So, you think you’ve seen it all? Wait till you hit up Armenia. This small country with epic landscapes, mouth-watering food, and the friendliest people around will surprise you. If you weigh in on whether to go this year, we will dive into the reasons to visit Armenia that will have you book your ticket as soon as possible.
Where is Armenia?
Armenia is a small country at the crossroads of West and East. It borders Georgia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Iran. It’s a country that used to be an intersection of ancient civilizations and managed to preserve its unique alphabet, language, and culture.
Imagine a destination where ancient history meets modern charm. This is definitely about Armenia, a country with breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage where warm hospitality awaits every traveler. There are countless reasons to visit Armenia, but we will stop on some points that will make you book your ticket as soon as possible.
Amazing Nature
Armenia’s nature is a paradise for outdoor activities. It will fit tourists who opt for hiking and those willing to enjoy the view and relax.
Its diverse landscape attracts numerous nature enthusiasts willing to explore its hiking trails. One of the options is to choose a hiking tour and enjoy the mountain views to the fullest. You may see beautiful lakes, rivers, and waterfalls on your way and have a picnic on the top or near picturesque Sevan Lake.
The other option is just to choose a hotel in a picturesque place and relax by drinking a cup of coffee on a balcony with a mountain view. Ecotourism lovers would love Armenia with its rich biodiversity and numerous activities like mountain biking, backhouse riding, or bird watching.
Churches and Monasteries
Armenia, often called the land of churches and monasteries, is a museum under the open sky. As the first nation to adopt Christianity in 301 AD, Armenia boasts of dozens of medieval monasteries. Armenia’s monasteries and churches are truly a journey through time. These ancient structures not only have unique architecture but also served as educational centers during the Middle Ages.
Besides, they are often surrounded by stunning landscapes, and each offers breathtaking views. The churches usually have intricate stone carvings and unique pointed domes as well as khachkars (cross-stones) scattered around. Monasteries like Geghard and Tatev, surrounded by awe-inspiring nature, are must-visits. Exploring these sites with a knowledgeable guide adds historical context and makes any visit remarkable.
In addition, Armenia is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites. Just a short drive from the capital city Yerevan, you can explore remarkable sites like the Cathedral and Churches of Etchmiadzin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots. The Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley captivate visitors with their rock-cut architecture and breathtaking landscapes. Further north, the Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin stand on the two edges of a beautiful gorge.
Delicious Food
Armenia has become a hotspot for foodies, and vegetarians won’t be left out. The local cuisine offers diverse and mouthwatering dishes that surprise and delight visitors. Fresh meat, farm-to-table vegetables, fruits, and herbs are the main ingredients of local cuisine.
It’s difficult to describe the variety of new flavors you can try here. For example, the Armenian lavash, a soft, thin flatbread, is perfect for any wraps. Try it stuffed with barbeque, kebab, tomatoes, cheese, and greens, or go vegan with cucumbers and traditional Armenian basil. Discover the amazing taste of local fruits and sweets, especially gata and pakhlava.
Discover Armenian Wine
Armenia’s vibrant wine culture has been recently attracting more tourists. Armenia’s winemaking tradition, dating back to 4000 BC, emphasizes native grape varieties, resulting in distinctive red, rosé, and white wines. In fact, you can visit a spot where one of the world’s oldest wineries was discovered.
Wine tours are a popular attraction, providing a delightful journey through Armenia’s rich winemaking heritage. Armenia’s wine regions, like Vayots Dzor and Aragatsotn, offer stunning landscapes and exceptional wines. Besides, you can combine your visit with the Yerevan Wine Days, a spectacular wine event that showcases the local wine culture.
Hospitality
Visitors to Armenia are often surprised to see the incredible hospitality of the locals. Armenians are known for their open hearts and genuine warmth, always eager to make guests feel welcome and comfortable.
Don’t be surprised if you’re invited into a local’s home and treated to delicious Armenian dishes. If you need assistance, Armenians are more than happy to help, and many speak English and Russian, making communication easy. Besides, Armenia is one of the most kid-friendly spots on the map that you can imagine. The locals adore kids and will do everything to help you if needed.
One-In-A-kind Festivals
Festivals in Armenia are a perfect way to dive into the country’s rich culture and history. Throughout the year, Armenia hosts a variety of events. They range from food and wine celebrations to hot air balloon and jazz festivals.
One of the standout events is Yerevan Wine Days. Held in early June, this festival attracted over 160,000 visitors last year. Besides there are other numerous gastro events in different regions. However, there are also unique events celebrating Armenia’s agricultural heritage. For a quirky experience, check out the Gata Festival or the Sheep Shearing Festival. Do not miss traditional holidays like Vardavar when all the people splash water on each other.
Feel Adrenaline
Whether you’re into trekking, hiking, or paragliding, there’s something for everyone. In winter, head to Tsaghkadzor or Aragatsots province for top-notch skiing.
For a thrilling adventure, take a ride on Tatev Ropeway, the world’s longest cable car, which spans 5.7 kilometers above the River Vorotan. Yell Extreme Park is perfect for adventure lovers, featuring zip-lining, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Now the extreme lovers can also enjoy rafting with breathtaking views of mountains in the background.