Hostels in Lankaran, Azerbaijan

Lankaran, Azerbaijan, is a transit point between the capital Baku and Ardabil in Iran. But Lankaran has more to offer than a bus station and the road to Iran -- it has some interesting landmarks that make it worth staying for one or a few nights.

Some guidebooks may even tell you that Lankaran is a beach holiday destination, but this is quite an exaggeration. When staying in Lankaran, checking out the cultural landmarks is a better idea. The bazaar is the best place to get an idea of the place. Lankaran does not see many foreigners visiting and you will be welcomed with big smiles and experience much more generosity than in Baku or other cities frequented by travelers. Interesting landmarks include the Genocide Place, a memorial site to those who were captured and killed during the conflict with Armenia in the late twentieth century; the well-preserved fortress from the eighteenth century; and the prison where Joseph Stalin was kept for a while. The prison was connected with the lighthouse by a secret tunnel (however, this tunnel is not open to the public).

Just over an hour from Lankaran you can enjoy the fresh air in the Talish Mountains, with fantastic views over the heavily wooded mountains and beautiful meadows. On the way to the mountains, you can also find natural sulphur hot springs, near the settlement Haftoni. These two are best reached by private transport. Your Lankaran, Azerbaijan hostel can help you with booking a taxi for the day.

The concept of hostels is fairly new in Azerbaijan, and so Lankaran, Azerbaijan hostel options are scarce; a stay in a Lankaran, Azerbaijan hostel will place you far outside the centre, but close to the bus station. The location is ideal if you are just transiting between Baku and Iran, but not for sightseeing in Lankaran. However, taxis are cheap in Lankaran, so staying at a Lankaran, Azerbaijan hostel in the outskirts and paying for a taxi to the centre is still cheaper than booking a private accommodation in a more central location.