Naftalan is a small town in Azerbaijan, renowned globally for its exceptional balneological resort, famous for its oil wells that produce a unique type of oil with remarkable therapeutic properties. The healing qualities of Naftalan oil were even noted in the 13th century by the great Venetian traveler Marco Polo in his writings.
Situated at the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus, Naftalan is located 50 km from Ganja, Azerbaijan’s second-largest city, and approximately 340 km from the capital, Baku. The area is surrounded by picturesque forests, stunning mountain landscapes, and pristine air, offering tourists not only the chance to enjoy the natural beauty but also to strengthen their immune systems in a comfortable climate. Summers are pleasantly warm, with average temperatures ranging from 26 to 28 degrees Celsius, while winters are mild with minimal frost. Although visitors can enjoy the resort year-round, experts recommend visiting during the warmer months to fully benefit from the healing baths, as colder temperatures can diminish their therapeutic effects.
Naftalan’s reputation as a health resort primarily stems from its unique oil, rich in trace elements and free from gasoline fractions. This distinctive composition gives the oil its healing properties, making it effective in treating a variety of ailments. There is no other product like it in the world.
The history of the Naftalan resort is quite fascinating. Until the late 19th century, naftalan oil was extracted manually until a resourceful German entrepreneur, E.I. Eger, attempted to industrialize its production. However, he faced disappointment when he discovered that the local oil did not ignite due to the absence of gasoline fractions. This setback nearly led him to bankruptcy. Yet, upon witnessing the influx of people coming to Naftalan to immerse themselves in the “black gold,” he realized the potential of the oil for therapeutic use. Recognizing how locals utilized naftalan for healing, Eger decided to establish a factory for producing naftalan ointment. His venture quickly transformed him into one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. “Eger’s Ointment” became widely known and was even included in the mandatory supplies for soldiers during the Russo-Japanese War.
Today, naftalan is utilized for therapeutic baths and skin applications, often combined with heating under sunlight or ultraviolet lamps. These treatments are particularly beneficial for patients suffering from musculoskeletal disorders, skin conditions, reproductive system issues, and central nervous system ailments.
In 1926, the Naftalan resort was officially established to accommodate the growing number of visitors eager to experience the healing properties of the oil. The resort quickly gained popularity, attracting guests from across the Soviet Union, including the elite, who made it their favored retreat. By the 1960s, Naftalan was granted city status.
Currently, the resort area has expanded significantly, featuring numerous European-class sanatoriums, hotels, and top-tier accommodations, making it a premier health destination in Azerbaijan. The legacy of Naftalan continues to thrive, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its unique therapeutic offerings and serene environment.
While Naftalan is primarily known for its unique therapeutic properties, it may lack historical monuments, making nearby Ganja a more suitable destination for those seeking cultural experiences. Just a 40 to 60-minute bus ride away, visitors can explore Ganja’s rich history, including the Nizami Mausoleum, the ancient Juma Mosque, the Bottle House, the Ganja Caravanserai, and 17th-century Turkish baths. Many sanatoriums in Naftalan offer day trips to Ganja, along with horseback and hiking tours through the picturesque surrounding mountains and steppes.
The only historical architectural landmark in Naftalan is the Red Bridge over the Kharami River, which straddles the border between Azerbaijan and Georgia. Dating back to the 17th century, this bridge was built on the foundation of an even older structure from the 12th century. Constructed from red brick, the bridge spans 175 meters and is recognized today as a national treasure of Azerbaijan.
In addition to its natural attractions, Naftalan boasts a few intriguing museums. The most unusual is the Museum of Crutches, which houses a collection of crutches left by grateful patients who came for treatment. This collection serves as a symbolic reminder that after visiting Naftalan, many find they no longer need crutches and can leave them behind as tokens of their recovery.
Another notable museum is the Local History Museum, which chronicles Naftalan’s development as a health resort and showcases archaeological artifacts discovered along the ancient caravan route. The museum features a collection of traditional Azerbaijani costumes and jewelry, ancient ceramics, and tools, including implements used for extracting the healing naftalan oil.
For entertainment, visitors can find bars, nightclubs, bowling alleys, billiards, and various shows primarily in the upscale hotels. The “Chinar Hotel & Spa Naftalan” is particularly renowned for its entertainment offerings. Access to these recreational areas is available to all for an additional fee, while many services are complimentary for hotel guests.
The nearest airport to the Naftalan resort is located in Ganja, just 50 kilometers away. A transfer from the airport to Naftalan takes approximately 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can fly into Baku; however, this will require a 4 to 5-hour journey to reach the resort, covering a distance of about 360 kilometers.
For those traveling by bus, there are daily services from Baku International Bus Station to Naftalan, which is approximately 326 kilometers away. You can find detailed information about bus schedules and ticket prices online.
The closest train station to the resort is Goran, accessible from both Baku and Ganja. Trains from Baku operate twice daily, with evening departures taking around 5 hours to reach Goran, and ticket prices starting from 9 AZN per passenger. Similarly, trains from Ganja run twice a day, both departing around midnight, with a travel time of just under an hour.
Once you arrive at Goran station, you can take a taxi or a minibus to Naftalan. Minibuses depart as they fill up and tend to be more economical than taxis. Additionally, many sanatoriums offer transfer services upon request, either from Baku or Ganja. The transfer from Ganja costs approximately 40 AZN, while the journey from Baku is around 135 AZN. For guests staying longer than a week, some sanatoriums provide complimentary transfers from Ganja, making your trip even more convenient.