Nakhchivan

Nakhchivan is a land apart, an autonomous exclave separated from the main territory of Azerbaijan. It is known for its immaculately clean streets, ancient history, and dramatic landscapes. The star attraction is the Alinja Castle, often compared to Machu Picchu for its mountain-top setting and stairs.

Wellness tourism is huge here, thanks to the Duzdag Salt Mines, used for treating respiratory conditions. The region is also rich in Islamic history, housing the impressive Momine Khatun Mausoleum and the Ashabi-Kahf caves mentioned in the Quran.