Naftalan: World’s Only Oil Therapy Resort

Naftalan: the World’s Only Oil Therapy Resort — Complete Guide for a Trip from Baku

The world is full of unusual health destinations — the salt caves of Poland, the thermal waters of Iceland, the mud baths of the Dead Sea. But there is only one place on the planet where the primary medicine is crude oil itself. This is Naftalan — a small town in western Azerbaijan, 330 kilometers from Baku, that has been treating patients from around the world for nearly a century. Around 15,000 visitors arrive here each year to immerse themselves in warm baths of thick, dark naftalan oil and undergo treatment for rheumatism, psoriasis, eczema, neurological disorders, and dozens of other conditions.

Whether you’re planning a wellness retreat, accompanying a relative on a course of treatment, or simply curious about one of Azerbaijan’s most unusual destinations — this guide from Karavan Rent A Car in Baku will help you understand the topic without illusions or exaggerations. The history of the resort, how the therapy actually works, which sanatoriums to choose, how to get there from Baku, and — equally important — who this treatment is not suitable for. Transparency and information are the best foundation for any trip, especially when it concerns health.

What is Naftalan and why is it unique in the world?

Naftalan is both the name of a town and the name of a special type of oil extracted only in this region of Azerbaijan. Visually, naftalan oil resembles ordinary crude oil — thick, viscous, dark brown with a greenish tint. But chemically it differs fundamentally from the oil used to make petrol and plastics.

The main difference is the high content of naphthenic hydrocarbons, special compounds that exist only in trace amounts in ordinary industrial oil. These compounds, according to modern research, have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antihistamine, and vasodilating properties. So naftalan oil is unsuitable as fuel (it’s specifically refined to remove “light” fractions before being used in baths), but effective as a therapeutic agent.

Naftalan’s uniqueness lies not only in the oil’s composition, but also in the fact that this is the only place on Earth where such oil is used as part of a full sanatorium-resort system. In other places in the world with similar oil deposits, there is neither the infrastructure, nor the accumulated medical experience, nor the balneology specialists focused specifically on oil therapy. This makes Naftalan, in the fullest sense, a one-of-a-kind destination.

What history lies behind naftalan oil?

The therapeutic properties of naftalan oil were known to local populations as early as the Middle Ages. Historians find references to “healing black water” in records from the 12th–13th centuries: Silk Road caravans stopped in these areas, and travelers used the local oil to treat skin diseases and wounds. The great Persian poet and physician Nizami Ganjavi, who lived in the 12th century in nearby Ganja, also mentioned the healing properties of the local oil.

Scientific interest in naftalan oil began in the late 19th century. In the 1890s, the German chemist Jakob Jäger, who worked in Baku, became interested in the composition of the local oil from the Naftalan area. He created a therapeutic ointment based on it, which quickly gained popularity in Europe. By the early 20th century, naftalan oil was being exported in large quantities to Germany, where it was used to produce creams and ointments sold throughout Europe.

After the 1917 revolution, ties with the West were severed, and Naftalan became a “closed” Soviet resort. The first sanatorium officially opened here in 1926. By the 1930–40s, systematic scientific research had been conducted, and academician T. G. Pashayev proposed methods for isolating active components from the oil. By 1936 the sanatorium was operating at full capacity, receiving patients from across the Soviet Union, including the political elite. By the 1960s, Naftalan was granted city status.

After the collapse of the USSR, the resort went through a difficult period, but its revival began in the early 2000s. Today Naftalan is a modern international resort with 4- and 5-star sanatoriums that once again welcomes guests from dozens of countries. In 2015, the Naftalan Oil Museum opened in the city, telling the story of this unique therapeutic agent.

How do you get from Baku to Naftalan?

Naftalan is located approximately 330 kilometers west of Baku, in the direction of Ganja — Azerbaijan’s second-largest city. The journey takes 4–5 hours depending on the chosen transport and traffic conditions.

By rental car

The most convenient and popular option. The route runs along highway M2 — a modern motorway with good surface, petrol stations and rest areas every 50–70 kilometers. Leave central Baku heading toward Ganja, and after 4–4.5 hours of calm driving you’re in Naftalan.

