Gabala

Gabala is the most popular mountain resort in Azerbaijan, surrounded by forests, waterfalls and lakes at the foot of the Greater Caucasus.

Highlights: Nohur Lake, the Seven Beauties waterfall and Tufandag mountain resort with its cable cars, which run in summer and winter.

Getting there with 4T Transfer

Gabala is about 3.5 hours from Baku via Shamakhi and Ismayilli. A one-way transfer costs from $120 per car; the 10-hour Gabala tour lets you see the main sights and return to Baku the same day.

Best time to visit

May to October for forests, waterfalls and lakes; December to March for skiing at Tufandag.

Good to know

Gabala was the capital of Caucasian Albania for centuries — the archaeological site of the ancient city is open to visitors. Many guests stay overnight in one of the resort hotels.