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In this article, we’ll share the top reasons you should visit Armenia. These reasons will make you want to add Armenia to your travel bucketlist.

We’re huge fans of Armenia. We’ve written countless articles about the country. We even decided to move there in 2023.

It’s a beautiful place, its history is so rich, the food is amazing, and best of all, it’s one of the most underrated and under-visited parts of the world. In fact, it was only in 2024 that Lonely Planet named it the top destination for 2025.

We can list a thousand reasons to visit Armenia, but no one would read that, so instead, our Armenian friend Vera created this amazing article to show you the 20 best reasons to visit Armenia!

Collaboration with Vera Mirzoyan

Vera Mirzoyan is a travel blogger. She adores traveling and finds herself constantly writing about any magic under the sun. She believes it’s important to focus not only on creating great content but also on optimizing this content. You can connect with Vera on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For more information, please see our disclaimer here. We take all the efforts necessary to ensure the information included in this post is accurate, correct and current, sometimes, things just change! Travel information like opening hours, business operations and prices may change. If you find anything in this post that is incorrect or outdated, please let me know in the comments so I can update it for other readers. Cheers!

The 20 best reasons to visit Armenia this year

Armenia is an interesting country to visit for people from all walks of life, with different interests and preferences.

In this historic land, you will surely find so much that you love and that will make your vacation memorable. The reasons to visit Armenia are numerous. With only 20 of the many reasons listed, you’re sure to find something that will pique your interest.

So, if you’re ready, let’s start!  

1. Armenia’s kind and generous people are the top reason to explore Armenia

Armenian people are known for their hospitality. They’re very kind and ready to help anyone. If you have any Armenian friends, you probably share my opinion.

If you happen to visit Armenia, make sure to talk with the locals. Surely they will help you find your way if you’re lost, or they’ll be ready to answer any other questions you have (sometimes, even before you know you have a question).

If you make Armenian friends during your time in the country, rest assured that they will keep in touch with you, invite you to their homes and lay rich tables full of delicious foods.

A great way to live the hospitality of the Armenian people is by trying Couchsurfing. You will discover that you have a new-found family in Armenia.

2. The amazing weather in Armenia is a great reason to visit

In Armenia, you can experience all four seasons, which makes this a perfect place to travel to all year round.

Winter, spring, summer, and autumn all show their best characteristics in their own time. Although every season has its advantages and disadvantages… You won’t find any complaints about it here. 

Winters in Armenia are never extremely cold. This is the season when the country is covered with pure snow. Temperatures range from 2 to -10°C.

In spring, when the snow melts, green areas pop up all around Armenia. You can find flowers and blossomed trees everywhere. Expect temperatures to warm up to 10 to 15°C.

Summers aren’t so hot in Armenia, but they are quite dry. Some regions are even very cool. Therefore, in some regions, people complain of hot weather and go on a vacation in Lake Sevan (we’ll learn more about this lake later). In the summer, you can expect temperatures of 25-30°C.

When autumn comes the weather gradually becomes cooler. You may see leaves of thousands of colors: Autumn is magic in Armenia… especially when it’s not raining. You can expect temperatures of 10 to 15°C.

3. The beautiful scenery and landscapes will make you want to visit Armenia

The Armenian landscape is breathtaking, to say the least. In this small land, you will experience highlands and lowlands, deep gorges and high mountains, fields and valleys, forests, raw nature, and even more.

Armenia is famous for its rich nature and lush forests where you can breathe the freshest and cleanest air far away from large urban cities. In these places, you can break away from reality and enjoy your rest at the heart of Mother Nature.

The view of Mount Ararat is one of the favorites of Armenians. Although the mountain is no longer in the territory of the country, it is considered to be one of the symbols of Armenia. In clear weather, Ararat is seen from Yerevan and other regions around it.

4. The epic mountains are the best reason for hikers to visit Armenia

Armenia is known as a mountainous country. If you’re fond of hiking trails then the Armenian mountains are a perfect place for you. You can find different levels of difficulty for hiking.