📍 Distance: 325–335 km depending on your starting point in Baku.
⏱️ Travel time: 4–5 hours (with one 20-minute break).
⛽ Fuel consumption: one way — about 25–35 liters depending on car class.

Recommended stops along the route:

• Shamakhi (130 km from Baku) — the ancient capital of the Shirvanshahs; cafés, petrol stations, a good place to stretch
• Goychay (220 km from Baku) — famous for pomegranates and orchards, excellent roadside cafés
• Yevlakh (290 km from Baku) — the last major point before Naftalan; refuel and have lunch

By train + taxi

Budget-friendly and reasonably comfortable. The Baku → Goran train departs from the central station twice a day. The journey takes 3 hours 15 minutes, the ticket costs about 14 manats in standard class. From Goran station to Naftalan — 17 minutes by taxi (15–20 manats). Many sanatoriums provide transfer from the station by advance booking.

By bus

The cheapest option. From Baku International Bus Station, buses and minibuses run to Goranboy (about 6 hours, ticket 9–12 manats). From Goranboy to Naftalan — a short taxi ride. Suitable for those on a tight budget, but not the most comfortable after a long flight.

Via Ganja (airport transfer)

If you fly not into Baku but into Ganja Airport (KVD) — you’re in luck: Naftalan is only 50 kilometers from the airport, and the drive takes 45 minutes. Many sanatoriums organize transfers from Ganja at a fixed price (around 40 manats one way). For guests staying more than a week, some sanatoriums offer free transfers from Ganja.

💡 Tip from Karavan Rent A Car in Baku drivers: if you’re heading for a 10–14 day treatment course, consider renting a car with the option to drop it off in Ganja (or return it in Baku at the end). This gives you mobility not just for the road but for excursions across western Azerbaijan between procedures.

What conditions does naftalan oil treat?

According to sanatoriums and medical centers in Naftalan, naftalan therapy is applied to more than 70 conditions. This doesn’t mean the oil “cures” all of these illnesses in the sense of complete healing — we’re talking about clinically significant improvement, reduced pain, extended remission, reduced inflammatory processes. Any expectations should be based on consultation with the resort’s attending physician, not on promises in marketing materials.

Main indication groups:

Particularly good results, according to medical community reports, are observed in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis — diseases that in conventional medicine require lifelong maintenance therapy. Many patients return to Naftalan annually to maintain remission.

How does the treatment work and how much does it cost?

A standard course of treatment in Naftalan looks like this:

1. Initial examination by the sanatorium’s balneologist. Clarifying the diagnosis, performing tests and additional examinations if necessary. Determining contraindications and drawing up an individual procedure plan.
2. Course of naftalan baths. The main procedure. Naftalan oil is heated to 38–39°C. The patient is immersed in the bath for 8–10 minutes (the doctor strictly determines the duration). A session must not exceed 10 minutes — this is critical for safety.
3. Oil removal. After the bath, the oil is removed from the skin with special wipes, then the patient takes a regular shower. Complete removal isn’t required — the therapeutic components should continue to act for several more hours.
4. Accompanying therapy. As prescribed, additional procedures may include mud applications, mineral baths, paraffin therapy, therapeutic exercise, physiotherapy, massage.
5. Rest and observation. Between procedures patients rest in their rooms, walk in the park, are observed by the doctor.

Approximate prices (at the time of publication, subject to change):

• Per night in a mid-range sanatorium room with three meals and basic treatment — from 80 manats per person
• Per night in a high-end sanatorium (Chinar, Garabag Resort, Gashalti) — from 200 manats per person
• Full 10–14 day treatment course with accommodation, meals and all procedures — from 1,000 to 3,500+ manats depending on the sanatorium and room type
• A single naftalan bath as a stand-alone procedure — around 30–50 manats

⚠️ Important: prices, treatment programs and availability are regularly updated. Before booking, check the current terms directly with the sanatorium or through official tour operators. Any medical prescriptions only after consultation with the resort’s attending physician.

Which sanatoriums and hotels should you choose?

