Former Soviet nation and a rumored resting place of the Noah's ark, Armenia is a country with interesting history and with fascinating natural attractions from high mountains to fast-flowing rivers. Additionally, this small country located on the border of Europe and Asia is also the home of highly popular Armenian brandy and of quite modest, but improving tourist services.
The most famous destination. in Armenia is its capital, Yerevan, which is not only the showroom of Soviet era architecture, but also a place to enjoy ballet and opera performances and the home of highly popular Armenian cognac. If you are into outdoor sports, you might also want to know that there is a rising ski resort, Tsaghkadzor, located in the mountains of Armenia, less than one hour away from Yerevan. Additionally, there are also fascinating monasteries around Yerevan such as Geghard and Khor Virap, as well as the religious center of Echmiadzin and the spa and ski resort of Jermuk.
How to get there. Located at the border of Europe and Asia, Armenia is in many cases best reached by air. Flights to the capital city, Yerevan, are best available from European main airports, and also some Asian and Middle Eastern airports offer direct flights to the city. In addition to airways, you can also reach Armenia by night-train from Tbilisi, Georgia. The most popular way for moving around in Armenia is by marshrutkas, shared minibuses. There is also a metro system available in Yerevan.
Attractions of Armenia from Soviet structures to nature wonders
According to Christian theology, Armenia is the legendary resting place of Noah's Ark after the great flood. This might tell something about the nature and geography of Armenia. The small and rugged country is filled with scenic mountains and fast flowing rivers, offering plenty of possibilities for the adventure-minded visitors. There are snow-topped mountains for hiking, as well as historically interesting monasteries for exploring. In the mountainous area of Armenia you can also find the beaches of Lake Sevan, a mountain lake located in the altitude of over 2000 meters.The most famous destination. in Armenia is its capital, Yerevan, which is not only the showroom of Soviet era architecture, but also a place to enjoy ballet and opera performances and the home of highly popular Armenian cognac. If you are into outdoor sports, you might also want to know that there is a rising ski resort, Tsaghkadzor, located in the mountains of Armenia, less than one hour away from Yerevan. Additionally, there are also fascinating monasteries around Yerevan such as Geghard and Khor Virap, as well as the religious center of Echmiadzin and the spa and ski resort of Jermuk.
Practical information for your trip to Armenia
The climate in Armenia is continental with hot summers and cold winters. Weather in Armenia is characterized with big seasonal variations. During the summertime (June-August) average monthly high temperatures in most of the country rise up to 30-35°C, while below zero temperatures are common between December and February. Most of the rain falls on Armenia during the winter, meaning there is a snow cover in many regions. Unless you come for winter sports, the best time to travel to Armenia is between April and October.How to get there. Located at the border of Europe and Asia, Armenia is in many cases best reached by air. Flights to the capital city, Yerevan, are best available from European main airports, and also some Asian and Middle Eastern airports offer direct flights to the city. In addition to airways, you can also reach Armenia by night-train from Tbilisi, Georgia. The most popular way for moving around in Armenia is by marshrutkas, shared minibuses. There is also a metro system available in Yerevan.
Photo: Pimberg, used under Creative Commons License (By ND 2.0)
If you want to be more independent, rental cars are available, although traffic in Armenia is quite chaotic and roads are in bad condition, making also public transport in Armenia slow.
Developing services. Armenia has improved its tourism services remarkably during the last few years, which is most clearly seen in the capital city that has plenty of good hotels and restaurants available. Elsewhere in Armenia services are much more modest, and the facilities available for nightlife and shopping are scarce. Safety situation in Armenia is quite stable. Yerevan is a quite safe destination, and if you stay out of potentially dangerous areas such as Karabakh and keep an eye on your valuables, you will be just fine.
Times before and after the Soviet rule:
History of Armenia in brief
Small mountainous country with long history behind, Armenia was the first nation in the world to approve Christianity as its state religion, which has during the course of history had a strong influence on its relations to the neighboring Muslim countries. During the last centuries the country has been fought over by Romans, Persians and Mongols, after which Armenia was placed under the rule of Russia and later Soviet Union that remained until 1991.
After regaining its independence, Armenia has been involved in a conflict with Azerbaijan over the Karabakh area, which today remains in Armenian control, and although the conflict is officially over, is an area of restricted entry.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Yerevan, Tbilisi
