to many vacationers, the best beach in the Baku area. The club is open all year round: in spring and summer, people come here for an even tan and a beach holiday, and in autumn and winter, to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, visit a local restaurant, see a cabaret show, or go to a sports bar.

Mardakan

Mardakan is one of the most popular beach resorts among vacationers. The coast here is clean, the air is fresh, and there are numerous swimming pools and bars. If you want to grab a bite to eat, there are restaurants here too. The resort is located 35 kilometers north of Baku.

There are more than ten excellent recreation areas here, some of which do not require an entrance fee (Xazri, Black Jack, Delfin Istirahet Merkezi, or Moon Light), while others are elite and, accordingly, require a fee (for example, Khazar Golden Beach). The coastal area here is very clean and safe, and there are also many entertainment venues, so people often bring their children here.

Mardakan Beaches:

• Sea Breeze – you don't have to stay at the hotel to visit the local beach, but you will have to pay an entrance fee of 20 manat. The price includes use of the swimming pool and changing rooms.
• Rose Bar Beach – a large beach complex consisting of a restaurant, swimming pool, and landscaped beach. The beach and pool area are equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas, and tables.

You can book a hotel in Azerbaijan with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

Zagulba

Zagulba is a small village in the northeast of the Absheron Peninsula, about seventy kilometers from the country's capital. The town is known for its beach resorts and range of marine services. First and foremost, there are moorings for numerous yachts located near the beaches. There is a wide selection of hotels and a great variety of amenities here.

The beaches of Zagulba are distinguished by their beauty and cleanliness. The beach line here is several kilometers long, covered with small pebbles and a small amount of sand.

The sea near the beach is shallow in most places, which is why three main piers have been built for yachts. The bottom is also covered with stones, including large ones, so you should be careful here and bring bathing shoes with you.

Zagulba Beaches:

• Heather is the most budget-friendly of the three beaches, with minimal services and entertainment. You can leave your belongings in a locker and rent a sun lounger or gazebo to relax.
• Sherlock – on the beach, vacationers will have the opportunity to swim not only in the sea but also in the pool. There are changing rooms, a playground, a restaurant, and a bar with a stage where concerts are held in the evenings.
• Mirvani – this beach is famous for its wide range of entertainment for all tastes. Active vacationers can play soccer, volleyball, or ride a "banana boat." Mirvani also hosts Mafia game tournaments. The main drawback of this place is that it is very crowded.

Shikhovo

The village of Shikhovo is another popular vacation spot in the vicinity of Baku. In addition to the enclosed areas of hotels and sanatoriums, there are several equipped beaches: Iceberg, Aqua Park, Eldorado, and the beach at the Crescent Beach Hotel.

The village is located just 12 km from the city, so it is easy to reach by car or public transport. However, swimming in these areas should be approached with caution: in recent years, health authorities have emphasized that the water does not meet hygiene standards. However, you can enjoy the sun on the sandy beach without going into the sea: for example, the Aquapark offers several swimming pools, slides, and attractions, while all other beaches in the area have sun loungers, awnings, and sports grounds.

Shikovo beaches:

• Aisberg – this beach is guarded, has lifeguards on duty, and offers a variety of watercraft for rent.
• Crescent Beach – this beach can be called the most modern and cleanest in the region. Admission is paid – about 30 manats. For this money, you will get access to a clean 400-meter area with changing rooms, showers, and courts.

Novkhana

The village of Novkhana, located on the shores of the Caspian Sea, is only 21 km from Baku.

This place is very popular among beach lovers:a long coastline, a large water park, a wide range of entertainment, and a smooth sunset over the sea attract many Baku residents and visitors to the city. Most of Novkhana's beaches are relatively inexpensive and offer moderate service. The shore here is clean and the water is clear. However, there are some drawbacks, such as fairly coarse sand with shell fragments and a large amount of seaweed in the sea.

Novkhany beaches:

• My Beach Barbados – features a seawater pool, water park, children's playgrounds, cafes, and restaurants.
• AF Hotel & Aqua Park – the hotel complex has the largest water park in Azerbaijan, spa and fitness centers, and a bath complex. The hotel is located on the beachfront: it takes just a few minutes to walk to the sea.
• Spring Hotel – the five-star complex has three swimming pools, two restaurants, a bar, a spa center, a sauna, and a water park with ten different slides. Only residents of the complex can visit this beach.

Wild beaches in the vicinity of Baku

There are almost no beaches near Baku that have not been touched by human hands, but if you make an effort, you can still find such places. Pirshagi Beach is located 30 kilometers north of Baku. There are no services here, and on weekends the beach is very crowded with locals.

As you have already seen, to fully enjoy a beach holiday, you need to travel a little further from Baku. Don't be afraid to travel far from the city, because the further you go, the fewer people there are. This is a great opportunity to get to know a new country by exploring the Caspian Sea coast.