Gabala

Gabala is a mountain town in northern Azerbaijan on the slopes of the Greater Caucasus, about 225 km from Baku, or roughly three and a half hours by car. It is one of the country's oldest towns, known today for outdoor activities, green landscapes and cool summer air.

Its best-known attraction is the Tufandağ mountain resort, whose cable cars climb above the forests: a ski area in winter and a place for walks and views in summer. Close to town lie Lake Nohur among wooded hills, and the Yeddi Gözel waterfall, "the seven beauties".

Gabala has hotels and resorts suited to families, with pools, gardens and halal restaurants, and makes a comfortable two-night stop between Baku and Sheki.

It is best from June to September, and December to March for snow.