March 19, 2025, 12:09 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Although Armenia borders directly on Turkey, it is still a well-kept secret unknown to many travelers. Yet the country in the South Caucasus inspires travelers with its untouched nature, impressive mountain landscapes, and cultural treasures. No wonder it was recently named Destination of the Year in Adventure Tourism. TRAVELBOOK presents the most beautiful places in Armenia.
Thanks to its high altitude, Armenia offers impressive mountain ranges and deep gorges that are ideal for hikers and mountaineers. As the first Christian nation, the country also has a lot to offer culturally — from historic monasteries and temples to well-preserved old towns. The following destinations are perfect for your next vacation.
Overview
Destination of the Year in Adventure Tourism
Armenia was recently named Destination of the Year in Adventure Tourism at the PATWA International Travel Awards 2025. The award is presented annually by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA), an independent media organization, to honor outstanding achievements in the travel and tourism sector. In addition to Armenia, nine other countries were also honored, including Jamaica as the most romantic destination and Italy for its stunning natural beauty and historical sites.
The Best Adventure Destinations in Armenia
Located in Western Asia, Armenia is part of the South Caucasus and borders Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkey. The country has a rich history and is considered the first Christian state in the world. Armenia has been an independent republic since 1991 but has since been repeatedly involved in conflicts with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Despite geopolitical and economic challenges, Armenia has developed in many areas in recent years and established itself as an exciting travel destination.
Lake Sevan — the Largest High-Mountain Lake in the Caucasus
A picturesque backdrop awaits travelers in eastern Armenia with Lake Sevan. Situated at an altitude of almost 2000 meters, it is one of the largest high-mountain lakes in the Caucasus. Lake Sevan is particularly fascinating due to its turquoise-blue water and the surrounding mountain landscape. For this reason, according to travelmagazin.ch, it is also known as “the pearl of Armenia.” The lake is particularly inviting for swimming and diving in the summer months. Visitors can choose between white sandy beaches and dark volcanic sand. The nearby Sevanavank Monastery is also worth a visit. The monastery complex was built in the 9th century on the north-western shore of the lake — on a small island that is now connected to the mainland and offers a breathtaking view over the water.
Symphony of Stones — Formation of Basalt Stones
The Symphony of Stones is an extraordinary natural spectacle that can be ideally combined with a hike. In the Garni Gorge, around 30 km east of Yerevan, there is a unique geological rock formation made of hexagonal basalt stones. According to explorearmenia, the special rock formations, which are reminiscent of a gigantic organ, were created by the slow cooling of lava several million years ago. Both from the foot of the basalt stones and from a small bridge, you can also take a look at the Azat River, which runs through the gorge. The ancient Garni Temple, which was built in the 1st century AD, can also be reached on foot from here in around 30 minutes.
Tatev Monastery — Historical Site
One of the highlights of any trip to Armenia is definitely a visit to the country’s most famous monastery: Tatev Monastery. With its location high on a rocky plateau above the Vorotan Gorge, the former monastery complex offers an incomparable view of the surrounding province of Syunik. Built in the 9th century, the complex consists of three churches. Another special feature is the octagonal stone pillar Gavazan, which, according to ararattravel, was shaken by attacks and earthquakes and thus served as a warning signal for the monastery’s inhabitants. The monument can be reached either via a footpath or by the “Wings of Tatev” cable car, which, as armenia.travel reports, has even secured a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest aerial tramway in the world, with its 5.7 kilometers in length.
Safety in Armenia
Armenia is generally considered a safe country to travel to, but there are some regions for which a partial travel warning has been issued. According to information from the German Foreign Office, this mainly concerns the border area with Azerbaijan, which includes areas in the provinces of Tavush, Ararat, Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor, and Syunik. For more detailed information, please refer to the current travel and security advice issued by the German Foreign Office. In addition, due to the country’s location in a seismically active region, earthquakes may occur occasionally.
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Getting to Armenia
The quickest way to get to Armenia is by plane. There are several direct flights from European cities to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Alternatively, you can fly to Swartnoz Airport, which is around 12 kilometers away. From Georgia, there are several bus connections from Tbilisi to Yerevan. There are also night buses to Armenia from the Iranian capital, Tehran. The journey takes around 20 hours. However, it should be noted that the borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan are closed.