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“Dear passengers, our flight landed in Yerevan. The air temperature is 38 degrees above zero.” Two hours, twenty minutes in flight and we are greeted by sunny Armenia. We get off the plane and a stream of hot southern air immediately hits our faces, and the sun is so blinding. There is no doubt - we are in Yerevan!
I want to tell you about the most interesting places and some Facts that I was able to see and learn.
So, we are in Yerevan. The first thing that caught my attention was the local airport: round, glass corridors, unusual building design. They explained to us that it was built according to the design of the airport in Munich.
We're driving in the suburbs. On both sides of the road there are one-story and two-story houses. And what immediately catches your eye is that they are all made of stone. Closer to the city we pass several casinos and slot machines. It turns out that placing such establishments in the center of Yerevan is strictly prohibited by law. In my opinion, this is the right decision on the part of the authorities.
And in Yerevan itself, the streets are full of hundreds of cafes, shops and markets. The unusual architecture attracts attention. In general, it is believed that Armenians are good builders. The buildings there are built to last, so they are not afraid of earthquakes.
And in the very heart of Yerevan there is a central square with large, beautiful fountains. It is formed by arc-shaped buildings. I'll tell you honestly - it looks great. The central streets stretch from here. Walking along the streets of Yerevan, I had a question: how do the majority of the population live? Without talking about agriculture, which is undoubtedly developed here, it is difficult to understand. During the period of predatory privatization, many factories that operated during the USSR were privatized, looted, and the equipment sold as scrap metal. But just like in Russia, production is being established. For example, a clothing factory, cognac factories, a new coffee factory... Of course, the Armenian diaspora helps: almost everyone has relatives in the USA, Russia, Turkey, France, Germany and other countries. According to our friend, the Armenian nation numbers 15 million people, but only 3.5 million people live in Armenia. Many rich Armenians provide free financial assistance not only to relatives, but also to the country as a whole: they finance the construction of roads, temples, educational institutions and much more. In particular, the road to Nagorno-Karabakh has been expanded and restored at the expense of foreign sponsors. Its length is over 300 km.
In general, they spin as best they can.
I would like to note that Armenia is a mountainous country, and its capital is located in the lowlands and the lowest temperature is there. On the hottest summer days, salvation for city residents is to travel outside of Yerevan. The higher you go into the mountains, the cooler the air. Some 30 minutes and you feel the pleasant coolness of the Caucasus Mountains. We managed to visit one of the local attractions - mountain lake Sevan. There is the purest air, the purest water, peace and quiet. This is a real paradise where you can sunbathe, swim in cool mountain water, eat plenty of local fish and crayfish, and finally just relax your soul and body. By the way, I want to warn those who decide to visit here: you need to be careful, as the sun burns very quickly in the mountains. For those who want to tan, this is a quick option, but the main thing is not to overdo it.
Sevan is the largest lake in the Caucasus. Its area is more than 1,300 square kilometers. 28 rivers flow into it, but only one flows out. Here they catch trout, barbel, khramulya, whitefish and of course crayfish.
There are many cafes on the shore of the lake where they will serve you freshly caught fish. For those who want to spend a few days on the shore of Sevan there is a boarding house.
There in the mountains, not far from the lake, we visited another local attraction - the cable car. It is impossible to describe the feelings I had when I climbed it. The height, the purest mountain air and stunning beauty could not leave me indifferent. In winter, a ski slope is open here. So you can have a very entertaining holiday.
Another interesting attraction of Armenia that I would like to tell you about is the oldest Church - the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church. The spiritual and administrative center of the church is the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin - the Catholicostat of All Armenians, founded in 301.
I would like to highlight Armenian cuisine separately. Cattle breeding here has become a source of a variety of dairy products - cheeses and fermented milk products, which are derivatives of matsun or its combinations in different proportions with sweet dairy products. Cheeses also occupy a large place in the Armenian diet. Dairy products belong to the permanent, indispensable and revered food products among the people, along with bread. The main flour product, which occupies a large share in the diet, is lavash. Vegetables and fruits play a significant role in the diet of Armenians. They are used in a variety of types and combinations. And of course, in Armenian cuisine there are dishes made from natural meat, for example, kebab. I can say with confidence that Armenians know how to cook this dish. They use beef, pork, lamb and poultry. And most of all I liked the dish called “dolma”. It is eaten only hot and served with matsun. I'll tell you honestly - this is delicious. In general, there is a lot to learn from the Armenians.