Over the past 15 years, Naftalan’s infrastructure has been transformed. Modern sanatoriums combine traditional Soviet balneology methods with European-level service. The main categories:

High-end sanatoriums (4–5 stars)

• Chinar Hotel & Spa Naftalan 5★ — one of the most famous sanatoriums in Naftalan. Modern architecture, extensive spa area, restaurants, free transfer to Ganja. Suitable for those seeking a full resort experience with treatment.
• Garabag Resort & Spa 5★ — a large sanatorium complex with rich medical infrastructure, swimming pool, sports facilities. Hosts a high volume of international guests.
• Gashalti Health Hotel Naftalan 5★ — premium level, villas, pools, bowling, cinema hall. Suitable for long wellness programs in comfort.
• Gold Naftalan 5★ — modern sanatorium focusing on personalized treatment programs.

Mid-range sanatoriums (3–4 stars)

• Nafta Sanatorium 4★ — an 11-story medical hotel in the city center. Large physiotherapy center with 19 cabins, 4-chamber baths, specialized procedures.
• Park Naftalan 4★ — located in a green zone near the park, convenient for walks.
• Sun City Hotel & Spa Naftalan 4★ — modern sanatorium focused on mid-budget guests.
• Kepez 4★ — a traditional sanatorium with rich history and strong medical infrastructure.

Specialist medical centers

Besides sanatorium hotels, Naftalan operates specialized medical centers — Naftalan Health Center, “Naftalan” Sanatorium, “Sehirli Naftalan” and others. They often offer a stronger medical emphasis with somewhat more modest accommodation conditions. A good choice if treatment is the main goal rather than resort relaxation.

💡 How to choose? If you’re going for serious treatment and the qualifications of doctors matter — look at sanatoriums with long history (Nafta Sanatorium, Kepez). If you want to combine treatment with comfortable rest and a cultural program — choose 5-star international complexes. If you’re going for the first time and want to look around — mid-range (4★) gives a good balance of price and quality.

How many days do you need for a full treatment course?

A standard course of treatment in Naftalan is 10–14 days. This is the minimum period during which a patient can undergo 8–10 naftalan baths (one every other day) and additional procedures. Courses shorter than 10 days are usually not recommended by doctors — there’s not enough time for the therapeutic effect to accumulate.

For severe chronic diseases or repeat courses, 21 days or more is recommended. In this case, an extended complex of procedures is prescribed, the number of baths increases, and additional types of physiotherapy are added.

Seasonality. The resort operates year-round, but the optimal seasons for treatment are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). During these periods the temperature is comfortable, you can walk a lot in the park, and there’s no summer peak heat. In winter all sanatoriums operate, but walks and excursions are limited by the weather. In summer (July–August) it can be hot, but this is offset by air conditioning in modern sanatoriums and the availability of pools.

Who is naftalan therapy not suitable for?

This is the most important section of the article — one that’s often omitted in tourist materials, but we believe it’s our duty to address in detail. Naftalan therapy is a serious medical intervention, and it has significant contraindications. Ignoring them can lead to a worsening of your condition.

Absolute contraindications (naftalan therapy is strictly prohibited):

• Pregnancy at any stage — therapy is categorically unsuitable and may affect fetal development
• Oncological diseases — any in active phase
• Active tuberculosis
• Acute inflammatory processes with high temperature
• Severe heart failure (Class III–IV)
• Acute infectious diseases
• Thromboses and thrombophlebitis in the acute phase
• Severe kidney or liver failure
• Epilepsy with frequent seizures
• Mental illnesses in the acute phase

Relative contraindications (treatment possible only after consultation with a doctor and in specific protocols):

• Stage II–III hypertensive disease
• Decompensated diabetes mellitus
• Pronounced anemia
• Age over 70 (individual assessment required)
• Age under 14 (special pediatric protocols required)
• Allergy to oil components (determined by a sample at initial examination)

⚠️ What to do before the trip:

1. Consult with your attending physician about your main condition
2. Have basic blood and urine tests, ECG done, plus additional examinations if needed
3. Bring an extract from your medical record and recent test results
4. On site — mandatory initial examination by the sanatorium doctor BEFORE starting any procedures
5. Don’t hide any conditions or medications you’re taking from the doctor

This preparation seems excessive, but it’s exactly what makes the treatment course safe and effective. Karavan Rent A Car in Baku doesn’t provide medical services, but we strongly recommend treating Naftalan as a serious medical resort, not a recreational one.

