Book cheap flights to Baku

Baku has a controlled, semi-arid climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, occasionally wet winters. Baku is located on the Absheron Peninsula of the Caspian Sea. Because of its locality, it hardly experiences extremely hot summers (Jun – Aug). Long hours of sunshine and cloudless skies adorn the city. Holidaymakers scurry off to popular attractions such as, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower. You can expect great crowds pulling into the city, and local accommodation rates usually sky rocket. Simultaneously, Baku is noted as a very windy city, also called ‘the city of winds’. Intense winter (Dec – Feb) snow storms and gale-force winds are a common winter phenomena. The people of the city tend to hibernate during this season, and crowds in the city centre are sparse. The fresh zeal of spring (Mar – May) brings new life, thick shrubs and lush patches of grassland across the city. There is sheer joy in the atmosphere as the season brings with it, new concepts, opportunities and remarkable journeys for the voyager. Popular tourist attractions are open, crowds are reeled in, and accommodation is plentiful.

South African passport holders do need a visa to visit Baku, Azerbaijan. There is no representation for South Africa in Azerbaijan, therefore South Africans are requested to submit relevant visa applications to:

The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan Cemar Nadir Sok. No 20 Celikier Apt. Cankaya ANKARA TEL: 0990 441 26 20/2 FAX: 0990 441 26 00

• Ensure your passport has a validity period of at least six months

• Ensure your passport has 3 blank pages available for entry stamps.

• The application confirmation page from your online visa application.

• A copy of the barcoded confirmation document showing proof of payment and appointment.

• A recent photo (50mm x 50mm).

There are vaccination requirements if you are travelling from a country outside of the US. There are no real health risks within Baku, Azerbaijan.

• Routine vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies are recommended.

• Although the risk for getting malaria is low, it is recommended you avoid mosquito bites by using a good insect repellent. Take anti-malarial medication before, during and after your stay.

• Acquire comprehensive travel insurance

• Always be vigilant as crime occurs in any country, and watch your personal belongings.

• Do not be too flashy with money and expensive jewellery.

• Make copies of bank and credit cards, and other important documentation in case they are lost or stolen.

• Secure valuable personal belongings within the hotel safe.

• Avoid public or local demonstrations.

• Remain alert when walking around at night, and abide by the local government laws.

• Bring plenty of sunblock of a high sun protection factor, and try not to spend too much time in the sun.

100-meters from the Maiden Tower and Baku City Centre, the gorgeous retreat offers an indoor pool, spa and gourmet cuisine. The hotel’s restaurant serves good international specialties. Carpeted rooms with lavish interior designs is enough to captivate the observer, boasting phenomenal views from the small rooftop area.

Rest in one of the cosy beds of an ageless palace, and allow the royal linen to draw you into an era that once existed. Exquisitely designed interiors and embellished curtains set the tone to a romantic, old-fashioned movie. Enjoy the five star restaurant, indoor swimming pool, and spa. Cool off on a hot day in one of the air-conditioned rooms, or simply enjoy the range of beauty treatments.

Less than 2-kilometres from the city centre, and within walking distance of popular attractions, rests a little spick-and-span hotel. Well-presented modern rooms, wood-paneled flooring, and good functioning room equipment can be thoroughly enjoyed at the hotel. Rooms feature bold colours, and room service is a phone call away.

Baku has an efficient transportation system. A prepaid system called BakiKart has been implemented and can be purchased at the metro stations, as well as certain bus stops. This allows a credit facility of up to four uses.

• Metro: The metro links the old city via the train station, with a series of suburban stations.

• Buses: Buses depart from the central bus station, and tickets can be purchased on board. However, be sure to check the route and schedules of the buses before departure.

• Taxis: Non-meter taxis await on street corners. Many demand a minimum fee. It is always good to negotiate fares before entering as some do tend to overcharge.