Armenia is a small mountainous country where people come to admire the picturesque natural landscapes, ancient monasteries, Yerevan, lined with pink tuff, or ancient Gyumri. Usually tourists stay in the capital and go out of town for one day with guides. But seasoned travelers who have already been to Armenia may be interested in not the most obvious destinations. This time we will tell you about the unique cities of the republic that deserve to be visited.
North
Ijevan
When Ijevan is mentioned, many people think of the wine producer of the same name, which is considered one of the best in Armenia. Arriving in a small town in the north of the country, you should definitely visit the local winery and learn better about the production of the alcoholic drink by tasting unique samples.
Take the time to take a walk around the large arboretum. The Tavush region, whose administrative center is Ijevan, accounts for 60% of all forests in the country. There is a rich flora here: there are oak, beech, ash, berry bushes and fruit trees.
In the vicinity of the city, numerous historical monuments and monasteries have been preserved: Makaravank, Nor Varagavank, Khoranashat, Goshavank, the medieval fortresses of Tavush and Berdavan. For lovers of hiking, cycling and horseback riding, there are scenic routes leading to waterfalls, caves and small lakes.
Where to stay:
ElGay Guest house. The cost of one night for two is 2,500 rubles*.
ECO PARK RESORT. The cost of one night for two is 4,200 rubles*.
B&B Kamar. The cost of one night for two is 6,000 rubles*.
Dilijan
Ijevan and Dilijan are similar in location and natural environment, but the second has a more developed tourist infrastructure. Dilijan is known thanks to the cult film “Mimino”, where the hero Frunzik Mkrtchyan utters the legendary phrase that it is here that the second-largest water in the world flows from the tap. In Soviet times, Dilijan was considered a resort, and it still lives up to its status. The city is located in a large gorge at an altitude of 1,200-1,500 m, there are many observation points with beautiful views, good restaurants and hotels.
The most popular street among tourists is Sharambeyan Street, where the old city has been recreated: stone houses along the promenade are decorated with carved elements, wooden terraces and balconies. In the city center you can take a photo at the Mimino monument and see the modernist obelisk erected for the 50th anniversary of Soviet Armenia.
In the surrounding area it is worth visiting the forests of the local national park, Lake Parz, the monasteries of Haghartsin, Matosavank and Jukhtakvank.
Where to stay:
Green Dilijan B&B. The cost of one night for two is 3,000 rubles*.
Casanova Inn — Boutique Hotel. The cost of one night for two is 5,400 rubles*.
Best Western Plus Paradise Hotel Dilijan. The cost of one night for two is 11,800 rubles*.
To the northwest
Alaverdi
It is located in the Lori Gorge, which stretches from Vanadzor to the Armenian-Georgian border. This region was ruled at different times by several kingdoms, from which numerous monuments remained as a legacy. Today Alaverdi is the center of the copper industry of the Transcaucasian country. The city was built up already in Soviet times and in itself is not of great interest to tourists. However, there are many places in the immediate vicinity that are worth visiting.
First of all, these are the monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, one of the most beautiful and oldest in Armenia, both included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Founded in the 10th century, the monastery complexes have remained virtually unchanged. From here you can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and gorge. Other popular religious monuments nearby are Odzun, Kobayr and Akhtala.
In the village of Sanahin there is a museum of the Mikoyan brothers, aircraft designers, thanks to whom MiG aircraft appeared in the Soviet Air Force. The brothers were born and raised in the vicinity of Alaverdi. In the city itself there is a medieval Sanahinsky bridge connecting the two banks of the mountain river Debed. The structure, built in the 12th century, survived many earthquakes, but did not lose its picturesque appearance.
Where to stay:
Mini House. The cost of one night for two is 2,600 rubles*.
IRIS B&B in DEBED CANYON. The cost of one night for two is 2,600 rubles*.
Pottery House. The cost of one night for two is 3,400 rubles*.
West
Echmiadzin
Etchmiadzin is the spiritual capital of Armenia, also known as Vagharshapat. The residence of the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church is located here. Medieval buildings and churches included in the UNESCO World Heritage List have been preserved here. The most significant building is the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, founded in 301-303 AD and built over several centuries. One of the oldest Christian churches in the world, it was rebuilt several times, going from a wooden church to a monumental stone building that still exists today. Inside the cathedral you can see unique frescoes and paintings.