What can you see in Naftalan beyond the treatment?

Between procedures you’ll have plenty of free time. Naftalan is a small town, and the main attractions can be covered in 2–3 days.

🦯 Museum of Crutches

The most unusual and emotionally powerful museum in Azerbaijan. On the territory of the “Naftalan” sanatorium, a collection of hundreds of crutches, canes and other walking aids has been gathered — left behind by patients who recovered in Naftalan. Each item is the story of a person who arrived disabled and left on their own legs. The museum tells its story not with words but with objects — the impression is powerful.

🛢️ Naftalan Oil Museum

A modern museum, opened in 2015. Tells the story of the extraction and use of naftalan oil, displays samples, tools, historical documents. Useful for understanding the context of the treatment you’re undergoing.

🌳 City Cultural Park

A large, well-maintained park in the city center. Shady avenues, fountains, benches, flower beds. An ideal place for walks between procedures, especially in morning and evening hours. The park has walking routes recommended by doctors as part of the wellness program.

🌉 The Red Bridge (near the Georgian border)

If you have a free day, you can drive to the Red Bridge across the Khrami River — a historical monument from the 12th–17th centuries. Built of red brick, about 175 meters long, considered a national treasure of Azerbaijan. Located about 100 kilometers from Naftalan.

🏛️ Ganja — Azerbaijan’s second-largest city

50 kilometers from Naftalan lies Ganja — an ancient city where the poet Nizami Ganjavi lived, and where architectural monuments from the 12th–19th centuries have been preserved. Key points: Nizami’s mausoleum, the 17th-century Juma Mosque, the Bottle House, Khan Bagi Park. A full excursion to Ganja takes a day and fits well into a treatment course as a cultural break.

Can you combine Naftalan with other places?

If you’re going to Naftalan for a treatment course, you’ll have 10–14 days with plenty of free time. Here are possible options for expanding the program:

• Ganja — 1 day, easy. A full cultural program.
• Gabala — 1 day, 120 km from Naftalan. A mountain resort with a cable car, medieval ruins of Chukhur-Gabala, waterfalls.
• Sheki — 1–2 days, 180 km from Naftalan. A UNESCO site, Azerbaijan’s silk capital, the famous Sheki Khans’ Palace with “shebeke” stained glass.
• Lake Goygol — half a day, 60 km from Naftalan. A high-mountain lake in the national park, known for its clarity and beauty.

If the main goal is treatment, don’t overload the program: the course is effective specifically because of rest and the absence of stress. One or two excursions per course is optimal.

Which car should you choose for a trip to Naftalan?

The road from Baku to Naftalan runs along highway M2, which is largely in good condition but has some peculiarities. The distance is significant (4–5 hours), and driver comfort becomes more important than saving on vehicle class.

Which classes do we recommend?

What advice do Karavan drivers give?

• Don’t economize on class for a long drive. Economy class may be 15 manats per day cheaper, but 5 hours in an uncomfortable seat isn’t the best start to a treatment course.
• Consider rental with driver, especially if you’re going for treatment yourself. This lets you rest on the road and not get tired.
• Choose a car with cruise control — on the M2 highway it significantly reduces driver fatigue.
• Refuel in Baku before departure. Petrol stations exist along the highway but cost slightly more and aren’t always conveniently located.
• Download an offline route map in advance. Connection is unstable on some sections.
• Large boot — patients on treatment often carry many things (medications, documents, additional clothing). Choose a car with this in mind.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Naftalan

Is it safe to bathe in oil?

Yes, with medical supervision and adherence to protocol. Naftalan oil in sanatoriums is specially prepared: refined of light fractions, temperature maintained at 38–39°C, procedure duration strictly limited to 8–10 minutes. All sanatoriums operate using protocols proven over decades. The key is to undergo an initial examination by the doctor and not deviate from prescriptions.

Can you bring children to Naftalan?

