Astara, Azerbaijan

Welcome to Astara

The city of Astara is found in Azerbaijan's south-east corner, where the Caspian Sea meets Iran. West of Astara are the Hirkan National Park and the Talysh Mountains. The Talysh Mountains, which are around 100 kilometers in length, are thought to be one of Azerbaijan's wettest regions. The climate in Astara is humid and subtropical, and the local population grows rice, tea, oranges, and all kinds of vegetables, which thrive uniquely there.

Top attractions in Astara

Tours to Astara

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Our tips for Astara

The coastal Astara area is 86% Talish, densely forested and renowned for its citrus fruits. Immediately behind the narrow strip of coastal land, the first line of wooded hills is reminiscent of Southeast Asia, with sparse, slightly large tree cover on thin red soil. Behind are folds of wooded mountains inhabited by numerous villages. These territories would make for exciting horseback trips if the roads weren't impossibly muddy even in dry weather. There is very little in Astara other than the Istisu excursion, which is enjoyable, and Archivan's Yanar Bulaq.

Good to know about Astara

Astara border with Iran

While many people use the Astara crossing to enter Iran from Azerbaijan, using this crossing may be the easiest way to return. This crossing is not as difficult or heavily militarized as some guidebooks suggest. Because this crossing is so little used, you may be offered VIP treatment, such as being fast-tracked through line. The Azerbaijani passport control, however, is set up in an old bus! The town of Astara is rather odd because it is located in both Azerbaijan and Iran. Most taxi drivers, on both sides of the border, will lie to you and tell you that the crossing is far from the center of town. In reality, the Iranian and Azerbaijan crossings are both located in the centre of the town. Getting to Astara is also rather simple.

Getting around Astara

Astara is south of Lankaran and directly on the border with Iran. From Baku, it takes 3h 45min by car. Buses and marshrutkas are available in Lankaran to transport people to Astara. The trip costs 1 AZN (0.60 USD).