Armenia is a small, landlocked country in the Caucasus region. Although it is geographically in Asia (Eurasia), Armenia has a very European feel similar to that of its neighbour Georgia. Discover all the best places to visit in Armenia in this guide.
The country borders Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, Iran to the south, and Turkey to the west. Along with Georgia it is considered a Christian country unlike its Muslim neighbours.
There are lots of interesting things to see and do in Armenia from ancient temples and monasteries to hiking in beautiful mountain scenery and exploring its interesting towns and cities.
Armenia has been producing wine for thousands of years and the Areni wine region is a must-visit for wine-lovers.
blog posts about armenia
TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN ARMENIA
Yerevan
Yerevan is Armenia’s vibrant capital city and my current home. Some of the top attraction include the Cascade complex with stunning views across to Mount Ararat, Republic Square, Victory Park and the Ararat Brandy Factory.
Garni
Garni is a small village 26 km (16 miles) southeast of Yerevan and is home to an impressive Greco-Roman temple dating back to 77 AD. It’s also home to the Garni Gorge and Symphony of Stones, and one of my favourite places to visit in Armenia.
Geghard
Geghard is an Armenian monastery in the mountains a short distance from Garni. The church is carved into a rockface and is famed for its incredible acoustics and a small stream that trickles through, as well as some incredible nearby scenery.
Areni
Gorgeous Areni is a small village in the Vayats Dzor region and has been producing wine for thousands of years. Here you can find incredible landscapes of canyons and mountains, lonely monasteries on hilltops, and the best wine in the Caucasus.
Gyumri
Gyumri is a charming city in the north of the country close to the border with Turkey and Georgia. The city was partialy destroyed by an earthquake in 1988 but remains one of the most beautiful places to visit in Armenia.
Khor Virap
Khor Virap is a monastery and former prison complex where Gregory the Illuminator was impressoned for spreading Christianity across Armenia. The church sits in the shadow of mighty Ararat and offers some of the best views in the country.
Lake Sevan
Lake Sevan is one of my favourite places in Armenia thanks to the gorgeous scenery. Discover ancient monasteries, eat freshly caught fish and hike in some of Armenia’s most spectacular wilderness.
Tatev
Tatev is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Armenia and is located in the most southerly province of Syunic. One of the most popular things to do is ride the Wings of Tatev cable car, which boasts itself as the longest in the world at 5.7 km (3.5 miles).
Dilijan
Dilijan is Armenia’s top destination for outdoor lovers like myself. The town is in the middle of a mountainous forest and here you can do everything from hiking to horse riding, see interesting geology, or relax in a thermal spa.
Noravank
Noravank is a monastery located in the Vayats Dzor wine region a couple of hours south of Yerevan. The church is located in a large canyon with steep, red walls and stunning natural landscapes as far as the eye can see.