Perhaps this is all that I remember most from my trip to this wonderful, hospitable country. Of course, there is still a lot that I haven’t talked about, but it’s impossible to talk about everything. It's true? I can only add one thing: having come to this country once, I had a desire to visit it again.
Holidays in Armenia are one of the best options if you want to look at ancient monuments, feel the flavor of a new country, see beautiful mountains and even heal your soul and body. The country offers ample opportunities for those who are looking for ways to combine the useful with the interesting and will definitely be able to surprise. What to see, where to go and what you need to know about Armenia? About this and much more below.
Getting to know the republic
Armenia is one of the oldest countries in Transcaucasia with a rich history and architectural monuments. Since she was one of the first to accept Christianity, this was reflected in numerous monasteries, churches and other religious buildings. The oldest cities that can be found in this country date back approximately 3000 years, with large beautiful castles and fortresses, distinctive architecture and beauty.
Where is
This high mountainous country is located on the Armenian Plateau. Its height is approximately 1,700 meters above sea level, its total area is 29.75 thousand square meters. km. It neighbors Georgia in the north, Azerbaijan in the south, and the west and south of the country with the Turkish border. The famous Ararat Valley is also located here. It is important to remember that the time difference with Armenia is plus one hour Moscow time. When going on a trip, you should remember this.
Armenia Map
How to get there from Moscow
The easiest way to get to Armenia is by air. Since there is no direct train connection with Russia, road transport or a bus would also be a suitable option. The best way is through Georgia.
Several direct flights depart from Moscow and head to the country's main airport near the capital Yerevan. Planes depart almost every day and at different times, so choosing a suitable flight will not be difficult.
You can fly from Russia on flights of the following companies:
- Aeroflot - flies directly from Moscow;
- Air Armenia is the national carrier;
- "Siberia" - departure from Moscow daily;
- Vim-Avia also flies from Moscow every day.
Since there is no direct route from Moscow to the country by train, you will have to travel with transfers, and the price will be the same as a plane ticket.
If you are planning a trip to Armenia by car or bus, then you should know that the distance between Moscow and Yerevan is approximately 2250 km. When traveling this way, you must have documents for the car with you.
Popular holiday destinations
Mountains, monasteries, ancient civilizations, wonderful climate, delicious cuisine - all this is widely represented in Armenia. Rest, first of all, involves visiting the capital of the country - Yerevan. In the city you can find monuments of ancient civilizations, which are intricately intertwined together. Not far from this city is the ancient capital of the great country Urartu, one of the oldest capitals of the past.
It is worth paying attention to another city - Dilijan. Here is the largest number of monasteries located in the mountains and sanatoriums offering treatment in thermal springs. The country also has a ski resort, Tsakhkadzor, which offers tourists a variety of conditions for recreation and training.
Holidays in Armenia also involve visiting the ancient ruins of the capital of the state, Urartu, not far from Baku. This country is also interesting because it is considered one of the first to adopt Christianity. The Etchmiadzin temple complex is considered one of the most popular; its appearance and construction date back to the beginning of our era, which is confirmed by the very fact of the appearance of Christianity in these territories.
Armenia is one of the most ancient countries, famous for its winemaking. Wine began to be made here many centuries ago. The ancient Armenians believed that this was a blessing from the gods, and therefore they especially revered the place where grapes grew-Ararat Valley.
Another holiday destination popular among tourists is the Ararat Valley. Almost all tours to Armenia offer a variety of opportunities to visit this truly unique place. The valley itself is a plain in the Armenian Highlands west of Lake Sevan. The Araks River flows through it, which divides it into two parts - the large one, which belongs to Armenia, and the small southern part - part of Turkey. It is also notable for the fact that on hot summer days you can see a truly unique natural phenomenon above it - sunshine.
Temperature and climate of Armenia
The climate in the mountains is more severe, and therefore attracts lovers of traveling along the mountain slopes. In the Ararat Valley it is milder, but in the capital it can be very hot. In summer the temperature rises to +40 °C. Therefore, the best time to travel to the country will be the beginning of spring and autumn, when there are not yet such high temperatures. Winters in the mountains are very harsh, but excellent for skiing and winter sports. The season starts in December and ends in March.
Water
The water temperature at the country's resorts varies. In the warm season in Lake Sevan it does not exceed +18 °C, which is quite cool. In spring and autumn it does not fall below +15 °C. In winter, conditions are more severe, so the temperature can drop very much, about 4-7 degrees on average.
