TRAVEL Escapes

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN

Azerbaijan’s capital and largest city, Baku, is positioned on the shores of the Caspian Sea. This beautiful city is an authentic blend of the old and new which is witnessed in its concurrent historical and modern architecture. Situated in the heart of Baku is the ancient Old City or the Walled City of Baku. Located inside is the Maiden Tower, an iconic structure built in the 12th century which, on summiting, provides an incredible view of the surrounding areas. Another unique site is the stunning Shirvanshahs’ Palace, built in the 15th century by the Shirvanshah kingdom. These three locations have been recognised as Azerbaijan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city also includes the remarkable Bibi-Heybat Mosque. These sites are amongst the focal points of tradition, culture and history and attract travellers from around the world.

On the modern side of things are the Baku Flame Towers, a captivating addition to the skyline that’s been inspired by Azerbaijan’s long history of fire worshipping.

The popular Azerbaijan Carpet Museum showcases one of the most exquisite carpet and rug collections in the world. And the Heydar Aliyev Center is a fantastic representation of modern architecture and engineering with its distinctive fluid and curved design. The building was designed by the prestigious architect Zaha Hadid and hosts frequent cultural events and exhibitions.

Visitors can also stroll along the Baku Boulevard, a breezy promenade built along the city’s seafront, that’s popular with both tourists and locals as it includes attractions such as shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, tea houses, a Ferris wheel and much more. The capital also has streets brimming with exciting markets and food stalls, along with restaurants offering some of the country’s best culinary experiences.

Gobustan National Park, where you find the unique mud volcanoes (around 67km southwest of the centre of Baku), makes for an ideal trip out of the capital to explore the anthropological sites and the singular landscape of the area.

LIMASSOL, CYPRUS

Located on the southern coast of Cyprus, Limassol is the second-largest city in the country. It is home to more than 10 Blue Flag-awarded beaches, ancient history, an exciting nightlife scene and amazing cuisine, making it one of the most attractive destinations on the island.

The spectacular Limassol Marina is considered one of the best and most modern marinas in the Mediterranean area. It provides for the mooring of yachts at sea and onshore. The project also includes luxury residences, commercial units and restaurants, making it a major attraction for visitors. Limassol boasts must-visit beaches such as Kourion and Governor’s. For those travelling with kids, Fasouri Watermania Waterpark is among the area’s most fun things to do. For history buffs, Limassol has a lot to offer including the famous Kolossi Castle, built in the 13th century and one of most important fortresses from the Frankish period in Cyprus. The archaeological remains of Kourion, a significant ancient city, are perched atop a hill with fantastic sea views. Visitors can also indulge in tasty traditional Cypriot food with elements from Greek, Turkish and other cuisines but mainly based on the very healthy and nourishing Mediterranean diet.

The region is also well known for being surrounded by some of the best grape villages with breathtaking scenery where travellers can enjoy excellent choices of local grapes. If you are looking for a lesser-visited gem, Pissouri is worth a stopover. Located around 37km from Limassol, the tranquil beach is the perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming. It consists of golden sand with a mixture of pebbles and stones. Pissouri is an idyllic place with many lovely taverns, coffee shops, pretty chapels and a historic Gothic church.