Lankaran Lighthouse was built in the 18th century and is the symbol of the city. A secret underground tunnel links the lighthouse to Zindan Tower which was used as a prison up to the early 20th-century. It purportedly held captive Joseph Stalin who was detained as a young revolutionary and escaped via the tunnel to the lighthouse, and set off via the Caspian Sea.

Located in the center of town is Kichik Bazar Mosque, built in 1906 and named after its location in Kichik Bazar.

Also known as Khan Palace, this former residence of the ruling Talish Khanate is now a museum which exhibits the Khan’s personal belongings as well as artifacts found around the region.

Tea culture is an important part of Azerbaijan’s heritage and historically Lankaran and surrounding areas was prime tea country. Southeast of the city is Xanbulan lake where visitors can visit one of the area’s most famous tea factories to see the tea-making process and sample a selection of local teas.

Its name means ‘Burning Spring’ - befitting for this water-fed spring percolated with methane gas that can be set alight. Despite its flame, villagers and travelers fill their water bottles at the fountain with the fresh ice-cold water that can be ignited for a few seconds, but is otherwise unremarkable.

Located in Salyan, enroute to Lankaran, Shirvan National Park’s semi-desert landscape extending inland from the Caspian Sea is home to the largest population of Goitered gazelles in the region. The park is also one of the best places in the country for bird watching.

Neighboring area Masalli is rich in mineral springs, both thermal and cold. The thermal mineral spring Istisu has long been a place of pilgrimage for people suffering musculoskeletal and skin diseases. Visitors are welcome to walk around the forested area, as well as take a bath in the hot spring waters.

A small village situated high in the clouds on the Talysh Mountains, Lerik is a peaceful escape just an hour from Lankaran. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, and waterfalls, the beautiful natural landscape is credited as the reason for Lerik’s local resident’s longevity. The town has so many Centenarians that there is a museum dedicated to the region’s oldest inhabitants. There was a shepherd who supposedly lived to be 168.

Constructed in the 18th century, this was one of the main fortresses of the city during the era of the Talish Khanate and is one of the city’s major landmarks.

Home to endangered Persian leopards, ancient ironwood trees and scenic ponds, Hirkan Nature Reserve is a favorite local spot for hiking and enjoying the natural lush scenery.