Air
In the foothills, average temperatures in summer are +24…+26 °C. In winter they drop to +5 °C. It's much cooler in the mountains; depending on the altitude, the temperature ranges from +10 °C to +20 °C in hot weather, and in winter - from +2 °C to -15 °C. During spring and autumn, frosts are very common, sometimes the temperature drops quite significantly - down to -28 ° C.
Popular beaches
Most of the beaches in the country belong to the resort areas of Armenia and are located near Lake Sevan. Nearby there are mountains and a National Park.
Among the special entertainments offered at the resorts of Armenia, it should be noted the possibility of fishing - trout, pike perch, barbel and others. A license can be purchased right there, on the spot, from local companies that organize water tours.
Any trip to Armenia also involves visiting mineral resorts - Vanadzor, Arzni, Hankavan, Dilijan, where you can also find small beaches for relaxation.
Ski resorts and active recreation
40 kilometers from Yerevan to the north is one of the most popular ski resorts in the country. In the valley of the Marmarik River, more than 1900 meters above sea level, you can see Tsakhkadzor - this is 13 km of ski slopes. Here you can also find one of the largest sports complexes in the country. There are also swimming pools, a stadium, a stable, a sauna and other sports facilities that can be used for relaxation and active pastime. Well, after active activities, you can visit many restaurants and cafes that will pamper you with their delicious national cuisine. If the question arises about what you can see in Armenia in winter, then visiting and relaxing at this resort will be the best options.
Must-sees: attractions
It is best to start a tour to the country from the capital. This is one of the largest and main attractions, which is located in the heart of the Ararat Valley. In the ancient dialect, the name of the city sounds like Erebuni, mentions of which date back to several centuries BC. The city was one of the largest in history, and was also famous for its trade. Here you can see Republic Square, which is located in the center, Mashtots Avenue, and many museums. Yerevan is very easy to navigate and travel. Among the historically interesting places one can highlight: the Yerevan fortress of the 16th century, Matenadaran - an institute that houses ancient manuscripts, the Sardarapat memorial complex, and of course churches, of which there are a great many.
The first church in the world was built in Armenia. This is the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, which was the first of the documented ones. Its construction dates back to approximately the 4th century.
The city of Ashtarak is famous for its Karmvor Church, which is located on a mountain slope. Amberd Fortress, the ancestral domain of the princes of Pahlavuni, is one of the best preserved castles.
Travel to Armenia is limited to visiting modern cities. Armavir is the ancient capital of Armenia. Located on the left coast of the Araks. At first it was a fortress, which over time turned into a large city. Nearby is Artashat, which is often called the Armenian Carthage. Here the number of ancient monuments is the largest in the country. The capital of the Middle Ages, Dvin, is still under the supervision of archaeologists.
Artsakh has almost 2 thousand architectural monuments, 600 of which are monastery complexes. The number of churches here has exceeded 500.
Nightlife in Armenia
For those who want to relax more actively, Yerevan offers many opportunities for night walks. After sunset, the entire city is illuminated with many colorful lights, especially in summer. Then life comes alive on the old streets of the capital. Especially many tourists and local residents relax on Revolution Square, where you can drink wine or coffee in a cafe. At 9 pm in the summer, multi-colored singing fountains turn on here - all you have to do is sit and enjoy the atmosphere.
There are also many fashionable clubs, cafes, and wine bars. Most of them are located in the center. Local performers always play in clubs; you can listen to both jazz compositions and fashionable music that is fun to dance to. The best thing is that entrance to such establishments is usually free for everyone.
Cafes, hotels, car rental
Recently, the country has offered quite wide opportunities for a comfortable holiday. Many cafes and restaurants offer their services both during the day and at night. Hotels have mostly retained the Soviet approach. This is due to the fact that the owners do not want to comply with the accepted classification. So don’t be surprised if you are served a very tasty dinner, but you still won’t get internet.
Nutrition
Since tourism has recently begun to develop with great strides, Armenia will surprise you with a variety of dishes. National cuisine is even one of the country's attractions. In any cafe, restaurant or other similar place, you will be offered lots and lots of greens, cheeses, vegetables, meat and definitely lavash! These are traditional components of Armenian cuisine. And also fermented milk matsun, a variety of salty snacks, twisted Chechil cheese, salads with beans and herbs, pilaf and, of course, shish kebab. This is only a part of all the delicious dishes that you will be hospitably offered to taste.
Accommodation
Hotels offer their services in all the largest cities of the country. Accommodation services are also offered by sanatoriums located in the most popular resorts. The most comfortable and best hotels are located in the capital. They offer transfers, winter gardens for viewing, and swimming pools with solariums.
