Armenia’s vibrant capital city is attracting thousands of tourists every year. Some choose to stay in Yerevan, but most of them prefer exploring the picturesque landscapes. If you are in Yerevan for a couple of days, there are numerous places near Yerevan where you can discover Armenia’s rich history, natural beauty, and captivating culture.
Of course, Armenia is a small country and it’s an advantage for tourists having limited time to visit its regions. There are several sites waiting to be explored within an easy one-hour drive from the city center. Moreover, in addition to inspecting historical sites and medieval monuments, you can taste local cuisine at roadside eateries.
Choose a reliable travel agency or rent a car to organize your day trip. So, buckle up and get ready for a journey within a short drive from Yerevan.
Khor Virap
A monastery with a stunning view of Mount Ararat is an iconic symbol of Armenia. It is located just a short 50-minute drive from Yerevan and is a sacred pilgrimage site for the Armenian people.
One of its chapels dates back to the 7th century, but the monastery is mostly famous for a pit where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned. The legend says Siant Gregory stayed in the pit for 13 years for his efforts to spread Christianity in Armenia. He survived and upon his release converted Tiridates to Christianity. This marked Armenia’s conversion to Christianity which became an official state religion in 301.
It’s not only a pilgrimage site but a historical treasure. Tourists can explore the underground pit where Saint Gregory was caged and enjoy the view of Mount Ararat which looks close and beautiful if you are lucky with the weather.
The best way to reach Khor Virap is to take a taxi or an organized tour by a travel agency.
Garni and Geghard
Armenia’s two most popular attractions are even less than an hour’s drive from the capital city. The tourists may ask what is the best time of the year to visit them. It doesn’t matter, our answer is.
The stunning Garni, the only pagan temple in Armenia and the region, is impressive in May when the trees are blossoming and the nearby mountains are covered with green. However, a winter or summer trip will not be less impressive. A must-see is the Symphony of Stones, long vertical pillars of hexagonal shape in the Garni gorge.
Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located only ten kilometers away, is a true gem of Armenia’s medieval architecture. It has chambers, chapels, and khachkars that would blow your mind. Carved into the cliffs of the Azat Gorge, the monastery has a unique mysterious atmosphere. Here you feel history in every stone and khachkar.
Luckily Garni is one of the places near Yerevan located only 36 kilometers away from downtown, and you can reach it in just 40 minutes.
Lake Sevan
Every guidebook about Armenia would recommend visiting Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. And they are right, it’s worth visiting even if you plan to stay in Armenia for several days. First of all, the trip will take an hour or so. Secondly, you would realize that it was a good idea once take the first glimpse of its unusual turquoise water ringed by picturesque mountains.
Of course, most tourists prefer to visit Sevan in summer or spring to enjoy boating, swimming, or simply relaxing on the shore. However, a winter trip to Sevan will leave unforgettable memories thanks to the stunning snow-capped mountains and the view opening from Sevanavank monastery atop the peninsula on the western shore.
There are numerous restaurants with a great view of the lake where you can taste traditional barbeque, grilled fish, or crayfish kebab which is considered a local delicacy.
Etchmiadzin
If you have 3-4 spare hours plan a visit to Etchmiadzin, the spiritual center of Armenia and the seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Etchmiadzin Cathedral dating back to the 4th century is considered the oldest Christian cathedral in the world.
In addition to the main church, it boasts numerous cultural and religious landmarks like the residence of the Armenian Catholicos and Etchmiadzin Treasury Museum. The latter houses a collection of religious artifacts and manuscripts. Visit Saint Gayane, a charming church with a beautiful garden, that is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Driving back to Yerevan ask a driver to stop at the Zvartnots Cathedral, a monument built in the seventh century and now lying in ruins. It is famous for its unique circular exterior structure. The Cathedral collapsed due to an earthquake, but tourists can see some parts of its wall renovated in the twentieth century.
Tsakhkadzor
Those tired from bustling Yerevan can find tranquility in the mountains of Tsakhkadzor, the most popular winter resort in Armenia. The town is only 50 kilometers from Yerevan. It transforms into a snow-covered wonderland in winter and a valley of flowers in summer.
The modern cable car and other facilities make it a perfect place to relax and breathe fresh mountain air. The town has been rapidly developing over the last 10 years and now hosts first-class hotels and restaurants.
For winter sport lovers it’s an excellent skiing and snowboarding spot but it also offers hiking and trekking opportunities in summer. In addition to recreational activities, it’s also home to a medieval Kecharis monastery dating back to the 11th century.
Amberd
Nestled amid rocky mountains, Amberd fortress whispers the tales of bygone eras of Armenian kings. You would be surprised but it will take only an hour or so to find yourself in the middle of Armenia’s history. Traveling to the north and passing small villages you will finally arrive at the fortress located approximately 2,300 meters above sea level.
Fortress is a window into Armenia’s past, offering a glimpse of a time when this region was a crossroads of empires and cultures. According to some sources, Amberd was a summer residence of kings. In addition to the walls of a fortress and Surb Astvatsatsin church, the tourists can explore a bath house with two rooms that are still standing.