Less significant, but no less beautiful buildings of the city are the churches of St. Hripsime and St. Gayane, built in the 7th century AD. In the vicinity of Etchmiadzin there are the picturesque ruins of their contemporary – the Zvartnots Temple. The building was destroyed in the 10th century by an earthquake and partially restored in the 20th century. The cathedral colonnade emphasizes the monumentality of Ararat, rising against the background of the ruins of the church.
It is also worth a look at the Etchmiadzin Treasury Museum, which houses unique exhibits, including sacred relics, ancient robes and works of art.
Where to stay:
Machanents Guest House. The cost of one night for two is 3,000 rubles*.
Artson B&B Vagharshapat. The cost of one night for two is 3,100 rubles*.
OUR House. The cost of one night for two is 3,100 rubles*.
To the southeast
Goris
An ancient city with cozy and ancient streets, surrounded by amazingly shaped rocks with numerous caves. All this is about Goris, which is located in the south of the country, in the Syunik region.
People come here mainly for the Khndzoresk cave complex and the Tatev Monastery, located nearby. Now active landscaping work is underway here and new tourist infrastructure is appearing, so you can stop in Goris to explore all the nearby attractions without haste and in comfort.
Where to stay:
Hotel MIRA. The cost of one night for two is 2,500 rubles*.
Hotel Lara. The cost of one night for two is 4,700 rubles*.
Diana Hotel. The cost of one night for two is 6,200 rubles*.
Kapan
Yerevan is crowned with Ararat, Gyumri offers a majestic view of Aragats, and the picturesque Khustup rises above Kapan. The peak attracts the eye from many parts of the city and attracts climbing enthusiasts. The path to the mountain is not easy, so it requires some preparation and a guide.
In the vicinity of Kapan, it is worth seeing the medieval Baghaberd fortress and Halidzor castle. For several centuries they were considered one of the most protected fortifications in the region. The Vahanavank Monastery, founded in the 10th century, is located 5 km from the city. For some time it served as a pantheon for members of local royal families. You can also visit the historical museum in Kapan to learn more about the past of this place and see unusual archaeological finds from the Middle Ages.
Where to stay:
Alex b&b. The cost of one night for two is 3,200 rubles*.
Dian Hotel. The cost of one night for two is 4,200 rubles*.
Navasard Resort. The cost of one night for two is 10,600 rubles*.
Jermuk
Jermuk is another resort city and the main hospital of Soviet Armenia. People still come here for the clean mountain air and amazing scenery. Thanks to the preserved infrastructure, the city has not lost its focus, and in our time, new hotels have been built as an alternative to Soviet sanatoriums.
Jermuk is located at an altitude of 1,980-2,080 m above sea level. There are many mineral springs and waterfalls in the city and its surroundings, the main one, Jermuk, has a height of 70 m and is the second highest in the country. It’s worth staying in Jermuk for a few days to relax; the favorable climate and large selection of hotels allow you to spend time here comfortably. In winter, a ski resort of the same name operates nearby.
Where to stay:
Centrale Guesthouse. The cost of one night for two is 3,800 rubles*.
Jermuk Ararat Health SPA. The cost of one night for two is 6,400 rubles*.
Grand Resort Jermuk. The cost of one night for two is 9,500 rubles*.
Megri
Meghri is the southernmost city of Armenia, located on the border with Iran. The mountain ranges surrounding it are strikingly different from everything that can be seen in other places of the Transcaucasian republic. Pointed gray rocks without vegetation surround the city and the green valley of the Araks River.
In some details here one can feel the closeness of historical Persia: in the appearance of ancient houses and aqueducts of the 17th century, in the brickwork and frescoes of local churches, in the formidable appearance of the towers of the dilapidated Meghri fortress. Here Armenia feels completely different, eastern.
In Meghri it is worth visiting the Arevik National Park, where rare and endangered species of animals and plants are found. The city itself is small, you can explore it in one day. But you need to be prepared for the fact that there is practically no tourist infrastructure, and the journey by car from Yerevan will take 8 hours, you will have to go along a serpentine road.
Where to stay:
Haer B&B. The cost of one night for two is 2,100 rubles*.
HOUSE ON THE ROCK. The cost of one night for two is 3,600 rubles*.
Continental Complex. The cost of one night for two is 3,700 rubles*.
*Prices are current at the time of publication.
