If you love nature, history and culture, Armenia is the place to visit. The country has little tourist infrastructure and is a real adventure for intrepid travelers who want to get off the beaten tourist track, discover breathtaking nature, lively cities and make connections with the open-minded locals.
To get an authentic insight into the culture of Armenia, you should not avoid the cities of the country. Which ones are definitely worth a visit, we have listed for you here:
Yerevan - the pink capital
Pink because the city was built from ancient volcanic rock that has turned pinkish-red over time, giving the city its characteristic color and enveloping the city in a warm atmosphere.
Besides the old rock, there is also a lot of modern Soviet architecture to admire. Many of the Soviet buildings were not built after the end of the Soviet Union and still exist today as half-finished ghost houses and in the surrounding countryside there are even entire "ghost towns" to explore. This alone makes Yerevan an incomparable experience.
But don't worry, not everything in the city seems to be deserted. There are many cafes and restaurants that invite you to linger and offer a great insight into the diversity of Armenian cuisine. If you're out and about in the Old Town in the evening, be sure to stop by the imposing Republic Square, as it hosts a colorful show with fireworks, fountains and music every night at 9 p.m. - a ritual you should definitely take in. All culture lovers should also make a detour to the Genocide Museum to learn more about the Armenian people and their history.
Odzun - a historical place
The town is situated high above the gorge of the river Debed and offers a breathtaking view over the landscape. Especially if you climb the tower, the basilica, which dates back to the 7th century, all the way to the top. The place has been largely spared from communism and instead of Soviet prefabricated buildings, there are beautiful historic buildings to discover here.
Dilijan - Armenian Switzerland
Surrounded by dense pine forests and known as a spa town for its particularly clean air and mineral water fountains with healing properties, you should also put the town of Dilijan on your bucket list for Armenia. The small town is located in the national park of the same name. Besides beautiful nature, there is the Shamberyan Street, where traditional traders offer their goods and you can surely find the perfect souvenir. From Dilijan you can also start hiking to the surrounding monasteries.
Chndsoresk - the abandoned mountain village
Chndserek used to be a prosperous and significant place, but in the 1950s the inhabitants left the mountain village and moved to the newly built and modern town of the same name, which is located on the other side of the gorge. Today, the abandoned mountain village can only be reached via a single suspension bridge that crosses the gorge and was once built by the residents of Chndsoresk themselves. A visit is definitely not for the faint hearted! If that's not enough, you can also join climbing tours and climb the steep slopes of the gorge yourself. It's worth the walk though and you'll be amazed by the ancient cave dwellings and ruins you can discover on the other side.
Spa Jermuk
Jermuk is a popular spa town and is known for its 40 thermal mineral water springs, whose bubbling water you can even drink. Nearby is the second largest waterfall in the country, from which the water plunges 63 meters into the depths. To relax, there are numerous recreational and wellness resorts in Jermuk.
You want to see more?
Armenia is an incredibly exciting and mystical country and especially for the adventurers among you a real insider tip. Besides the cities, there is much more to discover and especially the natural scenery will enchant you. Curious to discover more of Armenia? Take a look at our group tour & subscribe to our Newsletterto be informed about our Armenia trip.