One of the most famous mountains in Armenia is Mount Aragats. It’s also the highest peak in Armenia at 4,090 meters. This famous mountain is popular for its four summits. They say that each summit is a unique challenge for hikers.

There are many tour agencies in Armenia that offer hiking tours to Aragats and many other mountains as well. If you happen to arrive at the peak of Mount Aragats, take a deep breath and try to see the symbolic mountain that is Ararat.

You can choose to hike the trails in Armenia with groups like Armenia Geographic, or you can download the Hike Armenia app and explore the mountains on your own.

5. Discover the capital of Yerevan, Armenia’s top destination

Have you ever heard about the Armenian rosy capital? Yerevan is the largest city in Armenia.

It’s known for its pink color because most the buildings are built with Armenian tufa stone. As a result, the city itself looks rosy. In Armenia, the majority of businesses are located in Yerevan. All the essential educational institutions are also here.

There are many attractive buildings and places to discover in Yerevan, including the Republic Square with its unique and influential architecture, the Opera House, Cascade, various parks, etc.

In my opinion, you’ll enjoy Cascade most of all. This is a huge stairway that was built on limestone. There are interesting sculptures and various figures at every level of this staircase. You have two ways to arrive at the top, either walk upstairs or take an escalator. In any case, in the end, the breathtaking view of the city awaits you, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot Mount Ararat.

Another amazing landmark to explore in Yerevan is the Vernissage open market, the largest in the country. Or head to the GUM market, a delicious food market in the heart of the city.

Finally, if you want to explore the city’s historic quarters, head to Kond. It’s a little village in the heart of Yerevan.

6. Its rich history is a great reason why you need to visit the country

This small country has a long history that dates back centuries.

They say the country originated in 3,500 BC. Since then, the Armenian land has housed several dynasties, including the Artashisian dynasty (the first Armenian kingdom), the Arshakunian dynasty, the Bagratunian dynasty, and the Rubinian dynasty.

In 1918, the First Republic of Armenia was founded and it lasted for two years. From 1922 up to 1991 Armenia was a member of the Soviet Union.

Currently, Armenia is an independent country that celebrates its independence day every year on September 21st. Make sure you’re in Yerevan over this day because the city puts on huge events.

7. Armenia’s amazing culture is a great reason to visit.

Armenia is a very culturally rich country with its architectural monuments, customs, and traditions. The official language and religion are inseparable parts of the national culture.

The Armenian language is beautiful yet complex, especially for foreigners. There are some sounds that are very difficult to pronounce.

As for the religion, Armenia is the first country that adopted Christianity as a state religion, in 301. It’s no surprise then, that most attractions in Armenia are its beautiful churches.

8. The impressive monuments in Armenia are great reasons to explore the country

There are a ton of monuments in Armenia, and each one is more impressive than the last.

One of the most popular monuments is Mother Armenia. This monument is situated in a park, in the capital city of Yerevan.

The park is known as Victory Park, but natives call it Monument Park because of the Mother Armenia monument. This huge statue looks towards the city and expresses the power, willingness, and wisdom of the Armenian nation.

Other famous monuments are the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial and Nor Arabkir Memorial Complex in Yerevan.

9. The famous sculptures in Armenia

Some people think that memorials are the same as sculptures. I agree that both are somehow confusing but I differentiate them: monuments are memorial complexes, while sculptures are statues of famous people.

Armenia is full of sculptures.

You may see them in every corner of the capital, as well as in many other cities and even on the highways. If you walk around the capital Yerevan, you will see many statues of Armenians as well as foreign famous writers, artists, scientists, actors, singers, etc. 

You may be surprised about the presence of statues on highways, but that’s how they are in Armenia!

10. The amazing food & cuisine is a delicious reason to visit Armenia

Armenian cuisine is the most delicious. Here, you may find tasty dishes made of fresh vegetables, meat, and other ingredients.

