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Kura Island: A Caspian Sanctuary

Discover Kura Island: Azerbaijan's remote Caspian escape, offering untouched landscapes and a unique natural experience.

Kura Island, Azerbaijan's largest island in the Caspian Sea, offers a remote escape into nature. Once inhabited, it's now a haven for wildlife and a unique destination for adventurous travelers seeking solitude and untouched landscapes.

A brief summary to Kura Island

  • AZ

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as Kura Island is a haven for various bird species.
  • Pack appropriate footwear for exploring the island's varied terrain, including mudhills and coastal areas.
  • Consider visiting during the spring or fall for milder weather and optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.
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Getting There

  • Boat

    Access to Kura Island requires a boat trip from a coastal town such as Neftchala. Arrange for a local fisherman or a private boat charter to reach the island. Negotiate the fare in advance, as prices can vary depending on the boat size and duration of the trip. A typical round-trip boat charter may cost between 50-100 AZN. Ensure the boat operator is aware of the island's location and has appropriate safety equipment. The journey takes approximately 1-2 hours depending on sea conditions.

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Discover more about Kura Island

Kura Island, also known as Kür Dili, is the largest island in Azerbaijan, situated in the Caspian Sea. Located 33 kilometers south of Neftchala and approximately 150 kilometers south-southeast of Baku, it lies off the coast of the Aran Region. This remote island presents a unique opportunity to experience the raw beauty of the Caspian Sea and observe a landscape shaped by both natural forces and human history. Once connected to the mainland by a narrow spit, Kura Island was known as Kurkosa, named after the Kura River by Fyodor Soimonov, a pioneer in Caspian Sea exploration. In Soviet times, the island was home to two villages with a population of nearly 3,000. However, the rising Caspian Sea levels led to the island's isolation, making communication with the mainland difficult. As a result, most residents were evacuated by 1981. The last inhabitant passed away in 2020, leaving the island uninhabited. Today, Kura Island offers a unique landscape of mudhills stretching in a northeast to southwest direction. Though a lighthouse was constructed in 1911, it was abandoned in 1966. The island's isolation has allowed nature to reclaim the land, creating a sanctuary for various species. Adventure seekers and nature lovers will find Kura Island an ideal destination for bird watching, exploring the coastline, and experiencing the tranquility of an untouched Caspian island.

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