Best Places to Visit in Armenia During Summer and Winter

Armenia is a former Soviet Republic located between Europe and Asia in the mountainous Caucasus region. With its history going back to the Bronze Age, Armenia is quite a tourist destination as it encompasses a unique and rich heritage worth exploring.

Did you know that the world's oldest leather shoe was discovered in Areni (Armenia) in 3500 BC? Apart from its various idiosyncratic facts, Armenia is a wonderful country to visit, with numerous excellent places to visit.

Let’s check out the following list of the top places to visit in Armenia as per various parameters.

Top Places to Visit in Armenia

Let's start by taking a look at some of the best places to visit Armenia -

Best Places to Visit in Summer	Best Places to Visit in Winter	Best Places to Visit in Armenia with Family
Yerevan	Garni	Sevan
Zvartnots	Tsaghkadzor	Karahunj
Areni	Jermuk	Shikahogh State Reserve

We will first cover the best places to visit in Armenia during summer -

Top Places to Visit in Armenia During the Summer

Armenia is one of the best places during the summer if you love travelling to "off-the-beaten-track" destinations, with the top places located quite near the capital city of Armenia. Furthermore, considering the favourable climatic conditions of the summer season, you can choose road trips along the appealing mountains and green valleys.

Read along to discover some of the best places to visit in Armenia during summer -

1. Yerevan

Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia, is marked by the grand Soviet-era architecture as well as the backdrop of the towering Mt. Ararat and stunning mountains. As a travel enthusiast, you must visit Yerevan to explore Armenia's spectacular architecture and history (dating back to the 8th century BC) along with delicious Armenian cuisine and an incredible wine collection.

Here are some places in Yerevan that make it one of the top places to visit in Armenia -

• Cafesjian Center for the Arts - Among the most talked-about places in Yerevan, the Cafesjian Center for the Arts is a great place to soak in an artistic environment with a beautiful setting. Opened in 2009, it was founded by Gerard L. Cafesjian. You can get a panoramic view of the city and check out excellent artwork that is part of the best of Armenia's contemporary art and culture.
• Republic Square - The central town square of Yerevan, the Republic Square is divided into two sections. The first section comprises an oval roundabout featuring a stone pattern with a design in its centre that resembles a replica of the traditional Armenian rug. The second section, meanwhile, reveals a trapezoid-shaped area with a musical fountain that's located in front of the National Gallery and the History Museum.
• Matenadaran, the Museum of Ancient Manuscripts - This unique museum of ancient manuscripts is located at the bottom of a small hill along the northern edge of Mashtots avenue. For bibliophiles and history-lovers, this is certainly a must-visit place as it is one of the world's richest depositories of books and manuscripts! It has over 30,000 documents and around 17,000 manuscript units on law, history, geography, mathematics, astronomy, science, philosophy, chemistry, church history, and medicine.
• Armenian Genocide Museum - It is the official memorial complex dedicated to the 1.5 million Armenians who lost their lives in the 20th century. Built in 1967, the Armenian Genocide Museum features as a pilgrimage site and serves as an integral part of Yerevan's historical sites.

2. Zvartnots

Zvartnots is a pretty town located in the Armenian province of Armavir. Situated just 10 km west of Yerevan city, it consists of multiple tourist attractions and has the Zvartnots International Airport, Yerevan's International Airport, and the Zvartnots Cathedral. 

When considering the list of the top places to visit in Armenia, Zvartnots is certainly a must-visit site.

Given below is the list of best places to visit in Zvartnots -

• Zvartnots Cathedral - Located within the Ararat Plateau between Etchmiadzin and Yerevan, the Zvartnots Cathedral encompasses architectural details and numerous artistic elements that broadly represent the region’s rich history, heritage, and culture. This cathedral is also an architectural blueprint for churches across the Caucasus and Eastern Anatolia.
• Mother Armenia Monument - Considered a female personification of Armenia, the Mother Armenia Monument is located in Victory Park and is believed to keep an eye on the entire city, overlooking Yerevan. This personified monument is considered a symbol of peace through strength and a reminder of Armenian history's prominent female leaders.
• Saint Hripsime Church - Located in Vagharshapat, it is a seventh-century Armenian Apostolic church and among the oldest churches in Armenia. It is believed to have been constructed by King Tiridates and Saint Grigor Lusavorich, and serves as an important place for religion and architecture.