Armenians like to eat tastily. Maybe this is the reason for having such a unique and delicious cuisine that includes dishes like Barbeque (khorovats), Dolma, Harissa, Spas, Ghapama, and mmore. If you visit Armenia, make sure you taste these dishes.

It’s also good to know that there is a difference between Eastern and Western Armenian cuisines.

Each of them has their own unique meals. For example, the lamb is replaced with pork and beef, the wine is bested by vodka and cognac.

Eastern Armenian cuisine is famous for Kiev, borscht, and okroshka, which draw influences from Russian cuisine and other post-Soviet countries. As for Western Armenian cuisine, the most common dishes are mante, dolma, gata, baklava, choereg, Armenian lula kebab, cheese borek, etc.

You can find both types of Armenian cuisine in Armenia.

If you’re looking to enjoy amazing food in Armenia’s capital, be sure to check out our guide to the 39 best restaurants in Yerevan. We even included 2 restaurants outside the capital.

11. The pure water – why you should travel to Armenia

Water is a special element in Armenia. It’s fresh, clean, and tasty.

Everybody wonders what makes this water fresher and better than anywhere else. The answer is obvious. The water in Armenia comes from the tall mountains, making it natural and fresh. 

There is an interesting tradition in Armenia about building water fountains. It is the norm to make fountains and name them after those who have passed. They say these people won’t be forgotten if the water flows through the fountain.

Also, one of the fun things is that you can find freshwater fountains everywhere in Yerevan and in Armenia, called Pulpulaks. This means you have a chance to get free freshwater.

So be sure to be as eco-friendly as possible and bring along your reusable water bottle so you can fill it up everywhere! 

12. The famous Armenian cognac is a great reason why you should visit Armenia

Armenian cognac (brandy) is world-renowned. Many brandy-making factories produce Armenian brandy that is enjoyed not only in Armenia but it’s also exported to other countries.

In fact, it was said that Winston Churchill’s favorite brandy was “Ararat” Armenian brandy. He even asked Stalin where he could purchase some. Luckily for him, Stalin asked the Soviet ambassador to the U.K. to present Churchill with 12 bottles of Ararat brandy every month.

They say that if the word Armenia is seen on a bottle of brandy, then it should be delicious! Be sure to try a bottle yourself when you are visiting. You can even tour the famous Ararat brandy factory to see how this liquid gold is made.

13. Wine is a specialty and a top reason to travel to Armenia

Besides cognac, Armenian wines are also very popular. Since ancient times, Armenian people have cultivated grapes and made various types of wines.

A few years ago, the oldest winery in the world “Areni” was discovered in Armenia. You can visit the site while you are traveling in Armenia, either as a day trip or on your journey to Noravank or Goris.

There are various types of Armenian wines made of different sorts of grapes. The most popular wines are produced by brands like Armenian Wine, Areni, Vernashen, Ijevan, etc.

There are many places in Yerevan where you can try Armenian wines like Invino, Wine Republic or during Yerevan Wine Days.

However, we highly recommend visiting the Areni region of Armenia to enjoy the best wine in its natural setting – on a vineyard.

14. The amazing lavash bread, a top reason to travel to Armenia

Do you know that Armenians adore bread? Armenians never sit around the table to eat something without bread. If different nations have such sayings as “to have breakfast, lunch, dinner”, Armenians say “let’s eat bread”.

Lavash is a type of flatbread that’s made in a tonir – an underground oven. You can use Armenian Lavash bread to make tasty sandwiches wrapping greens, veggies, and cheese inside.

You can buy Armenian lavash in any kind of food store and supermarket. However, there are also some special bakeries where they make and sell Armenian lavash on the spot. These are the best places to find freshly baked bread. You can find some great ones at GUM Market in Yerevan.

15. Delicious sweets, a unique souvenir for tourists coming to Armenia

Armenian sweets are very sweet. Here, you can eat the tastiest fruits such as apricots, pomegranates, figs, grapes, apples, and more.

