Zaqatala was more of a strategic stopover than a destination in itself. I chose it primarily because I needed a place to spend the night before crossing the border into Georgia, and its location makes it a convenient stop for those making the same journey overland.
During my brief stay I walked around a bit and explored some of its streets, but the city didn't manage to surprise or captivate me like other corners of the country.
If your route includes crossing into Georgia via this border crossing, it could be a good stopover. If you're looking for something more touristy or eye-catching, there are other destinations in Azerbaijan that might be a better fit.
In this post I'm not only going to tell you what you can see in Zaqatala during a short visit, but also how to cross the border into Georgia from this area, a stretch frequently used by those traveling overland between the two countries.
Table of Contents
Where is Zaqatala located?
Zaqatala is located in northwestern Azerbaijan, in a green, mountainous area at the foot of the Greater Caucasus. It is located approximately 80 km from Sheki, 450 km from Baku and only 20 km from the border with Georgia (Balakan–Lagodekhi post).
The city is part of a quiet, relatively untouristed region, making it a common stop for those traveling overland between the two countries.
Its proximity to the Lagodekhi border crossing, one of the most frequently used crossings to reach eastern Georgia (including destinations such as Singhaghi or Telavi), makes Zaqatala especially convenient for spending the night before continuing your journey.
How to get to Zaqatala
From Sheki
There are marshrutkas that connect Sheki to Zaqatala several times a day. They leave from the city's bus terminal (see location on map) and drop you off where the monument with the flag is in Zaqatala (see location). The journey takes between 1 h 30 min and 2 h, depending on traffic and stops.
You can also take a taxi, which reduces the time to around 1 hour and drops you directly in the city centre.
From Baku
The most practical way is the direct bus from Baku Terminal to Zaqatala. The journey takes between 7 and 8 hours.
Another more comfortable option is the Baku–Balakan night train: you get off at Balakan and the last 25–30 minutes to Zaqatala are by taxi or marshrutka.
What to see in Zaqatala
Zaqatala is not a city that dazzles at first glance, but it does offer some pleasant corners for those who enjoy walking and observing local life.
The heart of the place is its Central Park, a spacious, wooded and peaceful area where you will always see families strolling and older people chatting on the benches.
A few blocks away, the Zaqatala Fortress is the most important historical site: a 19th-century enclosure with reddish brick walls that are still well preserved and invite a short tour.
Another interesting point is the Ashaghi Mosque, one of the oldest in the area, famous for its simple architecture and distinctive minaret.
You can also visit the ruins of an ancient Albanian temple from the Caucasus, located near the fortress.
The site is in poor condition, quite deteriorated and, sadly, shows traces of vandalism, but it is still worth going to see one of the few visible remnants of this early past of the region.
If you enjoy walking a bit more, you can venture to the outlying neighborhoods, where you can better appreciate the rural rhythm of the district and the views towards the Caucasus Mountains.
Where to sleep in Zaqatala
Zaqatala doesn't have a wide range of accommodation options, especially in the budget segment. Most of the available places are simple hotels or family-run guesthouses, sufficient for a short stay but without much luxury.
If you're traveling on a tight budget, you'll notice that the options are more limited than in other tourist cities in Azerbaijan.
In my case, as I was traveling with two backpackers I had met in Sheki, we ended up choosing the Miramida Hotel.
The place was great: spacious, clean, and comfortable rooms, and super friendly staff. The only downside is that it's a bit far from the city center, so to get to and from the town center you'll need to walk a bit or take a taxi if you're short on time or have a lot of luggage.
How to cross the border from Azerbaijan to Georgia from Zaqatala
Crossing the border from Zaqatala into Georgia is generally a simple process, but it's helpful to know a few details to ensure a quick and smooth crossing.
First you have to get to Balakan
The nearest border is that of Balakan – Lagodekhi, located about 25 km from Zaqatala, and is one of the most used by travelers heading to Kakheti, Tbilisi or Telavi.
From Zaqatala you can take a regular taxi to the border post. It's a short journey, about 20–30 minutes, and usually costs no more than a few manats if you share.
If you want to save more, you can do it in two stages: first take a shared taxi (local marshrutka adapted) to Balakan and then another taxi to the border. This way, you reduce the distance you would travel with a private taxi.
