The earliest mention, under the name Astārāb, comes in the Ḥodūd al-ʿālam, written toward the end of the 10th century.

From the 16th to the 18th centuries, the Ṭālešī Khans of Āstārā were either autonomous or nominally subordinate to the governors of Gīlān or Ardabīl; on several occasions they played an important role in the history of the Caspian provinces.

Rice has been cultivated in this region for many years, where some indigenous cultivars (landrace) were conventionally bred by farmers.

[14] Astara has various attractions and is considered a major tourist destination for Iranians and foreigners, especially those from the Caucasus.

Annually over six million Iranians, and six hundred thousand foreigners visit the city.