Top 10 Most Beautiful Islands in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is a country in the Caucasus area that spans both Eastern Europe and Western Asia, so expect a collision of east and west, and you'll find enough to ... read more...love. There are tiny subtropical beach resorts on the Caspian Sea, or you may embrace Azerbaijan's nickname as the Land of Fire by visiting a blazing mountain or a mud volcano. There are hilltop towns with old mosques and minarets, as well as some of the world's most magnificent modern architecture, such as Baku's Flame Towers, so whatever your plans and time constraints, Azerbaijan has a lot to offer travelers at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Let's explore with Toplist about the most beautiful islands in this land!
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Boyuk Zira ranks 1st on the list of the most beautiful islands in Azerbaijan. It is one of the islands of the Baku Archipelago located in the Baku bay near Baku city. Nargin Island is part of the Baku Archipelago, which consists of the following islands: Boyuk Zira, Dash Zira, Qum Island, Zenbil, Sangi-Mugan, Chikil, Qara Su, Khara Zira, Gil, Ignat Dash, and a few smaller ones. Boyuk Zira Isdland is the biggest island that separates the Bay of Baku from the sea south of the Absheron Peninsula. It has a length of 3.1 km, and a width of 900 m. The northwestern side of the island is vertical and steep. There is little vegetation. Caspian seals, sturgeon, and numerous types of birds, such as teal ducks, herring gulls, and grebes are some of the species that can be found on and around Boyuk Zira Island.
Most of the names of islands in the Baku archipelago, including Boyuk Zira, were changed by the Russians and partially by Cossacks, who appeared in the Caspian Sea region in the 17th century. Boyuk Zira was also called Nargin, which is related to the name given by Peter the Great. The shape of this island reminded the Russian emperor of the island Nargen (now Naissaar) near Tallinn in the Gulf of Finland. German “Nargen” and Estonian “Nartingen” mean a “narrow strait”. In 1990, Nargin Island reverted to its indigenous name.
Location: Absheron Region, Azerbaijan
Area: 1.3 km2
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Daş Zirə ranks 2nd on the list of the most beautiful islands in Azerbaijan. The island is part of the Baku Archipelago, which consists of the following islands: Boyuk Zira, Kichik Zira, Qum Island or Peschany, Zenbil, Sangi-Mugan, Chikil, Qara Su, Khara Zira, Gil, Tava (Plita), Khanlar (Ptichiy), Ignat Dash and a few smaller ones. It has an area of approximately 1 km2 (24.711 acres). A famous island in Azerbaijan, Daş Zirə Island is a destination that has an interesting tale behind its foundation and formation. With tranquil and peaceful vibes encircling the atmosphere, this island is a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy solitude.
If you want to experience the authentic Azerbaijan lifestyle, then this island is the best island to visit for your honeymoon. The island has delicious seafood that you can indulge in and the best resorts in Azerbaijan. The luxurious hotels on this island are perfect for rekindling the romance whilst enjoying the ocean views in this paradise. Staying true to its culture, this island has groups from different ethnicities and is considered one of the most tourist-friendly destinations.
Location: Absheron Region, Azerbaijan
Area: 1 km2 -
Zanbil ranks 3rd on the list of the most beautiful islands in Azerbaijan. The name Zanbil is Persian and means "a big basket". The name "Duvanni", meaning "money" in Russian, is connected to Stepan Razin. The island is part of the Baku Archipelago, located in the Alat municipality area, which consists of the following islands: Boyuk Zira, Dash Zira, Qum Island, Zanbil, Sangi-Mugan, Chikil, Qara Su, Khara Zira, Gil, Ignat Dash and a few smaller ones. The area of Zanbil Island is 0.4 km2. Its length is 0.9 km and its maximum width is 0.5 km.There’s a common misconception that Zanbil Island is all about package holidays and boozy lad's nights out. This couldn’t be further from the truth for the majority of the island. Yes, there are a few areas that cater to the party crowd but the vast majority of the island is so gorgeous and the ideal spot for us travelers to explore. The best thing about Zanbil is that there’s so much to see, meaning you can easily justify a week or two just on the island itself. Heck, go for a month if you want!
Location: Absheron Region, Azerbaijan
Area: 0.4 km2 -
Qara Su is an island of tectonic origin. It has a length of 1,160 meters (3,806 feet), and a width of 700 meters. Formerly there were large gas fields on the island. It is located about 8 km (5 mi) from the nearest shore; its surrounding waters are very shallow. A perfect spot for those who seek paths less taken, Qara Su Island is an island that is largely undiscovered with humongous coconut trunks sprouting from the sandy floors. The pristine beaches with seafood barbeque set upon it look extremely appealing and magical. The best thing about this island is that locals are always humble and welcoming, making the experience comfortable.
This island does not have any neighbors which justifies the term peace and solitude to the mark. It also has an inland lake which is a rare sight but still a sight to behold. The weather remains steamy throughout the year by virtue of its proximity to the equator which makes it one of the most beautiful islands in Azerbaijan.
Location: Absheron Region, Azerbaijan
Area: 0.6 km2 -
Sangi Mugan ranks 5th on the list of the most beautiful islands in Azerbaijan. This island lies south of the Baku Archipelago, 16 km off the shore. Sangi Mugan Island is about 1 km in length and 0.6 km wide. Although geographically quite far from Baku, This island is considered part of the Baku Archipelago. On Svinoy Island, there is an automatic station for monitoring local water pollution. Stenka Razin's Cossacks crushed the fleet of the Safavid Shah Suleiman I of Persia in the waters off Svinoy Island in 1669. The southern bay of the island is an ideal place for underwater archaeology.
