By Amina Nazarli

Guba, an impressive corner of Azerbaijan known for its rich flora and fauna, became one of the most visited places in the country during the holidays.

The northern region, located in 168 km from Baku, has become a favorite destination for many travelers in early September, during the Eid al-Adha holidays.

The number of tourists visiting the resort centers in Guba has doubled, the Guba Tourism Information Center told Azertac.

Alongside local tourists, the region was also visited by foreigners. The region recorded more than 50 percent increase in the number of foreign travelers in the first week of autumn.

Only in August, the number of travelers coming to Guba was 17,300 people and 3,150 of them were citizens of foreign countries. Overall, the number of tourists visiting the region from the beginning of the year is about 100,000.

Guba is the closest mountainous region to Baku, located about three hours from the Baku International Bus Terminal.

Here you can easily find yourself on an affordable vacation surrounded by a sea of green, broken up only by majestic mountains. It’s cold winters and cool summer nights make the region even more attractive for tourists.

One of Guba’s most visited natural features is its unique waterfall in Pirbanovsha, where the flowing water creates graceful natural sculptures.

History enthusiasts will also find enticing places to visit, like settlements dating to the 12-13th centuries, a temple dating from the 9th century and several 19th-century buildings.

Guba is also known for its hydrogen sulfide sources, located near the Khashichay. Here, in the narrow gorge, hot water with healing properties flows from the rocks.

Nobody remembers exactly who constructed the sanatorium consisting of three bathrooms carved deep in the rock, but visitors gladly spend their time in these baths.

The region, famous for its apples, is a perfect place for lovers of fresh fruits. Considered as the motherland of Azerbaijani apples, Guba has more than 40 different varieties of apples. The smell of juicy and aromatic apple trees has spread into every stone and every house in this beautiful northern region.

The creation of modern tourist facilities and infrastructure attracts seekers of tranquil beauty to this beautiful land. The region has over 40 resort centers, all of which are trying to keep abreast with international standards on quality.

During their stay, tourists have the opportunity to enjoy four exciting routes including the Guba-Khinalig, Guba-Afurja, Guba-Laza and Guba-Khanagah routes.

Statistics show that the most popular destination for tourists is the Guba-Khinalig tourism route.

Located at the peak of the Caucasus Mountains, 2,350 meters above the sea in Guba region, Khinalig is an area that has preserved its ancient lifestyle to this day.

The Guba Tourism Information Center operates on holidays taking into account the numerous guests coming to the region. "Hot line" was created to ensure comfortable and safe rest of tourists in the region. Foreign and local tourists can get detailed information about recreation centers and tourism routes by calling (070) 530-76-70 . The Center also provides tourists with a vehicle and guide.