Armenia is one of the most underrated destinations, but a visit to this country can be life-changing. It is an exciting and historic country where memorable vacations can happen.
Without further ado, here are the 10 reasons why you should visit Armenia.
Why You Should Visit Armenia
Armenia Has the World’s Best-Tasting and Cleanest Water
Water is an extraordinary element in Armenia, which is considered to have the world’s most delicious water.
The secret in Armenia’s water is where it comes from: the highest mountains of the country.
Once you’re in this country, water is freely shared through many water fountains that you can drink from.
The First Christian Country In The World
The world’s first Christian country isn’t Jerusalem or Rome but Armenia, which embraced Christianity as its state religion. This happened in 301AD.
From then on, the first Christian churches were constructed, including the Echmiadzin Cathedral, the world’s first Christian Cathedral. It is still standing to this day and can be visited.
Even if you don’t have strong Christian beliefs, these majestic medieval architectures are worth your time since they are set against the country’s natural landscapes.
Include in your itinerary a visit to the Monastery of Geghard, which is half-carved in rock and is more than 800 years old. Also, visit the Monastery of Tatev and the Monastery of Khor Virap.
Wine-Tasting
Armenia is not just known for its cognac but its world-class wines.
As one of the oldest wine-producing countries, Armenians have perfected the cultivation of grapes to produce different wine varieties.
High-quality grapes flourish in the fertile valleys of Mount Ararat. Find out what Armenian tasting notes are like by visiting a vineyard and sipping on wines from Armenian Wine, Ijevan, Vernashen, and Areni.
Mount Ararat: A Mountain of Biblical Proportions
Ararat is a majestic mountain that is a symbol for all Armenians. Historically, it is a Biblical mountain that was mentioned in the Bible during the Great Flood.
According to Armenian tales, Noah stopped and settled at the foot of the mountain and settled in the valley with his family. The view alone is spectacular and one you will never forget.
For the best view of Mount Ararat, head to the top of the Cascade or drive out of the capital to the Monastery of Khor Virap.
Touch the Sky With Lake Sevan
You can’t miss the beautiful Lake Sevan, which the locals fondly call “The Armenian Sea.” This is located in the mountains, where you can sit on the bank and feel like the water’s surface is about to marry the skies.
Pegged as the largest and most amazing lake in the Caucasus, this lake has fresh and warm waters where the silent mountains seemingly stand guard against the outside world.
Go Paragliding, Hiking, and Trekking
Armenia has plenty to offer if you like action and extreme sports. Go paragliding, hiking, and trekking. If you are in Armenia during the winter, book yourself at a ski resort like the Tsaghkadzor, which is comparable to famous European skiing destinations.
Something unique you can experience in Armenia is to take the world’s longest ropeway. Not for the faint of heart, the ropeway is 3.6 miles long and 1,050 feet above the River Vorotan.
Armenian Sweets and Bread
Armenian cuisine is the oldest in the South Caucasus and the whole of Europe.
Their environment and the richness of their land blessed them with a generous amount of herbs, spices, and wildflowers that Armenians deliciously incorporate into their cooking.
Don’t miss the traditional spas, a low-calorie soup perfect for women who like eating healthy. This is prepared from Armenian fermented yogurt.
Include in your bucket list Kyufta (meatballs), tolma (grape leaves with minced meat stuffing), khorovats (barbeque), and gata (mouth-melting puff pastry). Make sure that you eat plenty of lavash (bread) with almost all your meals.
Visit the Yerevan, the Pink City
Yerevan is the “pink city” because all the buildings in Armenia’s capital are made of 100% natural-colored volcanic rocks. These rocks are in varying and beautiful shades of pink.
Storks Love Armenia
On the way to Noravank Church in the Vayots Dzor Province, you will come across a quiet Armenian village where there are rows of wooden poles neatly piled along the sides of the road.
These long rods are for the storks that come this way when they migrate to Africa in the winter.
These birds make their way home by spring and return to their Armenian nests. This is a community where birds and humans live in harmony.
Zero Discrimination Between Locals and Tourists
Armenians are known for being extremely kind, hospitable, and caring. They are sensitive to the needs of the people around them. When you are in Armenia, the locals will go above and beyond to make you feel at home.
The old Armenian saying, “a guest is a gift from God,” is taken to heart by the locals, so don’t be surprised if you get invited to random homes and are offered local delicacies.
In addition, you’ll be asked to sample household cooking and join them for lunch or dinner.
Beyond the experience, food, culture, and memories you make in Armenia, one of the best things that can happen during your trip is making an Armenian friend.
This completes the 10 reasons why you should visit Armenia.
Interesting Facts About Armenia
Before you go, here are fun facts about the country that you can add to the 10 reasons why you should visit Armenia.
- Fountains are built in Armenia and are named after dead people.
- Areni is the world’s oldest winery.
- Lake Sevan changes color every hour during the afternoon. It transitions from azure to turquoise to a dark navy blue.
- Apricot is one of Armenia’s national symbols. You’ll find plenty of this fruit all over the country.
- When you sample the golden, Armenian apricot, the fruit will never be the same again. It will be your new standard for apricots.
Embrace Armenia
Armenia is a country that promises nothing but the best experience and memories.
This is worth your time and visit. Bask in the idea that there is only a tiny population of tourists who get to see this side of the world.
Be one of these people and embrace what Armenia has to offer.