New hotels are rarely built in the country. Therefore, even if the hotel category is calculated as 5 stars, the service corresponds to the 2-3 star category.
Transport
Buses are the main mode of transport. It connects almost all big cities. But it is very important to remember that this type of transport rarely has a clear schedule of movement and shipments. Buses usually depart when they are full.
You can also travel by car, which can be rented in the capital. But this will require special driving skills - the country’s roads are very worn out, and in mountainous areas they are completely absent. Traffic rules will also be problematic, since local residents are accustomed to driving without signals and markings.
Shopping in Armenia
If we talk about shopping in this country, then we immediately need to mention a unique symbol - carpets. This is the real pride of Armenians. You can buy them both in specialized stores in Yerevan and in the market, where prices will be more reasonable. They all differ in color and national symbols.
Another souvenir that you can buy here is cognac. You can find it in any store, and the quality will be the best! You can also return home with copper Turks, bronze figurines, and amulets dolls.
Places for wellness
Transcaucasia has always been famous for its fresh, healing mountain air, mineral springs and beautiful landscapes. The best places for recovery will be local resorts. Based on mineral springs - Hankavan, Arevik and Arzni. A visit to one of the largest resorts in Vanadzor is also recommended. Jermuk and Dilijan also offer health and recreation services. The Tsakhkadzor ski resort offers a more active holiday.
Armenia and security
An important aspect of visiting the country will be maintaining special safety measures on the road. Since the local population does not strictly adhere to traffic rules, this can lead to accidents and injuries. Prepare for the fact that pedestrians will also cross the road right in front of your nose. It is difficult to buy good gasoline, so if you are concerned about the safety of your car’s engine, it is better to buy it in the capital.
Lighting on the streets is very poor, so traveling by private vehicle at night is prohibited, especially without the accompaniment of a person who knows the area.
In Armenia, the export and import of antiques, precious stones, works of art, drugs and weapons is prohibited. It is better to declare large sums of money.
Holidays in Armenia are an opportunity not only to look at beautiful landscapes, enjoy fresh mountain air and relax at mineral springs. Here you can also see interesting sights, enjoy delicious national cuisine and observe unique traditions that are still passed on.
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Summer is the ideal season to visit sunny Armenia, as the hero of “Mimino” said. It is in the summer that you can discover the beauty of the land, learn the rich history of the country, and also enjoy the rich assortment of Armenian fruits and vegetables.
It should be noted that, despite the absence of the sea, Armenia offers holidays for everyone in the summer - for people on business trips, for lovers of active recreation, or for those who want to undergo treatment or solitude with nature, and also - why not - for swimmers...
Summer holidays in Armenia are active in such places as Dilijan, Hankavan, Arzni, Jermuk, Sevan.
Lake Sevan- a great place for those who want to spend their holiday actively. The water on the lake is very clean, transparent, the lake is surrounded by beautiful nature, the Sevan National Park, and the clean mountain air has a wonderful effect on the health of vacationers. In the morning you can enjoy the warm summer sun, lying on the hot sand and listening to the sound of the waves. And in the evening you can enjoy a beautiful view of the starry sky and the emerald lake.
In Sevan you can also rent jet skis, bicycles, boats, and a paragliding service is also provided. There are also attractions on the territory of the lake - the Sevanavank monastery complex, which is located on the Sevan Peninsula. It should be noted that Sevanavank is famous for the Battle of Sevan, which took place in the 11th century between Armenian and Arab troops.
On Sevan there is also the Hayravank Church, which offers a beautiful view of the lake. However, there are plenty of churches nearby - you just have to come to Sevan and wander around the peninsula, which was once an island.
Jermuk is a resort city in Armenia. It is located on the Arpe River, 175 km from Yerevan. The city produces famous mineral table water, which is also suitable for drinking. In total, there are about 40 mineral water sources in this city. Healing waters, mild climate, ultraviolet rays, rich vegetation and other conditions contribute to Jermuk being considered a first-class resort area. The air in Jermuk is absolutely clean, free of dust and saturated with the aroma of flowers. And the beauty around is incredible!
Whoever wants to relax - get treatment or retire with nature can visitArzni. According to legend, Semiramis treated the wounds of Ara the Beautiful with the immortal water of Arzni... Another legend says that during short breaks between campaigns and wars, Tigran the Great treated illnesses and fatigue in Arzni. Having come once for treatment in Arzni, people return here again and again. There are favorable conditions for treatment and relaxation thanks to the clean mountain air and mild climate.
