CNN: Baku - amazing amalgamation of old and new

Azerbaijan’s capital Baku is an amazing amalgamation of old and new, Report informs referring to an article “A year in Azerbaijan: From spring’s Grand Prix to winter ski adventures” on CNN.

The author of the article revealed the places recommended for visiting in Azerbaijan at certain times of the year. “Stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town – still Baku’s cultural heart – and take in the artists’ workshops, cafés and museums. Tour the 12th century Maiden Tower, Shirvanshahs’ Palace and the old mosques and hammams. Modern architectural highlights include the iconic Flame Towers and Zaha Hadid’s Heydar Aliyev Center. From flaming springs and burning mountainsides to its idyllic coastline, the nation known as “The Land of Fire” is packed with strange and wonderful geography. This historic meeting point of cultures means there’s rich traditions waiting to be explored, in a place where world heritage sites and contemporary masterpieces rub shoulders,” the authors noted.

“This year’s Grand Prix comes at the height of spring, often said to be Azerbaijan’s most beautiful season. The country comes to life to celebrate Novruz – a festival held across Central Asia. Mountain snow thaws, nature blooms and temperatures slowly rise without ever getting too hot – making it a perfect time for outdoor adventures.”

“April marks the start of Azerbaijan’s hiking season and hiking doesn’t get much more spectacular – and challenging – than here. The breathtaking scenery reaches across the whole country, from the high peaks of the Greater Caucasus to the Tolkienesque forests of the Talysh Mountains and the otherworldly Candy Cane Mountains near Baku – named after the swirling red-and-white striped rockfaces.

If long distance trails are your thing, Azerbaijan was recently included on the Transcaucasian Trail, with a route extending from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea. Walkers will encounter old fortresses, religious sites and the generous hospitality of local villagers.”

“Close to Baku, the Absheron Peninsula has many resorts in which to kick back. Beaches along the northern coast at Bilgah, Mardakan, Pirshagi, Nardaran and Zagulba offer wide strips of golden sand with minimal crowds, while south of the capital, Lankaran is famed for its black volcanic sand. And if lounging around isn’t your thing, there are watersports aplenty. Windsurfing is popular on the south of the peninsula, while 50 minutes’ drive north of Baku is Shorabad, where you’ll find a well-equipped kitesurfing school,” reads the article.

“While it may not be as famous for its wine as France or Italy, Azerbaijan is considered one of the ancient cradles of winemaking, with grape cultivation dating back thousands of years. The grape harvest takes place at the start of fall, so it’s the perfect season to visit the country’s wineries. Pomegranates are considered a culinary treasure in Azerbaijan and hold a deep symbolic meaning in the country’s culture – associated with productivity, abundance, love, passion and eternity.”

“Wrap up, because even at its coldest Azerbaijan still has plenty to offer. The Caucasus Mountains come to life with skiers looking for the perfect run, and “The Land of Fire” has a wealth of breathtaking geographic phenomena for visitors to experience.

The Caucasus offer plenty of terrain for intrepid skiers and snowboarders. Shahdag Mountain Resort, in the shadow of mighty Mount Shahdag, is the go-to for winter breaks and has the biggest ski area,” reads the article.