This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Sheki.
Sheki, Azerbaijan, is one of the country’s prettiest towns, located on the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains. This old town on the silk road, with its Islamic architecture and friendly people, is no longer only a popular destination for the people from Azerbaijan, but is now one of the most visited destinations in Azerbaijan by foreigners. With minibuses departing Baku frequently, it is also fairly easy to visit.
It was not until long ago that Azerbaijan was an off-the-beaten path destination. While neighbours Georgia and Armenia started to attract more and more tourists, Azerbaijan kept its much stricter policy, and travelers who visited the Caucasus skipped Azerbaijan. Independent travelers that did visit Azerbaijan did not always extensively travel Azerbaijan, because most nationalities had to hand over a fixed itinerary, but hostels could not be booked online outside the capital Baku. Fortunately, Azerbaijan has eased its visa policy and one of the towns that benefits the most is Sheki.
The cobblestone streets and pretty old stone buildings make Sheki, Azerbaijan, quite a romantic place. Walking through the town already feels like a treat; there are also plenty of hiking options near the town in the Caucasus Mountains. The length of hikes range from a few hours to fifty-five-kilometer-long tracks that take at least twelve hours to do.
Together with the quick increase of foreign tourists, several Sheki, Azerbaijan hostels are now available, too. Hostels in Sheki, Azerbaijan, are among the cheapest in the world and are great value for money. Do not expect a Sheki, Azerbaijan hostel chain, but quite a few Sheki, Azerbaijan hostels are run by a local family. You can also find cheap private rooms in Sheki, although not always in a Sheki, Azerbaijan hostel. Accommodations that offer private rooms only -- and thus do not qualify as a Sheki, Azerbaijan hostel -- often still have a social vibe, possibly including a common room where people hang out. The owners of those private accommodations may also enjoy socializing with you.
Written by local enthusiast for Sheki hostels
Martin Straatman