Choosing a destination that has child-friendly activities and experiences, whilst also safe enough for parental peace of mind is not always easy. Azerbaijan, however, is rich in both adventure and assurances for an easy family escape. The capital of Baku is its cosmopolitan heartbeat, with myriad ways to open kids’ eyes to history, nature, culture and cuisine. One highlight is a cycle or stroll along the Boulevard to soak up the city’s relaxed vibe, with the Caspian Sea on one side and the carousels and rollercoasters of the seaside amusement park on the other.
Walk a little further to Little Venice, and weave through the pretty canals by boat. If shopping is on the list, head to the flame-shaped Deniz Mall, the biggest shopping centre in the region. Along with fashion boutiques, there’s Ontop Bowling, Flash Kart, Laser Tag and Kinderland for the kids, and plenty of restaurants for a refuelling pit-stop. To feel the sand between your toes, book a five-star stay at Sea Breeze Resort, which its private beach club, swimming pools, spa, gym and – the best bit – a kindergarten, amusement park and Funzilla game centre! Then end your day in the city with a ‘wow factor’ moment by riding the Baku Eye for beautiful views over the city.
Azerbaijan has plenty to offer beyond Baku too, such as the popular family-friendly destination of Shamakhi, with Shamakhi Safari Park, which is home to 1,000 animals, and Shamakhi Alpaca Farm. Sheki is another city worth visiting, this time for some history and culture with the 18th-century masterpiece that is Sheki Khan Palace, and cobblestone streets that lead to old mosques and hammams. If you have time, pass by Kish village to see its magnificent church or Khanland Sheki for a nature-rich afternoon of horse riding, hiking, fishing and camping.
If you visit in winter, head to the Caucasus Mountains for some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Northern regions of Azerbaijan. The Gabala region has an epic ski landscape, while Tufandag is perfect for a more unusual skiing experience, thanks to its spectacular scenery. If you visit in summer, the lavender fields of Chukur Gabala will leave you in awe, while Nohur Lake will let kids connect with Mother Nature, with fishing, boat rides and Catamaran sailing.
Other family-friendly highlights include the ancient rock art of Gobustan just an hour’s drive from Baku, stargazing at Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory, horse-riding at one Baku’s many clubs, curling up for a teeny, tiny read at Baku’s Museum of Miniature Books, and visiting one of the largest mud volcanoes in the world. Whatever the season, whatever the weather, you’ll find enough family adventures in Azerbaijan to last a lifetime.