Of course, most of us travelers to the island will definitely want to see Sangi Mugan Beach, meaning there’ll be lots of boat tours to get to the beach itself. The waters really are stunningly blue and you’ll get some of the best views you could wish for. As a popular spot, expect it to get a little crowded but it’s a must-see spot whilst you’re on the island. Just make sure to take lots of supplies like water and grub. It’s great for a little getaway.
Location: Baku Azerbaijan
Area: 0,6 km2
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Kura Island is one of the most beautiful islands in Azerbaijan. The island was formerly attached to the mainland by a narrow spit. It was named Kurkosa after the Kura River located further north by Fedor I. Soimonov, the pioneering explorer of the Caspian Sea during the time of Peter I the Great. Soimonov wrote the 'Pilot of the Caspian Sea', the first report on that until then little known body of water, that was published in 1720 by the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is located 7.5 km off the Kura Spit, the nearest point, and 10 km to the east of the Kyzylagach Bay shore. Although located quite far away from it, it is considered the southernmost island of the Baku Archipelago.
With its southern floors being covered by mangroves, marshes, and shrubs, and the northern side is covered by an extensive number of cafes and bakeries serving scrumptious delicacies, this Island offers the best of both worlds to travelers. The Kura Island reeks of charming and laid-back vibes where one can actually embrace a lived-in aura, unlike other resort-savvy islands.
Location: Aran Region. Azerbaijan
Area: 44km2
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Bulla Island's area is 3.5 km2; its length is about 2.4 km (1.5 mi) in length and 1.6 km (1.0 mi) wide. This place has akdalaite and aluminum deposits and a mud volcano. It is a center for the nearby offshore gas development of the Bulla Deniz gas field, in production since 1968. It was the largest gas found in Azerbaijan before Shah-Deniz and contains more than 4 trillion cubic feet (110 billion cubic meters) of gas reserves.
The Bulla Island is surrounded by around 40 diving sites that are windows to the astonishing underwater world. Indulge in a plethora of activities including snorkeling, water skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, catamaran sailing, wakeboarding, and fishing. The waters surrounding Bulla are rich in marine life. A visit to this island gives you a rare and wild chance of going on a shark tour. This is a perfect getaway for the thrill-seekers and divers. And if that’s too much for you, then simply spend a relaxing vacation at the resort and its pristine white sand beaches.
Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
Area: 3.5 km2 -
Chikil ranks 8th on the list of the most beautiful islands in Azerbaijan. This island is part of the Baku Archipelago, which consists of the following islands: Boyuk Zira, Dash Zira, Qum Island or Peschanny, Zenbil, Sangi-Mugan, Chikil, Qara Su, Khara Zira, Gil, Ignat Dash, and a few smaller ones. Chikil's surrounding waters are very shallow. There is very little vegetation on the island due to oil pollution as well as other factors. Caspian seals, sturgeon, and numerous types of birds, like teal ducks, herring gulls, and grebes, are some of the animal species that can be found on and around the island.
These resorts built along the beach will provide many services for you such as bars, sports centers, swimming pools, and other facilities. The island is also great for surfing. In addition, activities such as boating, and kayaking are also very interesting for visitors. However, it will be a disadvantage for visitors who want to dive and see the sea because there are not many beautiful coral reefs here.
Location: Absheron Region, Azerbaijan -
The Khazar Islands, also known as Caspian Islands, is a stalled development of artificial islands 25 km south of Baku, Azerbaijan consisting of 41 islands extending 3,000 hectares into the Caspian Sea. The stated plan was for $100 billion, with $30 billion coming from foreign investors and another $30 billion from apartment sales, the city aims to house 1 million residents in development with 150 schools, 50 hospitals, and daycare centers, numerous parks, shopping malls, cultural centers, and a university campus plus a Formula 1 quality racetrack around a centerpiece $2 billion Azerbaijan Tower.
The city was expected to be equipped with 150 bridges and a large municipal airport to connect the Khazar Islands to the mainland. It is expected that, in general, the city, when completed in 2022–2023, will host 1 million residents. According to the project, the price of completely renovated apartments will be around $4000–$5000 per square meter. Construction on Khazar Islands began in March 2011 and substantial building works were achieved during Azerbaijan's economic boom. In August 2014, the main beach area was opened with fanfare with many sky-scraper buildings already partially constructed.
Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
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Neft Daşları ranks 10th on the list of the most beautiful islands in Azerbaijan. It is an industrial settlement in Baku, Azerbaijan. The settlement forms part of the municipality of Çilov-Neft Daşları in the Pirallahy raion. It lies 100 km away from the Azerbaijani capital Baku, and 55 km from the nearest shore in the Caspian Sea. A full town on the sea, it was the first oil platform in Azerbaijan, and the first operating offshore oil platform in the world, incorporating numerous drilling platforms. It is featured in Guinness World Records as the world's first offshore oil platform.
The settlement began with a single path out over the water and grew into a system of paths and platforms built on the back of ships sunk to serve as the Neft Daşları's foundation. The most distinctive feature of Neft Daşları is that it is actually a functional city with a population of about 2,000 and over 300 km of streets built on piles of dirt and landfill.Location: Baku, Azerbaijan