Beaches in Baku are spread along the Caspian coast of the Absheron Peninsula, from beach-club destinations to public beach zones. Bilgah, Amburan, Mardakan and Shikhov offer different kinds of outings, so your choice depends on whether you prefer a beach club or a public beach with available facilities.
- Beach-club option: Amburan Beach Club is in Bilgah.
- Less-crowded options: Bilgah and Mardakan are among those named by Azerbaijan’s tourism board.
- Public beach access: Shikh Public Beach is in Shikh settlement, Sabail District.
- Admission at IDEA’s exemplary public beaches: Free, including use of available facilities.
Alison Hotel is in Baku; rooms at this Baku hotel are one part of planning a city stay before a coastal outing.
How Baku’s beaches differ
Beaches around Baku include beach clubs and public beaches in coastal settlements along the Absheron Peninsula. Azerbaijan’s tourism board names Bilgah, Mardakan and Amburan Beach Club among its Caspian beach destinations, and describes Bilgah and Mardakan as less-crowded options.
For a beach-club day, Amburan Beach Club is in Bilgah. For a public beach, IDEA established exemplary public beach zones at several coastal settlements, including Shikh. Its public facilities make these zones a distinct alternative to a beach club.
Summer is the peak season for Caspian beaches, according to Azerbaijan’s tourism board. For a broader view of seasonal conditions in the city, read about the best time to visit Baku by season.
Bilgah and Amburan for a planned beach day
Bilgah brings together a beach destination and a beach-club option on the Caspian coast. The tourism board names Bilgah as a beach destination and identifies Amburan Beach Club as being in Bilgah, giving you two ways to consider this part of the coast.
Choose Bilgah if you are comparing the named beach destinations described as less crowded. Amburan is the beach-club choice in the same settlement.
The tourism board describes the club as having an outdoor pool and a private sandy beach; its activities include beach football, volleyball and mini golf, and it has three eateries. These club details can change, so check the official site before you go.
If your plan depends on public transport, the city’s network can help you understand the first leg of a trip; read about getting around Baku by public transport.
Mardakan and Shikhov for other coast options
Mardakan is another beach destination the tourism board describes as less crowded, while Shikhov is relevant for public beach access at Shikh Public Beach.
IDEA identifies Shikh Public Beach in Shikh settlement, Sabail District, Baku. It is one of the public access points in IDEA’s exemplary beach initiative, which began with six zones in 2019: Shikh, Goradil, Novkhani, Buzovna, Pirshagi and Sahil.
These locations offer different starting points for a coastal day: Mardakan is among the tourism board’s named beach destinations, while Shikh has a public beach.
Check bathing conditions, facilities and transport
IDEA says admission to its exemplary public beaches and use of available facilities are free. Amenities include changing rooms, outdoor showers, benches, tents, sun loungers, volleyball and football courts, parking areas, safety signs, and waste-separation and recycling bins.
These facilities apply to IDEA’s exemplary public beaches; they should not be assumed at every beach or beach club. For a public beach, you can use the amenities as a guide to what the initiative provides, while checking current arrangements before setting out.
Transport information for the coast can change, so confirm your route with current local transport information before travelling. For bathing conditions, follow current guidance from the relevant authorities rather than assuming seawater conditions are the same at every beach.
FAQs
Which beaches near Baku are described as less crowded?
Azerbaijan’s tourism board describes Bilgah and Mardakan, along with Pirshagi, Nardaran and Zagulba, as less-crowded beach options.
Is Amburan Beach Club in Bilgah?
Yes. Amburan Beach Club is a beach-club destination in Bilgah, on the Absheron Peninsula coast.
Are IDEA’s exemplary public beaches free?
Yes. IDEA states that admission and use of available facilities at its exemplary public beaches are free of charge.
Where is Shikh Public Beach?
IDEA identifies Shikh Public Beach in Shikh settlement, Sabail District, Baku.