A holiday in Naftalan is a therapeutic resort in Azerbaijan, where people go for naphthalene oil and a calm pace. The season lasts all year round, with the most comfortable months being May to June and September to October. There are no direct flights from Almaty: travellers fly via Baku or Ganja; from Ganja to the resort it is about fifty kilometres. Tours should be booked several months in advance, especially during peak demand.
When is the best time to plan a trip to the resort?
A trip here is possible in any month, but it is most comfortable during the transitional seasons. The resort welcomes guests all year round, and treatment takes place in enclosed buildings.
High season and the mild weather of the shoulder seasons
Peak demand for tours to Naftalan falls in May, June, September and October. In these months the air warms up moderately, and treatments are easy to combine with walks. The summer heat subsides by evening, so the daytime hours are best given over to treatment. In spring the area turns green, and the air stays fresh even during the day. In autumn dry, clear weather sets in without sharp fluctuations. Places for this period should be booked in advance, several months ahead. This kind of holiday here also suits those who come with the whole family.
Features of summer and winter stays
In summer it is hot and dry here, with temperatures often rising above thirty degrees. In winter it is cool with little snow, and frosts are rare. The Azerbaijani side of the resort operates without seasonal breaks, so stays run all year round. In July and August treatments are carried out indoors, and people go outside in the morning or evening. In December and January there are noticeably more free places, and prices are lower. A winter holiday in Naftalan is chosen by those who want quiet and calm treatment. The shoulder season remains the golden mean in terms of weather and occupancy.
How to get to the place of treatment?
The journey to the resort begins with a flight to Azerbaijan, after which travellers face a ground leg. The choice of arrival point noticeably affects the travel time.
Choosing the arrival airport and connections
The closest airport to Naftalan is Ganja, the country's second-largest city. From Ganja to the resort it is about fifty kilometres, and the journey takes less than an hour. Via Baku it is around three hundred and fifty kilometres, which is several hours of travel. There are no direct flights from Almaty here, so the route is built via the capital or Ganja. Several carriers fly to Baku, and connecting options are often cheaper. Ganja receives fewer flights, but the transfer is shorter and cheaper. When choosing tours to Naftalan, check the arrival point in advance.
Ground transfer and travel time
From Baku to the resort people travel by car or bus along a good highway. The journey takes about four to five hours including stops. From Ganja the transfer takes about an hour, which is convenient after a long flight. A car can be ordered in advance or a taxi taken on the spot. The Azerbaijani highway between the cities is lit and well equipped, so the trip passes calmly. Some tourists combine the journey with a stop in Ganja to see the city. This kind of holiday at the resort begins without unnecessary fatigue.
What a tourist from Kazakhstan should keep in mind
Before the trip it is worth sorting out money, communications and language. These little things determine how calm the holiday will be.
Money, communications and language of communication
The country's currency is the Azerbaijani manat, and cards are not accepted everywhere. At markets and in taxis cash will be needed, so it is better to have part of the sum with you. Manats can be bought in Almaty in advance or exchanged in Baku and Ganja. The rate at the airport is usually less favourable than in the city. Local SIM cards are issued with a passport, and roaming with Kazakh operators is expensive. The language of communication is Azerbaijani, but Russian is understood in tourist places. The time difference with Almaty is minus one hour, so acclimatisation is hardly felt. Naftalan Azerbaijan welcomes guests from Kazakhstan all year round.
Local cuisine and drinking regime
Azerbaijani cuisine is hearty and spicy, and portions are usually large. Dolma, kutabs, shashlik, plenty of greens and fermented milk products are the basis of the local table. Tap water should not be drunk; bottled water is used. In the heat it is important to drink more, especially between treatments. Dairy products help to tolerate spicy food, and greens are added to almost every dish. Familiar dishes can be found in the cafes at the sanatoriums, where the menu is adapted for guests. This kind of holiday here does not cause trouble with food.
How to prepare for treatments and rest
Packing a suitcase for a therapeutic trip differs from an ordinary holiday. Some things will be useful specifically for the treatments.
Clothes, footwear and sun protection
For the treatments you will need a swimsuit, slippers, a robe and a towel. Some of these things are provided on site, but your own is always more convenient. In summer you need a hat, sunscreen and light clothing with long sleeves. Comfortable shoes without heels will be useful for walks around the grounds. In the evening during the shoulder season a warm sweater or jacket will come in handy. Azerbaijani weather is changeable, so layers of clothing are more convenient than one thick item. A suitcase packed in advance saves rushing on the spot.
First aid kit and technical little things
The first aid kit should be assembled at home; some familiar Kazakh medicines are called differently here. Take painkillers, cold remedies and stomach upset remedies. Sockets are type C and F, voltage is 220 volts, an adapter from Kazakhstan is usually not needed. It is better to put a phone charger and a power bank in hand luggage. It is useful to take a small bag for treatments and a waterproof bag for wet things. Keep documents and money separately from other things. A well-thought-out trip to Naftalan begins at home.
Visa and entry rules change: check with the primary source — the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, https://www.mfa.gov.az/ru. The information on this page was checked on 10.09.2026.
How to diversify a measured holiday
Treatment takes up part of the day, and the free hours are easy to fill with trips. The surroundings of the resort give plenty of reasons to go beyond its limits.
Trips to the lake and to the old city
Lake Goygol is an hour's drive away and is known for its clear water and surrounding forests. Ganja attracts with its old town, fortress walls and wide boulevards. Shamkir is interesting for its historical quarters and calm atmosphere. Sightseeing tours of the surroundings can logically be combined with treatments, setting aside a separate day for them. The journey takes little time, so the trip can be arranged even during a short stay. Azerbaijani guides often offer half-day routes. Such a holiday here does not turn into monotonous treatment.
Free evenings and leisurely walks
Evenings at the resort are usually spent outdoors, strolling along alleys and parks. The territory of the sanatoriums is laid out with paths, benches and fountains. Local cafes offer tea with jam and sweets, this is part of Azerbaijani tradition. Leisurely walks help consolidate the effect of the treatments and improve sleep. In the warm months, the evening is cool, which encourages long routes. Some guests combine walks with light gymnastics or swimming. A calm holiday here suits those who are tired of city noise.
Briefly
- Book your trip several months in advance, especially for May, June, September and October.
- Fly via Baku or Ganja, from Ganja to the resort is about fifty kilometers.
- Assemble a first aid kit at home, some medications are called differently here.
- For treatments you need a swimsuit, slippers, a robe and a towel.