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Masalli

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City
—°1
Masalli (Azerbaijan)
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Practical info — Masalli

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • A visit to the Istisu thermal springs is a must; many local sanatoriums offer day-passes for a relaxing bath.
  • The climate here is more subtropical and humid; be prepared for occasional rain showers even in the summer.
  • Explore the nearby Talysh Mountains for great hiking trails and waterfalls like Yardimli.
  • The region is known for its tea plantations; look out for local tea fields along the road.

🍽 Food

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Ləvəngi

Chicken or fish stuffed with a rich walnut and onion paste, a southern specialty found in most traditional restaurants.

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Southern Azerbaijani Tea

Enjoy locally grown tea, often served with lemon and various fruit jams.

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Tandir bread

Freshly baked bread from traditional clay ovens, first-rate with local cheeses.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Local tea and citrus fruits

The humid climate allows for growing tea and lemons, widely available in the markets.

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Woven baskets

Look for handmade reed baskets and mats, a traditional craft of the southern region.

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Istisu forested areas

The woods around the thermal springs offer tranquil walking paths.

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Vilashchay River valley

A scenic and calm area, excellent for a picnic by the water.

Masalli lies in southern Azerbaijan on the eastern foothills of the Talysh Mountains, only about twenty-five kilometres from the Caspian shore, and with around thirty-five thousand inhabitants is the tourist hub of the region. The town owes its popularity to the many hot mineral springs, headed by the healing Istisu spring, whose sulphurous waters at temperatures between forty and sixty-four degrees Celsius are used to treat skin conditions, rheumatism and musculoskeletal disorders. The humid subtropical forests with ironwood trees, Hyrcanian oaks and chestnuts form part of the nearby Hirkan National Park. Masalli is also known for its traditional wrestling tournaments, regional specialities such as Lavangi chicken stuffed with walnuts, and rich rice cultivation that turns the adjacent Talysh lowland plain a vivid green every season.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C66913192426262218117
Rain mm5350524127151123831149859

Geography

Population
9,604 (2026)
Coordinates
39.03420, 48.66530

Facts

  • The Istisu thermal spring reaches temperatures over 60 degrees Celsius
  • Became an independent administrative district in 1930
  • Home to Hirkan National Park and its unique ironwood forests
  • The region is known for the production of traditional reed mats
  • Located about 230 kilometers south of the capital Baku
  • Archaeological finds in the vicinity date back to the Iron Age

Explore nearby

Notable places around

JalilabadJalilabad22 km · SEExplore →
Lankaran Tea PlantationsLankaran Tea Plantations29 km · NWExplore →
Hirkan National ParkHirkan National Park32 km · NWExplore →
Talysh MountainsTalysh Mountains33 km · SWExplore →
BilasuvarBilasuvar34 km · EExplore →
LerikLerik34 km · SWExplore →
Gizil-Agach State ReserveGizil-Agach State Reserve34 km · NExplore →
Mughan SteppeMughan Steppe39 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Masalli (1)

Nizami Gəncəvi heykəli🏺 historical

A bronze statue of the poet Nizami Ganjavi in Masalli's park.

Frequently asked questions

Are there thermal springs in Masallı?
Yes, Istisu is a well-known spa resort with healing thermal springs.
What is the weather like in Masallı?
The climate is subtropical and humid, making the vegetation very green.
What is typical for the region?
Beautiful forests, waterfalls, and a rich rural culture.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, the parks and recreation centers are handy for family trips.
What to do there?
Visit the waterfalls and relax in the thermal baths.
Masalli: where is it located?
Masalli is located in Azerbaijan.
Masalli: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Masalli: why is it worth visiting?
Masalli lies in southern Azerbaijan on the eastern foothills of the Talysh Mountains, only about twenty-five kilometres from the Caspian shore, and with around thirty-five thousand inhabitants is the tourist hub of the region.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Lerik — Masalli (Azerbaijan)
Lerik
Lerik is a high-altitude mountain town famous for its pristine air, stunning Alpine scenery, and remarkably long-lived residents.
Jalilabad — Masalli (Azerbaijan)
Jalilabad
Jalilabad is located in southern Azerbaijan in the fertile Mugan Plain.
Bilasuvar — Masalli (Azerbaijan)
Bilasuvar
Bilasuvar is located near the Iranian border and is primarily an agricultural region.
Astara — Masalli (Azerbaijan)
Astara
A picturesque coastal city in southern Azerbaijan, famous for its tea, citrus fruits, and proximity to the Hirkan National Park.
Salyan — Masalli (Azerbaijan)
Salyan
Salyan is located near the mouth of the Kura River into the Caspian Sea.
Sabirabad — Masalli (Azerbaijan)
Sabirabad
Sabirabad is located at the confluence of Azerbaijan's two most important rivers, the Kura and the Aras.

More places

Gizil-Agach State Reserve — Masalli (Azerbaijan)
Gizil-Agach State Reserve
A significant Ramsar wetland that hosts millions of migratory birds such as flamingos and pelicans during their winter journey.
Lankaran Tea Plantations — Masalli (Azerbaijan)
Lankaran Tea Plantations
The fertile lands in southern Azerbaijan are the center of the country's traditional tea production.
Hirkan National Park — Masalli (Azerbaijan)
Hirkan National Park
A dense humid forest in the Talysh Mountains, famous for its relict and endemic plant species.
Talysh Mountains — Masalli (Azerbaijan)
Talysh Mountains
The Talysh Mountains in southeastern Azerbaijan are densely forested and rich in biodiversity.
Mughan Steppe — Masalli (Azerbaijan)
Mughan Steppe
The Mughan Steppe extends into Iran and is today partially irrigated agricultural land.
Shirvan National Park — Masalli (Azerbaijan)
Shirvan National Park
A semi-arid national park on the coast of the Caspian Sea, known for its goitered gazelle population.
Sheikh Safi al-din Shrine — Masalli (Azerbaijan)
Sheikh Safi al-din Shrine
An architectural masterpiece in Ardabil, combining Sufi traditions and Safavid art.
🗺️
Shirvan Thermal Power Plant
The Shirvan Thermal Power Plant is a conventional power station that plays an important role in stabilizing the national electricity grid.