3. Areni

Areni is a village in the Areni municipality of Armenia's Vayots Dzor Province. This village is famous for its wine, with most of its locally produced wine being from the nearby town called Getap. Notably, this is also where a winery that is more than 6,000 years old was found.

Apart from this, Areni has historical value as well. It is believed to have been founded by the Biblical figure Noah, and has numerous monasteries that highlight the country’s rich history.

Discussed below are some of the best places to visit in Areni -

• Noravank Monastery - An eminent 13th-century Armenian monastery, it was established in 1205 by Bishop Hovhannes, an abbot of Vahanavank. This monastery's monastic complex encompasses multiple churches, including the Church of S. Karapet and the Church of S. Grigor Chapel. This monastery has a fascinating history as well. As per legends, the architect Momik, who wanted to marry the daughter of Prince Syunik, was ordered by the Prince to build the monastery within three months as a test! 
• Momik Wines - Momick Wines can offer you the ultimate experience of Armenian wine tasting. The Nver Ghazaryan family, which has run this vineyard for over 40 years, specialises in growing endemic Areni grapes and producing exceptionally high-quality Armenian Wine. Winning the best Homemade Wine Award in 2011 at the Areni Wine Festival, Momik Wines is one of the top places to visit in Armenia if you want a unique wine-tasting experience. 
• Noravank Gorge - This is among the best places to visit in Armenia for nature lovers and houses diverse wildlife, including endangered Caucasian leopards, bats, and other animals. Apart from this, the rock formation spreads across the gorge, revealing the canyon's volcanic history. If you choose to ride along the Noravank George, you will also notice that the roads wind between the great cliffs on either side, leading you to the Noravank Monastery. 
• Areni Wine Factory - It is one of the most well-established and oldest wine facilities available in the country. Established in 1994, the Areni Wine Factory wholeheartedly welcomes more than 30,000 visitors every year.

If you are interested in the production of wine, you can get a tour of the winery, where you will see massive oak casks that are used for ageing the wine. You can also taste the comprehensive collection of fruit and traditional wines here.

Top Places to Visit in Armenia During the Winter

Although many people believe that summer is the only time to visit Armenia, the country has a lot in store for those willing to visit in the winter season as well. You can witness the snow-clasped mountains along with numerous historical and cultural sites that can make it perfect for sightseeing and exploring the country.

In the section below, we will cover the best places to visit in Armenia during winter -

1. Garni and Gehard

As per various travellers, it would be a grand miss if you don’t visit the Stone Symphony in Garni. Garni and Geghard together encompass nature in its best picturesque form, and give ample opportunities to catch a view of the exquisite snow-capped mountains. 

Have a look at the best places to visit in Garni -

• Garni Temple - This temple is the only standing Greco-Roman colonnaded building in Armenia. The Garni Temple is renowned for its symbol and structure which represent pre-Christian Armenia. This temple was built by King Tiridates 1 during the first century AD, who dedicated it to the Sun God Mihr. 
• Symphony of Stones - This monument represents colossal and paradoxically symmetric pentagon and hexagon basalt columns in the height range of 50 to 100 m. This place is called the symphony of stones as the rocks represent a musical instrument organ when seen from a far distance. This is among the top places to visit in Armenia if you want to revel in the magnificent architecture and take pictures.  
• Charent's Arch - This magnificent monument is dedicated and named after the famous Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents. It is certainly one of the top places to visit in Armenia, primarily due to its location - you can get a stunning view of Mount Ararat. 
• Noah’s Garden -  Noah's Garden is an exhibition store where you can savour a taste of Armenia's bountiful cuisine, delicious dried fruit, fruit vodka, wine, and cognac. You can also have hands-on experience here, with classes and workshops available for woodwork, pottery, and more.