Crossing the border between Azerbaijan and Georgia by land
Once at the border post, the process is straightforward:
- First you go through Azerbaijani control, where they check your passport and the date of your entry.
- Then you walk a few meters along the international corridor to the Georgian side. They're usually even faster here: stamp, smile, and welcome to Georgia.
- There is no internal transport between one side and the other, so everything is done on foot.
When you leave the Georgian side, you'll find taxis waiting to take you to Lagodekhi, Telavi, or Tbilisi. The prices are a bit high for the distances, especially for Lagodekhi, which is only a few kilometers away, but, as is always the case at borders, there aren't many options to choose from.
Try to negotiate as much as you can, and avoid raising the fare without agreeing on a price first. I'm warning you now that it's difficult to lower the price much, since all the taxi drivers are working together, and they'll laugh if you offer too low a price.
How to get to Sighnaghi from the Azerbaijan-Georgia border
If your final destination is Sighnaghi, Georgia, you can arrange for a taxi to take you directly from the border. It's the most comfortable option, but also the most expensive: since it's a relatively long and very touristy route, prices tend to be quite high.
If you want to save money, it's best to use a mix of transport, which works perfectly and is the most common way to get there.
The most practical option is to take a taxi from the border to Lagodekhi, the first Georgian city on the other side. It's a short and inexpensive ride, and from there you can easily access the local public transport network.
Frequent marshrutkas depart from Lagodekhi for Tsnori, one of the main hubs in the Kakheti region. The journey is comfortable, inexpensive, and usually doesn't involve long waits, especially during the day.
Once in Tsnori, you will find direct buses and marshrutkas (see on map where they depart from), which take around 30–40 minutes. This last leg is the most scenic, with views of hills and vineyards heralding your arrival in one of Georgia's most beautiful cities.
In short: taxi to Lagodekhi → marshrutka to Tsnori → bus to Sighnaghi. It's easy, cheap, and works incredibly well for backpackers.
Tips for crossing the border between Zaqatala and Georgia
Here are some useful recommendations for crossing the border based on my experience on the road.
Exchange money before arriving
There are no currency exchange offices or ATMs at the border. If you need Georgian lari, you have two options: exchange them in Zaqatala, where there is usually better availability, or wait to do so in Tsnori, on the Georgian side.
In addition, you'll find plenty of ATMs in Georgia, so you can simply withdraw cash once you cross the border.
The only important thing is not to arrive at the border post empty-handed, because you won't be able to exchange money there.
Transport
As soon as you cross, don't expect to find much infrastructure. On the Georgian side, there are usually taxis waiting, but they tend to charge inflated prices.
Remember that if your destination is Tbilisi, Tsnori or Sighnaghi, public transport is available as soon as you approach the center of Lagodekhi.
Water and snacks before the crossing
It might seem like a minor detail, but you won't find any kiosks or anything to buy at the border. Bring water, especially if you're crossing on foot or if it's sunny, because the path between the two control buildings is completely exposed to the elements.
Internet and SIM
If you rely on data, remember that your Azerbaijani SIM card will stop working as soon as you cross the border. In Lagodekhi or Tsnori, you can buy Magti or Geocell SIM cards, which work very well throughout the Kakheti region. Buying one as soon as you arrive will save you trouble if you need to arrange transportation.
Be patient during peak season
During peak season or long weekends there may be more tourist activity, especially due to buses full of tourists from China.
Although the wait is usually short, if you do have to queue, just adopt a zen attitude; it usually moves quickly and the staff are used to processing independent travelers.
Final thoughts on my visit to Zaqatala and the crossing into Georgia
Personally, Zaqatala is not a city I would recommend as a destination in itself if your trip does not include crossing the border into Georgia. It doesn't have as many attractions as other cities in Azerbaijan, and unless you're interested in exploring off-the-beaten-path spots, it might pale in comparison to places like Sheki.
However, if you are traveling towards Lagodekhi or Sighnaghi, Zaqatala works perfectly as a strategic stop, quiet, safe and with just enough to rest, eat something and organize the crossing.
At the border, the experience was smooth. The crossing is simple, quick, and very easy to do independently, provided you leave early and know how to coordinate transportation on the Georgian side.
If you start the day without delays, including the taxi to Lagodekhi, the marshrutka to Tsnori and the final bus, you can be in Sighnaghi in the early afternoon, enjoying the wine and the views of Kakheti.
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