Armenia is a land of mountains and breathtaking landscapes. This is the usual sentence you would find on most travel websites. However, this small country famous for its mountains and history has much to offer, especially in summer. When exploring top things to do in Armenia, one should consider colorful festivals, culinary delights, and other off-the-beaten-path destinations.
From its stunning ancient monasteries and churches to mountain ranges, Armenia is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. In addition to the traditional “Garni and Geghard” trip or a visit to Sevan Lake, hiking enthusiasts can discover the trails of Dilijan National Park.
Another option is to join mountain bike tours – a great experience for travelers seeking a unique and memorable adventure. Anyway, every tourist will find a unique way of discovering the hidden beauty of a land of rich history and warm hospitality.
Let’s discover the top things to do in Armenia this summer.
Visit Festivals
Summer is an ideal time for festivities. Armenia is proud to host a lot of festivals highlighting its rich traditions and cultural experiences. This year’s calendar offers a unique experience, ranging from wine tastings and discussions on winemaking to sheep shearing competitions.
The festivals include Yerevan Wine Days, Sheep Shearing Festival, Gastrofest in Dilijan, Beer Days, Sevan Music Festival, and others. Some of them offer culinary battles, music performances, and lots of craftwork on display.
As always Levon Travel can assist you with various travel-related services, including tickets, accommodation, and car rental. Keep in mind that many festivals are held outside Yerevan, so you’ll need transportation to reach the spot.
Churches and Monasteries
Exploring the monasteries and churches of Armenia is a remarkable journey. You may start with Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the spiritual center of the country. Of course, the next stop is Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and breathtaking complex consisting of several churches nestled within the cliffs.
The iconic Khor Virap Monastery, Sevanavank, and Haghartsin in Dilijan are among the must-see. There is also Tatev Monastery, a medieval architectural marvel surrounded by picturesque mountains of Syunik Province. Known for its stunning views, it attracts visitors from around the world.
These churches and monasteries, among many others, will transport you to a world of spirituality, history, and architectural splendor.
Restaurants and Cafes
With numerous restaurants and cafes opening each year, Armenia has recently become a great destination for a gastronomic journey. You can find many restaurants presenting diverse flavors of Armenian cuisine which is a mixture of meat, vegetables, and herbs. Armenian cuisine highlights like khorovats (barbecue), thin flatbread lavash, and tolma are present in any traditional restaurant.
However, during recent years the capital city of Yerevan has become home to a wide range of dining options. One will be surprised to see so many restaurants serving Italian, Chinese, and fusion cuisine in downtown Yerevan. Additionally, cozy coffee shops offering pastries and tasty breakfasts have emerged.
Food enthusiasts can also visit a tolma, gata, or lavash masterclasses to learn more about Armenian traditions.
Wine Tours and Brandy Tastings in Armenia
When you are in Yerevan, do not forget to visit Saryan Street which has gained the reputation of a “wine hub”. An array of wine bars offers a unique experience for those who want to experience Armenia’s wine culture or just to hang out with friends. This street hosts the annual Yerevan Wine Days, a festival showcasing all types of Armenian wine in one place.
Once you enjoyed the taste of Armenian wine, it’s time to have a tour of modern wineries. There are several notable wineries in Armenia that offer captivating tours and tastings not far from Yerevan. First, you can choose between Armenia Wine, ArmAs, or Voskevaz. All of them also have dining options. Another notable winery is Areni Wine Factory in Vayots Dzor province, an area where archaeologists discovered a 6100-year-old winery – the earliest known wine-making facility in the world.
Armenia has a longstanding tradition of producing brandy of a distinct flavor and exceptional quality. Visit to Ararat Brandy Factory, a part of Pernod Ricard Group, is a memorable adventure exploring the history of an alcoholic beverage that Armenians consider a symbol of national pride.
Ecotourism
With its unique landscapes and breathtaking routes, Armenia has great ecotourism opportunities for nature lovers. Mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and ancient ruins are on your way when traveling by 4X4 vehicle or bike.
Birdwatching, hiking, and off-road biking with open-air lunch in beautiful spots located next to old churches and monasteries. Meanwhile, small and cozy bread and breakfasts in villages and towns will provide great accommodation for travelers.
Museums
Museums are a window into Armenia’s rich history, art, and culture. Start visit from the Cafesjian Center for the Arts. Located in the Cascade, it showcases contemporary and modern art in a stunning setting. After touring the museum, you can go up the escalator and enjoy a stunning view of Mount Ararat if you are lucky with the weather. The museum boasts a collection featuring the works of Arshile Gorky, Grigor Khanjyan, and notable international artists like Fernando Botero and Lynn Chadwick.
There is also the Sergey Parajanov Museum, a unique tribute to the life and work of a famous filmmaker. The visitors are captivated by the colorful exhibits in the museum and artworks of the great artist.
Ancient manuscripts in Matenadaran, paintings by Armenian artists in the National Gallery, and the collection of the History Museum are worth seeing.
Top Things To Do in Armenia with Levon Travel
Now that you know what interests you most, you can reach out to Levon Travel guides. Our staff will plan the journey of your dreams paying attention to every detail. Check our tours in Armenia or book a custom package tailored to your needs.