2. Tsaghkadzor

Tsaghkadzor is a pleasant tourist attraction during the winter season, when the town represents an attractive winter sports infrastructure. Each year, you can spot sports enthusiasts from around the globe coming here to prepare and participate in sports tournaments. 

When in Tsaghkadzor, you can enjoy skiing, skating, or a cable car ride. However, if you want a relaxed vacation, you can always participate in various excursion programs and nurture your taste buds with delicious Armenian wine and delicacies.

Some of the best places to visit in Tsaghkadzor to explore the town's unique history, culture, and heritage include -

• Kecharis Monastery - This monastery was founded by Pahlavuni princes around the 11th, although the construction continued until the 13th century. This monastery has 4 churches and numerous khatchkars (cross-stones), and also features as a place of higher education.
• Memorial Museum of Orbeli Brothers - Opened as a museum in 1982, this museum is the perfect attraction for you if you wish to know more about the renowned Orbeli family of scientists and academicians. It is built in the place of the former residence of the family and has numerous manuscripts, books, photographs, and more related to them.
• Royale Entertainment Center - The name itself speaks of what this place has in store for you. It is an assortment of the top entertainment places in the town, with this list including Casino Royale, Restaurant Royale, and other globally-renowned hotels, casinos, live shows, and more. 
• Saint Harutyun Church - A small church constructed in 1220, it is a part of the Kecharis Monastery. You can reach the place by road or take a short hike from the nearby village and check out a beautiful view of the surroundings from the top. 

3. Jermuk

Jermuk is among the best places to visit in Armenia during winter if escaping from the daily hustle and bustle of life is on your mind. About a three-hour drive from Armenia's capital Yerevan, it is primarily known as a tranquil spa town with natural thermal waters that are believed to have therapeutic qualities.

Check out the section below to know more about the top places to visit in the region -

• Jermuk Waterfall - Among the must-visit places in the region, this waterfall is popularly called ‘Mermaid's Hair’ as it resembles a picturesque waterfall that flows gorgeously from a height of around 70 metres. As mentioned before, the region is quite popular for its hot springs. Apart from the waterfall, you can also explore the lakes, surrounding forests, and mineral water pools here.
• Gndevank Monastery - It is a 10th-century monastery featuring interesting drawings and writings all over. Made of basalt, this monastery features a remarkable central dome that is cross-shaped and has unique designs. You can also check out the northern annexed wall here, which has a Mother Mary painting.
• Jermuk Art Gallery - Founded in 1972, this art gallery is a prestigious branch of Armenia's National Gallery. You can check out the works of eminent Armenian painters like H. Galentz, M. Sarian, and more. The location of the gallery also adds to its charm, as it is situated near the Arpa river.
• Jermuk Deer Monument - This calming place is a great one to catch a view of the surroundings from the hill and look at the deer monument, which has an interesting story as well. As per regional tales, a deer, wounded by an arrow, jumped into the mineral waters and came out completely recovered. This sight was caught by the hunter, who later spread the news around the region.

Get Your Travel Insurance From Policybazaar UAE

As we saw in the article above, there are plenty of places to visit in Armenia that you should certainly explore. Before moving ahead with your travel plan, however, you should get a travel insurance plan to make the most of your trip without worrying about unforeseen circumstances and expenses. You can easily get coverage in case you face any medical emergency, stolen or lost luggage/documents, and more with a travel insurance plan. 

To find the best Armenia travel insurance plans in one place, you can visit Policybazaar.ae. With us, you can be financially protected in case of any unexpected events on your journey. Policybazaar UAE offers the top-rated travel insurance plans from the leading providers in the country at the best rates as well. You can compare the plans as per their features and make a choice as per your requirements.

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