Best Places to Visit in Armenia, Armenia, a small but attractive nation with a rich history, is rising in popularity as a travel destination.
Some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery can be found in Armenia, the first country to adopt Christianity as its official religion.
The country’s name derives from the Armenian word for “cave,” which describes the summit of Mount Ararat, which towers over the rest of the country.
Though its peak is located in Turkey, Mount Ararat is revered by Armenians as a holy site since it is said to be the spot where Noah’s Ark made landfall. There are a lot of stunning monasteries in Armenia, and many of them are located in breathtakingly scenic places.
Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is one of the most quickly developing cities in all of Europe as a result of the country’s growing popularity as a tourist destination. Let’s check out some of Armenia’s top attractions!
Best Places to Visit in Armenia
Amberd Fortress
Amberd Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 7th century, is a breathtaking destination in Armenia.
The fortress, which was formerly one of Armenian Kingdom’s most important military strongholds, is located approximately an hour’s drive from the nation’s capital, Yerevan. The fortress may be inaccessible throughout the winter due to snowfall, although the weather normally clears up by late May.
The stronghold is beautiful both inside and out, but the view from the top is especially amazing. The Byurakan Observatory, located in the nearby settlement of Byurakan, is only a short distance away from Amberd Fortress.
Tsaghkadzor
Tsaghkadzor, located in the middle of the country, is the best ski resort in Armenia because of the country’s hilly landscape, which is perfect for winter sports. All ski lift rides are individually priced and among the cheapest in all of Europe.
Some of the best hotels in Armenia can be found in Tsaghkadzor, and the resort is home to the Senator Royale casino, one of the largest entertainment complexes in the country.
One of Armenia’s most significant religious complexes, the Kecharis Monastery in Tsaghkadzor dates back to the early 11th century.
Upper Azat Valley
The beautiful Geghard Monastery in the Upper Azat Valley is a big reason why this portion of Armenia is on the list of World Heritage Sites.
Even though Gregory the Illuminator founded the monastery in the fourth century and it has been around for 800 years, the great chapel wasn’t erected until the same century.
The Geghard Monastery is revered as one of Armenia’s holiest places because, according to mythology, Apostle Thaddeus transported one of the spears used to crucify Jesus Christ there.
The Upper Azat Valley is also home to the partially hewn out of rock St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) chapel.
Karahunj Observatory
Karahunj is one of the most fascinating spots to see in Armenia and is often referred to internationally as Armenia’s counterpart of Britain’s Stonehenge.
Karahunj is located in the Syunik district, not far from the city of Sisian. It consists of more than 200 gigantic stone monuments, the largest of which is a circle of 40 stones thought to have been erected in honor of Ari, the primary God of Armenia.
Karahunj is widely regarded as the earliest observatory of its kind, and its discoveries are the focus of a modest museum in Sisian.
Khor Virap
You can see Mount Ararat from just about anywhere in Armenia, but the Khor Virap monastery offers some of the most breathtaking views of the peak. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned here for 14 years before he cured King Trdat III of his sickness, making it one of the most significant historical places in Armenia.
The King ultimately became a Christian, which set the stage for the religion’s growth in Armenia. The underground chamber where Gregory the Illuminator was kept may be seen on a visit to Khor Virap, making it one of the most frequented pilgrimage destinations in all of Armenia.
Dvin
Dvin, one of Armenia’s oldest cities, is our last top pick because it served as the country’s capital during the Middle Ages. The Unesco World Heritage Center reports that the town of Dvin was the site of a stronghold from the sixth century BC, and that magnificent artifacts are frequently uncovered in this region of Armenia.
The St. Harutyun Church in Dvin is one of the city’s more contemporary attractions, having been constructed in the year 2000. Archaeologists have discovered the stone foundations of the Cathedral of St. Grigor, which originally stood in Dvin.
Yerevan
Yerevan, the capital and by far the country’s largest city, is a fantastic jumping-off point for any trip to Armenia. The city’s majestic Republic Square can be found here, and the Cascade should be climbed in order to view the memorial to Soviet victory in World War II. If you want to learn more about Armenia and its tumultuous history, a trip to Yerevan and the Armenian Genocide Memorial is a necessity.
