The 13 most beautiful places to visit in Armenia

"A guest is a gift of God" the Armenians say. So what good to wait to visit the 12 most beautiful places in Armenia?

If you have the adventure soul and the aspirations of a traveller in search of authenticity, you will necessarily fall under the charm of Armenia. Its privileged setting unfolds in a palette of pristine and varied landscapes.

If we focus today on the most beautiful places to visit in Armenia, we cannot talk about this country without evokeing its incredible resilience. At a time when this enclaved territory still panics the wounds of its tragic past, one can only admire its efforts to turn to the future and welcome the passengers. This is how the Armenians will open your arms, with spontaneity and generosity that do good.

Now, let us mention the most spectacular natural and historical sites in Armenia. Opulent buildings – both Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Russian – to altitude plateaus enamelled with colours, passing through the plains of tuf. The country of which Charles Aznavour was born is a poem to himself.

1. Sevan National Park

Stamped national park in 1978, Sevan houses a rare and precious biodiversity. Several species of mammals and endemic birds flourish in the waters of the lake, the belt of forests and the nearby Masrik river.

Lake Sevan is one of the oldest lake spaces in the world. Immense, of tectonic origin on a volcanic land, this rare pearl is considered to be a true inner sea of fresh water.

Despite the great fragility of its environment, Sevan National Park is a playground for Armenian families. From water excursions to hiking, for lovers of strong sensations or soft activities, this first place to visit in Armenia to offer everything.

2. Mount Aragats and the monastery of Khor Virap

The monastery of Khor Virap is one of the most popular and subjugating destinations in Armenia. The fire complex retains typical khatchkar ornaments. Its beautiful color slices with the snow that sits on the peaks of Mount Aragats in the background.

This mastodon is the highest point in the country and even in the South Caucasus. From the top of its 4095 meters of altitude, this former active volcano is not only photogenic. It is also a sacred mountain. Armenians confess to him a true cult and perpetuate a cyrielle of legends about him.

If you’re passionate about the challenge, know that it’s possible to climb to the top of Mount Aragats. The paths, though well-appointed, are rather muscular and strain walkers around the world. To reward you, the splendour of the landscapes and the small lakes of altitude will offer you beautiful moments of contemplation.

3. Canyon of Debed and Alaverdi

The Debed and Alaverdi Canyon is characterized by a unique and dizzying landscape. In this region, the river dug deep gorges in the middle of forests and mountains. Some villages managed to sneak into this enchanted chaos and to implant alongside the to-pics.

Here, the wet climate has left it short to a dense, green and spicy vegetation from the onset of the beautiful days. The lace road that passes through the canyon alone is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Armenia.

If the natural landscape of the course is most incredible, the many villages found by their rustic bell tower and the monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin are also worth a visit. These two flowers of Armenian religious architecture are classified as UNESCO World Heritage.

The first is a memorial to the soldiers of the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In this place that honors the past, at the threshold of the hill, you will be entitled to a new perspective on the canyon and, in the distance, the non-chalizing smoke of the Alaverdi industrial complex.

4. Dilijan National Park

Nestled in the northeast of Armenia, Dilijan Park is famous for its wildlife and floral richness as well as for its mineral water sources. In addition to a valuable biodiversity, Dilijan National Park jealously preserves among the most beautiful monasteries in the country: Haghartsin, Goshavank or Matosavank.

The park is grounded in hiking paths that cross through lakes, forests, green pastures and mountains. The sensational panoramas connect like pearls on a necklace, making quickly forget the swallowed kilometers and a few drops of sweat.

Then you will discover the uncontourable city of Dilijan: a real organ point during the walk. Typically mountainous, erected in stone walls where wooden balconies hang, the city has an indescribable charm.

5. Lake Kari

Lake Kari, one of the most surprising natural phenomena to be visited in Armenia, is a lost crater in the middle of the mountains and has a height of 3190 metres. It extends in the shade of Mount Aragats. Its great beauty seems unshakeable, under constant monitoring of the Alpine sanctuary built on the banks.

The water of Kari Lake is so blue that it would be believed to absorb the whole sky. Perhaps she draws her beauty from the aerial views and charismatic summits around? In the summer, Kari Lake was stormed by the inhabitants who came to look for a little greenery and freshness. In winter, the immaculate desert landscape bathes in an almost mystical atmosphere.

6. Arpi Lake National Park

The Arpi Lake National Park is on average 2000 metres above sea level. Celined with lakes and wetlands, this mountainous terrain is a paradise for hikers. In the spring the park stands out with a rug of wild flowers: the best time to go!

Despite the magnetic beauty of the limpid lake, however, it is forbidden to swim. No matter what, there is already so much to do: contemplating fauna and flora, riding a horse, picnicing in the mellow grass, picking up wild berries and hiking until using its soles!

7. Geghard

The monastery of Geghard is definitely a place that must appear on your to do list places to visit in Armenia. If the country can boast of its remarkable amount of religious monuments, Geghard remains one of the most outstanding.

It is in particular its non-standard construction, partly in the rock, which marvels. The site is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. A splendid natural setting is added to the impressive architecture. Indeed, the monastery of Geghard emerges from a lush mountain setting where all elements intertwin and form a unique painting.

8. Tatev Monastery

The monastery of Tatev is often the pride of a journey to Armenia. This traditional historical monument, as beautiful in and outside, houses beautiful frescoes and beautiful traces of history. He won in particular thanks to the longest cable car in the world: Wings of Tatev.

Although we can’t do the deadlock on Tatev when we want to visit Armenia, you should not miss the gorges around and the Diable Bridge below. A true geological and colorful phenomenon, it is a set of natural hot water tanks.

9. Yeghegis Valley

The Yeghegis valley, one of the most confidential in the country, is full of nature and legends. The delicious little corners connect with as neighbors several hundred years, many churches and monasteries still in their juice.

The valley of Yeghegis also houses the medieval fortress of Smbataberd, taken for its vertiginous views. Moreover, it is possible to hike from the village Yeghegis to this fortress and then to descend to the village of Artabuynk. Back, regain strength with a delicious Gata house prepared by villagers.

10. Gorges and monastery of Noravank

Noravank is one of the must-sees to visit in Armenia both for its landscapes and for its culture. This religious masterpiece enjoys an unusual location.

It is surrounded by high cliffs enamelled with flamboyant colors. The building itself is a wonderful example of traditional architecture, eternal tombs of many Armenian medieval artists.

11. Gorges de Garni

If the temple of Garni rises without pain among the flagship places to visit in Armenia, it would be a shame to summarize this region to its monument. Around this unique example of Armenian paganism, many caves, mountains and gorges are also worth a visit.

If you have to choose one, opt for the incredible Symphony of the Stones. This natural landscape is amazing. The basalt organs fall, long and asymmetrical, creating a cascade of drastic stones. To admire them, just follow the specially designed path.

12. Khndzoresk

The troglodyte village of Khndzoresk bears witness to the valiant period where Armenians lived in caves dug in the mountains, almost inaccessible. As incredible as it may seem, the last inhabitants left these homes in the 20th century only.

Small houses that squeeze the rock are interconnected by underground tunnels. This unusual configuration can only seduce and force respect. To reach this epic troglodyte village you can take a 160-metre long suspension bridge!

13. Arevik National Park

Arevik National Park is one of the four national parks to visit in Armenia. Rejected from everything, it is the avid travellers of a virgin nature. You may even cross several Armenians ignoring all of this mess.

So, what do you have to expect? Thousands of butterflies and birds in the sky, fascinating felines, a ruined mosque in the middle of an exuberant circus and several scattered cascades. Pause swimming, picnic and obligatory silence.