Quba

Set on the eastern slopes of the Greater Caucasus in the northeast of Azerbaijan, Quba is an appealing mountain town celebrated for its sprawling fruit orchards – particularly its apples- and a rich heritage of fine carpet weaving. Thanks to its elevated setting, Quba has become a popular summer retreat for locals, drawn by its cool alpine air and dramatic mountain scenery.

Today, Quba is a superb base for discovering some of the region’s most distinctive cultural and historical sites. Just across the Kudyalchay River lies the Red Village, a remarkable settlement known for its distinctive red-roofed houses and historic Mountain Jewish community. Established in the 18th century under the protection of the Quba Khanate, it remains one of the few historic all-Jewish settlements of its kind outside Israel and the United States.

Quba also acts as the gateway to Azerbaijan’s remote highland communities and the spectacular landscapes of the Greater Caucasus. Chief among these is Khinaliq, an isolated, ancient village perched high in the mountains above the clouds. Believed to be one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in the Caucasus, Khinaliq has preserved its own unique language, traditions and way of life for centuries. For those wishing to immerse themselves fully in this alpine wilderness, the classic Khinaliq – Galakhudat Trail is a superb scenic day hike between two traditional cliffside settlements.

The journey between Baku and Quba is equally memorable. Along the way, the striking Candy Cane Mountains provide one of the country’s most unusual natural landscapes, where rolling hills are streaked with bright bands of pink, red and white created by mineral-rich sedimentary rock formations. It is an excellent place to stop, stretch your legs and take in the surreal scenery before continuing onwards.