The best seasons to try these fresh fruits are summer and autumn. At the beginning of the summer, the best things to eat are berries: strawberries, blueberries, mulberries, raspberries, etc. Then, the Armenian symbolic apricot comes later in the summer, and the rest of the fruits follow after that.

The best time to taste the sweetest Armenian grapes is autumn. This is the time of harvest. This is also when pomegranates are in season, almost all the way through winter.

Armenians also make very tasty dried fruits known as chir (read Cheer). When no fresh fruits are available, you can taste the most delicious dried fruits. Armenian dry many kinds of fruits under the natural sunlight, giving them an even more delicious flavor.

16. The beautiful Lake Sevan, a top draw for tourists in Armenia

Have you ever heard about the Armenian sea? Well, it’s actually Lake Sevan!

To Armenians, it’s considered to be the Armenian Sea.

It is the largest body of water in the country and is known as the “blue-eyed beauty” of Armenia.

The lake is especially popular in summer. During this season, it is full of people who escape from the heat of the cities and enjoy their time at the beaches of Lake Sevan.

Just note that the water in Lake Sevan is always cold. Get ready, because even if the weather is warm, the water never truly is.

17. The markets are perfect places for tourists in Armenia

You can find thousands of local markets in Armenia. The most interesting ones are those where people sell homemade food, fruits and vegetables that they have harvested and homemade beverages (wine, vodka, juice, etc.).

There is an open-air souvenir market in Yerevan called “Vernissage”. At this market, you may find various souvenirs with national symbols, silver jewelry, Armenian rugs, and more. If you come to Armenia and want to take presents back to your relatives, then surely visit Vernissage.

For those who love art, visit the Painter’s market in Saryan Square. It’s just a few steps away from the Cascade Monument.

18. It’s a budget-friendly destination

Armenia is a budget-friendly country. It’s a great choice for people who want to travel on a budget.

Want to know how? This country offers a wide choice of accommodations for people. Here, you’ll find both 5-star hotels and ordinary guest houses. If you travel on a budget, you can stay in guesthouses that will cost up to USD 15.00 daily.

As for food, you can find luxury restaurants, and cafes, as well as simple places right on the road where you can eat a shawarma or something similar. The cost of a cup of coffee is up to $2.50, and a shawarma is about $3.00.

19. The impressive Wings of Tatev, one of the top tourist destinations in Armenia 

The longest reversible aerial tramway in the world is actually in Armenia. It’s called the Wings of Tatev. It’s a 5.7 km long cableway that connects the village of Halidzor with the 9th-century monastery of Tatev.

Starting from the Halidzor village, you should be ready to enjoy the breathtaking view of the wild nature, forests, and gorges from the ropeway. Arriving at the destination, you’ll see the 9th-century monastery of Tatev with its unique architecture.

It’s one of the top things to do in the Syunik province of Armenia. It’s also probably one of the best things to do in Armenia.

20. Celebrate during one of Armenia’s famous festivals

Armenians love celebrations! Here you can experience various events and festivals. I recommend taking part in “Vardavar”, the Armenian celebration when people drench each other with water.

Vardavar is celebrated in summer and is a perfect solution for the sweltering heat. It’s the celebration of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ.

However, they say that the tradition of celebrating Vardavar comes from pagan times. It was devoted to one of the goddesses, Astghik. She was the goddess of water, love, beauty, and fertility.

Vardavar doesn’t have a fixed date but is usually celebrated 98 days after Easter (which is a whole other festival).

Other interesting festivals are devoted to Armenian wines (Wine Days, Areni Wine Festival, etc.), and dishes (Dolma festival, Barbeque festival, etc).

These festivals are accompanied by national songs and dances. In case you are interested in such events, you may search the Armenian festival calendar on the internet.

There you have it! The top 20 reasons why you should visit Armenia. And this is only scratching the surface. There are so many other reasons why you should add Armenia to your travel bucketlist this year!

Make sure you check out our entire Armenia section to discover more about the country and all the amazing things you can see and do there.

Let us know in the comments if there are other top reasons we should add to this list. What has drawn you to Armenia as a travel destination?

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