Naftalan travel guide
A spa town known for baths in naftalan, the world’s only medicinal crude oil.
Naftalan is a small resort town about 50 km east of Ganja. The unusual oil extracted here is not used as fuel but as a treatment.
The town’s sanatoriums offer courses of naftalan baths for musculoskeletal, skin and some other conditions. Courses usually last 7–14 days.
Things to see
Naftalan baths
Short oil baths taken under medical supervision — the resort’s main treatment.
Oil museum
A small museum explaining the history of naftalan oil and its medical use.
Sanatoriums
Resort hotels at different price levels that bundle treatment, meals and accommodation.
When to go
Open all year, since treatment takes place indoors. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons.
Getting there
It is about a 4.5-hour drive from Baku; you can also fly to Ganja and take a one-hour taxi ride.
Frequently asked questions
Are naftalan baths suitable for everyone?
No, they are contraindicated for some conditions. Consult a doctor before a course; sanatoriums also carry out an initial check-up.
How long is a course?
Usually 7–14 days. Some sanatoriums offer shorter programmes.
Azerbaijan travel guide: visa, money, transportSee all tours