Both the Hrazdan Gorge and the Vernissage flea market are fantastic places to spend a weekend. Yerevan, sometimes called the City of Cafes, is a great base for day travels to the rest of Armenia. The Blue Mosque, Armenia’s one and only mosque, and Levon’s Amazing Underground World, one of the most peculiar tourist destinations in all of Europe, may both be found in Yerevan.
Shikahogh State Reserve
Shikahogh State Reserve is the second largest forest reserve in Armenia and is so pristine that many areas have not been investigated. Although the flora and wildlife of Shikahogh State Reserve are still largely unknown, the area is considered to be home to leopards, bears, wild goats, and vipers.
In 2005, the reserve’s future was in jeopardy due to a proposed motorway, but environmental groups were successful in their efforts to ensure the forest’s survival. A number of stunning waterfalls may be seen within the reserve.
Lake Sevan
Visit Lake Sevan, the largest lake in Armenia, in the country’s centre for a relaxing getaway. The lake’s beautiful monasteries, the most famous of which is the Sevanavank Monastery, make for a picture-perfect background to a restful vacation.
The lake is a great place to go windsurfing, and there are several great seafood restaurants lining its shores. As Armenia lacks a coastline, its popular beaches on Lake Sevan are the finest place to soak up the rays and enjoy the beautiful beauty of Sevan Bay and the surrounding mountains.
Dilijan national park
Among Armenia’s four national parks, Dilijan National Park is among the most picturesque. The park, which was created in 2002, is well-known for its natural landmarks and healing mineral water springs.
Within the park’s borders are some of Armenia’s most revered cultural landmarks, including Haghartsin Monastery, Goshavank Monastery, Jukhtak Vank, Matosavank Monastery, and the Akhnabat church. Additionally, Dilijan National Park protects both the Aghestev and Getik river basins.
Mount Aragats
Dormant volcano Mount Aragats in northern Armenia is one of the country’s most breathtaking natural features. It is Armenia’s highest peak, and its foot is covered in ancient rock art, including depictions of animals and humanoid-like forms.
Mount Aragats may be climbed at any time of the year, despite the persistent snow that blankets its summit for the vast majority of the year. The months of July, August, and September are ideal for making the ascent. The northernmost summit, at roughly 4,000 meters, is the most difficult to scale, while the southernmost peak is the easiest.
Lake Arpi
During the busiest times of the year, Lake Sevan can feel like a zoo, while Lake Arpi is considerably more peaceful. Lake Arpi is the origin of the Akhurian River, which is used for agriculture and generates hydroelectricity. There are around one hundred different species of birds that call this area home, and in 2009, a new park was constructed around the lake to conserve this delicate ecosystem.
Lake Arpi is a Ramsar Convention protected site due to the abundance of flora and fauna it supports. Recreational opportunities at Lake Arpi include camping and hiking through one of the largest colonies of Armenian Gulls.
Noravank
One of Armenia’s defining features is its many monasteries, and the monastery at Noravank is among the most stunning in all of Armenia. The monastery, established in the 13th century, is hidden from view by sheer, brick-red rocks.
When Armenia was overrun by the Mongols hundreds of years ago, the monastery at Noravank was supposedly spared by God. The church at Noravank is known as the Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God). Thousands of people visit Noravank every year, making it a top choice if you can only visit one monastery in Armenia.
Gyumri
Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city, provides an excellent introduction to the country. Gyumri’s Black Fortress, perched on a hill above the city, and the neighboring Mother Armenia statue are two of the best vantage points for taking in the city’s views.
The Aslamazyan Sisters House-Museum and the Sergey Merkurov House-Museum are just two of Gyumri’s many renowned museums. The Dzitoghtsyan Museum of Social Life and National Architecture of Gyumri is another. Gyumri’s oldest neighborhood, the Kumayri Historic District, is home to a thousand historical structures.
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Vanadzor
Vanadzor, in the north of Armenia, is the country’s third largest city. With Vanadzor as your home base, you can easily visit the stunning Lori area, one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Armenia.
The Vanadzor Botanical Garden is a top attraction, and the Vanadzor Fine Art Museum is another must-see while in town.
Spas in and around Vanadzor are plentiful thanks to the abundance of mineral springs in the Lori region. Many theaters, like the Bohem Chamber Theatre of Vanadzor and the Vanadzor Puppet Theatre, can be found in Vanadzor, despite the city’s reputation as an industrial hub.