population: 0.029 million

extension: 1,340 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Astara, Azerbaijan and interested in visiting museums, one option would be to visit the Lankaran Regional History Museum, which is located about 60 km away from Astara. This museum showcases the history of the Lankaran region and its cultural heritage.

Other nearby museums include the Khurshudbanu Natavan House Museum in Shusha (about 180 km away), which is dedicated to the life and works of the famous Azerbaijani poetess, and the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum in Baku (about 240 km away), which has a large collection of Azerbaijani carpets and rugs.

Food

Astara is a coastal city located in the south of Azerbaijan, and as such, seafood is a popular cuisine. Some of the most recommended and typical dishes to eat in Astara according to local people include:

1. Fish Plov: A rice dish made with fish, onions, and spices.

2. Kebabs: Grilled meat skewers, typically made with lamb or chicken.

3. Lavangi: A dish made with chicken or fish wrapped in grape leaves and cooked with onions and other seasonings.

4. Gilan Chai: A tea made with black tea leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, and other spices.

5. Khingal: A type of soup made with lamb or beef, noodles, and vegetables.

6. Sturgeon: A common fish in the Caspian Sea, often served grilled or roasted.

7. Qutab: A type of Azerbaijani stuffed flatbread that can be filled with various ingredients like spinach, cheese, or minced meat.

8. Fisincan: A traditional Astaran dish made with layers of sliced potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and meat.

These are just a few examples of the delicious and popular foods you can try while visiting Astara.

Activities

Some fun activities that local people enjoy in Astara, Azerbaijan include:

1. Visiting the Astara Bazaar: This bustling market is a great place to buy local produce, spices, and handmade crafts.

2. Exploring the Talysh Mountains: The beautiful mountain range surrounding Astara offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and nature walks.

3. Relaxing on the Caspian Sea coast: Astara is situated on Azerbaijan's coastline, and locals love to spend time relaxing on the beach, swimming, and boating.

4. Sampling local cuisine: Azerbaijani food is known for its variety of meat dishes, stews, and kebabs, and there are plenty of local restaurants in Astara where you can try them out.

5. Attending cultural events: Throughout the year, Astara hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals, such as the Novruz spring festival and the International Astara Music Festival, which celebrate Azerbaijani music, dance, and arts.