Things to Do in Quba: 8 Places from the Red Settlement to Afurja Waterfall

Quba’s Sights at a Glance

1. The Red Settlement

Cross the bridge over the Gudyalchay river from Quba and you are in Qırmızı Qəsəbə, the Red Settlement — named for its red-tiled roofs. Founded in the 18th century, it is one of the last all-Jewish towns in the world, home to Mountain Jews who have lived in the region for centuries and kept their own language, Juhuri. Walk its quiet streets, see the synagogues from outside, and visit the Museum of Mountain Jews, which tells the community’s story; there is also a small tourist information centre.

2. Juma Mosque and the Old Town

In the centre of Quba stands the Juma Mosque, an unusual octagonal red-brick building with a large dome. From there it is an easy walk through the old town of low brick houses to the arched bridge over the Gudyalchay, with the Red Settlement on the far bank — the classic view of Quba.

3. Quba Carpets

Quba is one of Azerbaijan’s great carpet-weaving regions, known for dense geometric designs. A workshop in town lets you watch weavers at the loom and see how long a single rug takes; it is also the most honest place to buy one, with the maker in front of you.

4. Apple Orchards

Quba means apples to most Azerbaijanis: orchards line the roads into town, and in September and October roadside stalls sell fruit, juice and jam by the crate. It is not a sight you need to plan for — just ask your driver to stop.

5. Qechresh Forest

A short drive from town, the Qechresh (Gachrash) forest is where families from Baku come in summer for shade, cool air and long lunches. The road is lined with tea houses and restaurants serving kebabs under the trees — a relaxed stop rather than a sight.

6. Tengealti Canyon

About 20 km from Quba, the valley narrows into the Tengealti (Təngəaltı) canyon: high rock walls, a clear mountain river and boulders the size of cars. It is a beautiful place for a walk and a picnic. The last part of the road is rough, so tell us when you book if the canyon is on your list and we will confirm the right car.

7. Afurja Waterfall

Further up the same area, about 30 km from Quba near the village of Afurja, the waterfall drops around 70–75 metres, which puts it among the tallest in Azerbaijan, and you can walk behind the falling water. It is at its best in spring and early summer, when snowmelt feeds it; by late summer the flow can be much thinner. Combined with the canyon, it makes a full half day.

8. The Road to Khinalug

From Quba a mountain road climbs to Khinalug, a stone village at more than 2,000 m with its own language and a history counted in millennia; its cultural landscape joined the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023. It is a trip in its own right — plan half a day or more from Quba. Our Khinalug guide covers the road, the seasons and prices honestly.

How to Plan Your Days in Quba

• One day from Baku. Leave around 8:30, reach Quba by 11:00, see the Red Settlement and the mosque, have lunch in the Qechresh forest and be back in Baku in the evening. This is one of the easiest day trips from Baku.
• Two days. Day one as above, with a night in Quba. Day two: the Tengealti canyon and Afurja waterfall in spring and summer, or the drive up to Khinalug.
• With Shahdag. Shahdag Mountain Resort is under an hour from Quba via Qusar, so in winter Quba makes an easy stop on the way to the slopes.

Heading to the snow? See our winter guide to Shahdag and Tufandag.

Getting to Quba

Buses and minibuses run from Baku to Quba, but the canyon, the waterfall and Khinalug are much easier with a car. With a private transfer the same driver can take you around while you are there. Our fixed prices, per car:

A same-day trip there and back costs the same as one way. If you stay overnight, choose in the booking form whether the driver stays with you (each night adds a driver day) or you book two separate transfers. For several days around the north, see private driver hire.

Updated: October 2026