Children under 14 are accepted for treatment only under special pediatric protocols, not in all sanatoriums and only on strict indications. If the family has an adult patient and you want to bring children just for rest — choose sanatoriums with children’s infrastructure (Garabag Resort, Chinar, Gashalti). Children aren’t required to undergo procedures — they can simply rest with the family.

How long is the drive from Baku and where can you stop?

The drive takes 4–5 hours on highway M2. Convenient stops are Shamakhi (130 km), Goychay (220 km), Yevlakh (290 km). Each has cafés and petrol stations. A pleasant lunch stop is in Goychay, known for its pomegranates and fruit cafés.

What should you bring for a treatment course?

Comfortable clothes for staying in the room, old slippers and clothes you don’t mind (for procedures), a bathrobe, an extract from your medical record, results of recent tests, regularly taken medications in sufficient quantity, warm clothes for walks in the park (even in summer, evenings can be cool).

Can you drink alcohol in Naftalan?

During the treatment course, alcohol is categorically not recommended. It increases the load on the liver, which is already working hard due to the procedures. Most sanatorium doctors strongly require abstaining from alcohol for the entire treatment period.

Do you need to speak Azerbaijani or Russian?

In most sanatoriums, medical staff speak Russian — a legacy of the resort’s Soviet history. In 4–5 star international sanatoriums, staff also speak English, and in some — Turkish and Arabic. If you speak only one of these languages, you won’t have communication problems.

What guarantees the result of treatment?

No medical therapy gives one hundred percent guarantees. The efficacy of naftalan therapy has been well studied over more than a century of use, but individual results depend on many factors: severity of disease, age, adherence to protocol, comorbidities. Honest sanatoriums don’t promise “complete healing” — that should be trusted more than loud promises.

Is it better to be treated in Naftalan or to buy naftalan ointment?

Ointments and creams based on naftalan are sold in Azerbaijani pharmacies and used for mild cases. But this doesn’t replace a full course of baths in a sanatorium, where a complex of factors works: thermal exposure, absorption through large skin areas, climate, regimen, accompanying procedures. For serious chronic conditions, a sanatorium course is effective.

When should you plan a trip to avoid crowds?

Peak season at Naftalan sanatoriums is summer (June–August) and New Year holidays. For a more peaceful atmosphere — choose May or September–October. March–April is also comfortable, though the weather may still be cool for walks.

Can you drive after a naftalan bath?

Right after the procedure — not recommended. The warm bath and active components of the oil can cause relaxation, drowsiness, light dizziness. Give yourself at least 1–2 hours of rest before getting behind the wheel. If procedures are scheduled daily, plan excursions for free days.

Does insurance cover treatment in Naftalan?

Depends on your insurance company. Most international policies don’t cover sanatorium-resort treatment under standard programs. Check with your insurer in advance. Some government insurance systems may compensate partial cost under special programs — this also needs to be clarified in advance.

What if your condition worsens during procedures?

Immediately stop procedures and consult the sanatorium doctor. In the first 3–5 days of treatment, some patients experience the so-called “balneological reaction” — a brief worsening, after which improvement begins. This is normal but must be assessed by the doctor. In any case — don’t stay silent, report any changes.

Ready to plan a trip to Naftalan?

Naftalan is one of the most unusual and meaningful destinations in Azerbaijan. It’s not just a resort “for relaxation” — it’s a genuine medical infrastructure with almost a century of history, helping thousands of people with chronic diseases each year. And at the same time, it’s still a little-known destination outside the post-Soviet space — which makes it especially interesting for those seeking real, not marketing, experiences.

If you’ve decided to go — Karavan Rent A Car in Baku will help with transport: we’ll select a car for your group composition, provide 24/7 support via WhatsApp, organize car delivery to Heydar Aliyev Airport or directly to your hotel in Baku. For long treatment courses we offer special rates — rentals from 30 days with discounts up to 30%. If you prefer not to drive yourself — book rental with driver: a professional driver will take you to Naftalan and pick you up after the course, eliminating any logistical worries.

🚗 Book a car in Baku: karavan.az
📱 WhatsApp: +994 55 455 22 45
📧 Email: mail@karavan.az

Naftalan. Medicine proven over centuries. Transport proven since 2008.

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