Lankaran Travel Guide: Tea Country, Coast and the Taste of Lavangi
The green corner of the south: what to see in Lankaran, from the Hyrcanian forests to the Caspian shore, and where to try the famous lavangi — a guide to the trip.
Lankaran is Azerbaijan's southern gateway — a subtropical, green, humid land. Here tea plantations, citrus groves, the ancient Hyrcanian forests and the Caspian shore all come together. The climate differs from the rest of the country: mild, humid, densely vegetated. The cuisine is its own too — southern flavours, above all the famous lavangi. Here's how to plan a trip to Lankaran.
Tea country
Lankaran is the home of tea in Azerbaijan. The surrounding hills are covered in tea bushes, and the region is known for its dried tea. Drinking freshly brewed tea on the spot, at a local tea house, looking out at the plantations, is one of the trip's pleasures. Many households sell their own tea, citrus and jams — an ideal gift. Tea here isn't just a drink; it's part of the region's identity.
The Hyrcanian forests and nature
Near the town lies Hirkan National Park, a relict forest millions of years old: some of its tree species exist almost nowhere else in the world. A dense, humid, green world — a real treasure for lovers of nature and walking. And the neighbouring Khanbulan Lake is a quiet spot to rest. A whole day given over to nature is worth it.
The Caspian coast
Lankaran is also a coastal town. The beaches along the southern Caspian shore are for summer cooling off; the water is warmer here than in the north of the country. Along the coast are small resorts and fish restaurants. Catching the sunset on the shore and eating fresh fish is a beautiful way to close the evening.
Lavangi and southern cuisine
Lankaran's signature is lavangi: a filling of walnuts, onion and sour plum (narsharab) stuffed into chicken or fish and then baked. Tangy, fragrant, filling — it comes out the same nowhere else. Alongside it, southern rice dishes, fresh fish and citrus-based sauces round out the table. To try the local cooking, look at Lankaran restaurants.
Where to stay and when to go
Lankaran has options from seaside hotels to pensions in the town centre; for those who want to be closer to nature, country houses suit well. You can compare Lankaran hotels on Limi by photos and amenities. The best season is spring and early autumn — April–June and September–October, when nature is green and the weather mild. Summer is hot and humid, but the coast balances it; winter is mild and rainy. Every place in the town is gathered on the Lankaran page.