Highlights
Yerevan
The capital is built largely of pinkish volcanic tuff stone. Climb the Cascade for views towards Mount Ararat on clear days, visit the Matenadaran's collection of ancient manuscripts, and spend evenings around Republic Square and the city's cafés.
Garni and Geghard
Garni is a Greco-Roman-style temple above a gorge of basalt columns, the 'Symphony of Stones'. Nearby, Geghard Monastery is partly carved into the cliff, and its rock-cut chambers are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tatev Monastery
A 9th-century monastery on the edge of a deep gorge in the south. It is reached by the Wings of Tatev aerial tramway, one of the longest reversible cable cars in the world, which crosses the valley in a single span.
Lake Sevan
A large high-altitude lake at around 1,900 metres, with the twin churches of Sevanavank on a peninsula above the water. In summer it is a popular place to swim and eat freshly caught fish.
Khor Virap
A monastery close to the Turkish border with a classic view of snow-capped Mount Ararat rising behind it. It marks the place where St Gregory the Illuminator is said to have been imprisoned before converting the king.
Noravank and Areni
Noravank's carved churches sit among red cliffs in a narrow gorge. Nearby, the village of Areni is at the centre of a wine region, close to the cave where archaeologists found an ancient winery.
Dilijan
A forested town in the north-east, with restored 19th-century wooden houses, hiking trails in the national park and nearby monasteries such as Haghartsin and Goshavank.
Interesting facts about Armenia
- Armenia is traditionally considered the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion, in the early fourth century.
- The Armenian alphabet was created around 405 AD by the scholar Mesrop Mashtots and is still used today.
- The Areni-1 cave contains what archaeologists describe as the oldest known winery, more than 6,000 years old.
- Chess is taught as a compulsory subject in many Armenian primary schools.
- Mount Ararat, a national symbol that appears on Armenia's coat of arms, lies across the border in Turkey.
Best time to visit
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit, with mild weather, green or golden landscapes and harvest season in the vineyards. Summer is hot and dry in Yerevan but cooler around Lake Sevan and in the mountains. Winters are cold and snowy, good for skiing at Tsaghkadzor, but some high roads become difficult.
Practical information
| Capital | Yerevan |
|---|---|
| Currency | Armenian dram (AMD) |
| Languages | Armenian |
| Plugs | Type C, F |
| Voltage | 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Emergency | 911 or 112 |
| Driving | On the right |
| Tipping | Many restaurants add a service charge; if not, around 10 per cent is appreciated. Rounding up for taxis is common. |
Getting around
Yerevan is compact and walkable, with a single metro line, buses and inexpensive taxis booked by app. Marshrutkas (minibuses) link the capital with most towns, leaving from several bus stations depending on direction. Many visitors hire a driver or join day tours to reach monasteries that are awkward by public transport. Renting a car is possible, but mountain roads can be in poor condition and winding.
Staying connected in Armenia
Mobile coverage is good in Yerevan and most towns, and along the main highways, with 4G widely available. Signal can drop in deep gorges and remote mountain areas, including parts of the south. Free Wi-Fi is very common in cafés, restaurants and hotels in Yerevan. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, so ride-hailing and maps work from the airport.
See Armenia eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Armenia
- Yandex Go: Widely used for booking taxis in Yerevan and other towns with fares shown in advance.
- GG: A local taxi app popular in Yerevan, a useful alternative for comparing fares.
- Google Maps: Directions and offline maps; for minibus routes, ask locally as listings are incomplete.
- Google Translate: Armenian translation, including camera mode for signs written in the Armenian alphabet.