Travel off the beaten path in Armenia

With its enchanting collection of ancient churches and medieval monasteries, it’s easy to see why traveling off the beaten path in Armenia is such a rewarding experience. Tucked away in the South Caucasus region of Asia, this hidden gem is a haven for nature lovers, offering vast open landscapes, dramatic mountains, and a breathtaking high-altitude lake.

Armenia remains refreshingly free from crowds, with countless places that still carry that rare feeling of undiscovered wonder. Read on for our shortlist of the best places to visit in Armenia, and see why its ancient landmarks and natural beauty earn it a top spot on our travel bucket list.

Venture off the beaten path in Armenia

Sights and monasteries in Armenia

No visit to Armenia is complete without exploring its monasteries, medieval cities, and one of its six historic wine regions.

Areni wine region

If you only have time in your travel schedule to visit one wine region, make it Areni. This is not only Armenia’s oldest wine-producing region but one of the oldest in the world. There’s plenty to discover here, most notably the Areni-1 Cave, home to the world’s oldest discovered winery as well as artifacts from the Chalcolithic to the Bronze Age. You can enjoy tours to the cave while en-route to visiting the  Areni Wine Factory where you can taste wines derived from the Areni Noir grape, rich velvety brandies and smooth vodkas. 

Armenia’s “Pink City”

Aptly named because of the remarkable gentle pink hue of the city of Yerevan, many of the buildings in this area are built from pinkish color volcanic rock. Cityscapes aside, Armenia’s pretty capital is a wonderfully historic city worthy of a few days of exploring. Republic Square is the place to see awe-inspiring architecture, while the Cascade Complex, a giant set of stairs, will give you unsurpassed views of the city. Shoppers can delight in exploring the lively and vibrant Vernissage Market, while historians can revel in the knowledge gained from visiting the Matenadaran Museum, which houses ancient relics and manuscripts. 

Noravank Monastery

A medieval masterpiece of elegant proportions, the Noravank Monastery is nestled in a valley ablaze with vibrant orange and red rocks, making it one of the best sunset spots in all of Armenia. In the golden evening light, the complex’s three churches stand silhouetted against the glowing landscape, creating a truly awe-inspiring scene for any traveler. Dating back to the 13th century, the monastery is a stunning example of Christian architecture from the period. It features well-preserved ornate relief panels and numerous decorative khachkars—monumental religious carvings unique to Armenia. For those exploring off the beaten path in Armenia, Noravank offers both historical depth and breathtaking natural beauty.

Sanahin and Haghpat Monastery (UNESCO)

Located in Lori Province, the UNESCO World Heritage monastic complexes of Haghpat and Sanahin were first built between the 10th and 13th centuries. These Byzantine monasteries are renowned for their intricate stonework and served as major centers of learning during medieval times. The complexes are easily accessible from the town of Alaverdi by public transport, car, or hiking routes.

Spas in Armenia

Dotted across Armenia is an array of natural mountain spas, hot springs and scenic resorts. 

Jermuk spa

Nestled in the southern part of Armenia, Jermuk is a classic mountain spa town overflowing with hot springs and incredible scenery. The forests around the town are dotted with crystalline pools, all laced together with hiking trails, attractive waterfalls and wide open skies. The hot springs of Jermuk (meaning ‘geyser’ in Armenian) sit at around 2000 meters altitude and the mineral rich waters are widely believed to have curative properties. Whether it’s the health benefits or the scenery that draws you there, Jermuk is a great year-round destination for lovers of the great outdoors.

Hankavan hot springs

With the rise of eco-tourism, conscious travelers will delight in knowing that there’s a secluded spot surrounded by mountains and dense forests where natural hot springs occur. Hankavan hot springs is situated in the Kotayk Province in the central part of Armenia, and provides a worthwhile retreat for those seeking to decompress in nature. Many choose to stay at either the Ani Resort or Hankavan Resort. 

Arzni Health Resort

Situated in the scenic Kotayk Province on the slopes of a forested gorge, is Arzni Health Resort, Armenia’s oldest health Resort. From the resort, you can hear the rushing waters of the Hrazdan River, creating a peaceful setting. The actual town of Arzni is the oldest spa town, renowned for its high-carbonated mineral waters. From modern spa treatments to ancient Soviet treatments and mud therapy, Arzni offers a wide selection of Holistic treatments and wellness therapies. 

Hiking and caves in Armenia

Armenia is one of those lesser-known hiking destinations, where trails meander past ancient archaeological sites and dormant volcanoes. It’s an adventurer’s dream! And then there’s a string of natural cave systems that’ll keep any spelunker (cave explorer) occupied for days.

Hike Azhdahak

Azhdahak is a long dormant volcano and the highest peak in the Gegham mountain range. It stands over 3500 meters high and has a huge crater lake at its summit. It’s a well worn trail and the views from the top are excellent, encompassing the Gegham range, Kotayk Valley and Lake Sevan. As well as being an excellent hiking spot, the Azhdahak mountain is known for its petroglyphs; ancient rock carvings left behind by previous civilizations. Incredibly well preserved, the carvings represent domestic scenes such as hunting and battles as well as more spiritual themes around the sun, the moon and the constellations.

Areni caves

South east of Yerevan is the cave system of Areni, a brilliant destination for anyone curious about ancient history. These caves have only been under archaeological study since 2007, and so far they have revealed a rich vein of historic artefacts. The cave system has yielded the discovery of what is believed to be the world’s oldest wine distillery, ancient ovens and other artefacts left behind by the caves’ Copper Age inhabitants. It is also a renowned spot for birdwatching, as is the country as a whole.

Old Khndzoresk Cave village

Carved out of the steep hillside, Old Khndzoresk was created from natural caves which were added to and extended by the local population. The system of caves they chiseled from the rocky landscape remain as they were when they were last inhabited in the mid 20th century. These caves are thought to have been in use since the Bronze Age, and required a complex combination of ropes and ladders to navigate. Unbelievably, the cave village of Khndzoresk was, at its peak population, the biggest village in eastern Armenia. In the 1950s the cave dwellings were condemned as unfit for human habitation and now stand as a living testament to Armenia’s long and complex history.

Make it happen

When you travel to Armenia, you’ll find a tranquil and beautiful country rich in history and cultural heritage. Its small size makes it easy to explore; even on a shorter trip. For those interested in going off the beaten path in Armenia, our local experts are ready to turn your ideas and interests into a tailor-made journey you’ll never forget.