Armenia is also called the “mountain island”. And summer is the best time to conquer mountain peaks. So: during the summer season you can conquer the highest point of Armenia - Mt. Aragats(4090 m), or climb Azhdahak and admire the amazing small lake located in the crater itself. But of course, that’s not all: you can make hikes towards Kaputdzhukh, Arayler, Tsakhkunyats, visit Khustup and Trasar.
In summer in Armenia you can also visit temples and monasteries, which speak of the inviolability of the Christian faith of the people, of pride in the fact that Armenia was the first to adopt Christianity as an official religion.
For example, a monastery Khor Virap dates back to the 17th century. Its name translated means "Deep Dungeon". Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholicos, lived in captivity in Khor Virap for 15 years before the Armenians adopted Christianity. From the Khor Virap monastery there is a beautiful view of the biblical Mount Ararat.
Those who are not afraid of long journeys can visit various medieval monasteries in the north of the country - for example, Haghpat or Sanahin. Tourists come here to admire the stunning beauty of nature, enjoying relaxation and clean mountain air.
It is in the summer that you can fully enjoy the delightful nature of Armenia in all its glory, visit unique attractions and simply have a great time. You can visit places where great civilizations flourished, bloody battles took place, and historical events of world importance took place. You can eat deliciously in local cafes, wander around the Armenian capital, and have fun hanging out.
However, you can’t count everything! There are many beautiful corners in Armenia that will make your heart beat faster and your eyes and soul relax. Although it's better to see it once...
This is a destination for true connoisseurs, whose tourist happiness lies in contemplating the simple architecture of ancient temples and conquering inaccessible mountain peaks. And also for those who strive for a place where you can find real hospitality, amazing cuisine and feel at home, because you are welcome, like your best friend, and they speak your language.
Tourist season
In Armenia, the tourist season begins in the fall - this is a great time for walking: warm, lots of fruit, good prices. It is better to take excursions from May to June, when the heat has not yet set in. Ski holiday time is from mid-November to April. But the best time to climb mountains is in July and August. The weather in Armenia is unique in its own way: due to the difference in altitude, neighboring cities may have different temperatures. Moreover, in one city in different areas it can differ by 2-3 degrees.
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Excursion holidays
“Excursion” is the main tourist “bread” of Armenia. Attractions here are not only in cities and villages. Literally behind every turn of the mountain road hides a picturesque gorge or a nimble river, near which a temple, fortress or ancient monastery has stood for several hundred years.
Almost all of them are Christian. Armenia was the first state to accept this religion, and such masterpieces were erected to its glory, such as the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the Tatev Monastery, where you can “fly on the wings” of a cable car, and the modern Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator. Also worthy of attention are the Khor Virap Monastery, which has an interesting history and stands against the backdrop of Ararat, the very beautiful Church of St. Our Lady Katoghike and a whole constellation of religious buildings.
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Modern attractions are concentrated mainly in Yerevan. Countless museums - history, the Armenian genocide, modern art, famous personalities, monuments, singing fountains, theaters and parks - cultural leisure here will be very diverse.
Natural beauties are scattered throughout the country: there are waterfalls (Jermuk, Kasakh and Shaki), and Lake Sevan, and gorges, to which winding mountain roads lead, and the beautiful Ararat.
Holidays in winter
Local ski resorts are rapidly gaining popularity. This is understandable: the infrastructure is new, the trails have not yet been “trampled” by mass travelers, flying to Armenia is nothing at all, and skiing is at a completely European level.
Sevan and Jermuk are also developing as ski resorts. But there are literally a couple of trails here, so active recreation on them can be combined with drinking mineral waters (in Jermuk) or with an “excursion” on Lake Sevan.
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Beach holiday
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Where to go with children
For families with children, it is best to stay in Yerevan or the surrounding area so that they can take the children to amusement parks. Among the main ones is “Water World” on Myasnikyan Avenue, 40. Swimming pools, slides, beaches, sculptures, attraction fountains, all kinds of shows - both children and adults will have fun here.
Bowling, karting, paintball, bumper cars are presented in the Play City amusement park of. website . It will be interesting for kids to climb around the bright town in a green area, and for older children to jump on the trampoline.
It is impossible to ignore the Yerevan Zoo with its predatory, feathered, scaly inhabitants. Today, about 300 species of mammals, birds, fish and other creatures are represented here. The most interesting time to come here is during feeding hours for animals, especially large cats. The zoo also sometimes pampers visitors with performances featuring animals.