Naftalan, Azerbaijan. Tours, Hotels and prices. Reviews from tourists. Excursions and attractions. Travel photos and videos

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Naftalan

Azerbaijan

About Naftalan

Naftalan is a city located in the central part of Azerbaijan, within the Kur-Araz Lowland. It is primarily known for its unique oil lakes and therapeutic oil used in treatments. As a specialized health resort town, Naftalan attracts visitors seeking medical treatments based on its naturally occurring naphthalan oil. The city is relatively small and functions as a regional hub for wellness tourism.

Basic information

Naftalan was officially founded in the early 20th century, though the area's oil resources were known long before. The city is built around the extraction and application of naphthalan oil, a rare type of medicinal oil. Several specialized treatment centers and sanatoriums operate in the city, utilizing the oil's therapeutic properties. Naftalan holds national significance as a health resort destination and is not under any international or national protected status.

Location

Naftalan is approximately 250 kilometers west of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. It is accessible via major roads connecting to the M1/E99 highway, which links Baku to Ganja. Public transportation options include buses and minibuses from Baku and Ganja, though services are limited compared to larger urban centers. The city has basic tourist infrastructure, including hotels and treatment centers, but facilities may vary in quality. There are no major seasonal restrictions, though summer heat can be intense.

Nature

Naftalan is situated in a lowland area characterized by flat terrain and semi-arid climate conditions. The region features sparse vegetation, typical of the surrounding steppe landscape. The most distinctive natural feature is the presence of oil lakes containing naphthalan oil, a heavy, viscous oil with therapeutic applications. Human activity has significantly shaped the local environment, particularly around the oil extraction and treatment sites, limiting the area's natural preservation.

Story

Historically, the area around Naftalan was recognized for its medicinal oil deposits as early as the 19th century. The city itself began to develop in the early 1900s following the establishment of treatment facilities using the local oil. During the Soviet era, Naftalan became a well-known health resort town, with state-sponsored sanatoriums catering to patients from across the USSR. After Azerbaijan's independence, the city continued to focus on medical tourism, though it faced economic challenges in maintaining its infrastructure.