Now that Croatia has been discovered by the masses, and even countries such as Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina have become ‘Tiktok Famous’, it is easy to think that there are not so many ‘hidden gems’ to reveal in Europe.
From the West, certainly not, but when we talk about Eastern Europe, as in, far, far eastThere is still a largely unprecedented country full of old miracles, beautiful nature, and above all, which still has to be ruined by the crowds.
This summer you have to give and explore the usual tourism -hotspots Armeniathe world’s oldest Christian state, and A WHERE Off-the-Beaten-Path Land.
The side of Europe that you didn’t know it existed
Tucked away in the Caucasus, a ambiguous territory between Eastern Europe and Central -Asia, Armenia is one of those distant countries that you would not instinctive visit unless you have family ties, or very niches.
There are No direct transatlantic flightsAnd even service from large European hubs is limited to certain data of the week, so it is no wonder that it is largely ignored by the traveler community.
Even with the recent tree in digital nomads, who recently found a house in Armenia attracted to tax -friendly policy and relaxed visa rules, the country still has to break into the mainstream.
You know, discovering secret places is our specialty here at Travel Off Path, and often it is precisely those unprecedented places that you can hardly locate in a map that turns out to be the most incredible-Armenia is no exception:
One of the oldest cities in the world
Whether you are flying in from mainland Europe or exceeding the country border with Georgia, chances are that your first stop in Armenia Yerevan, the capital and the largest city will be.
Scoop a rich history date almost 3000 yearsIt is known as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world–For our colleague culture buffs that are there, it is even older than Rome!–And it has the material heritage to support it.
Erebuni Fortress, founded in around 782 BC. By an Armenian king, dates from the founding of the nation and a short 20-minute ride of the center of Yerevan, you can visit Zvartnots, a unique circular 7th-century cathedral that is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage.
Armenia is generally accepted as the first state to convert to Christianity, and Zvartnots is proof of the unwavering faith of the Armenian people.
A pink washed cityscape
The most excellent attraction of Yerevan, however, is the Soviet heritage: just like any other country in the Caucasus, it came under the Russian control in the 20th century, and if you are a fan of modernist architecture, you are certainly in for a treat.
Republic Square is the most important meeting point of the city, flanked by grandiose neoclassical buildings And with a DanswaterdiSpay in the middle. The Cascade complex, demonstrably the most important attraction of Yerevan, is a long staircase decorated with gardens and small fountains.
From the top, you can admire Yerevan’s pink washed cityscape: Unlike most cities in the Soviet Union, the Yerevan apartment blocks were Partially built of volcanic pink tuffNo pure concrete, which gives them a unique pink hue.
The city is also famous for its lively café culture, with coffee shops in abundance and open -air markets, such as Vernissage, where you can buy local crafts and antique souvenirs.
Ancient miracles in abundance
Lively as Yerevan can be, the true charm of Armenia lies in its largely rural countryside and smaller cities.
Photo with snow covered highlands, beautiful monasteries with An impressive Mount Arat For background and picturesque villages located on the bottom of deep valleys that have preserved their old ways in the midst of a rapidly changing world.
If you are really looking to really be stunned, make sure you visit the 4th-century Garded -monasteryPartly cut into a mountain, and another gem protected by the UNESCO.
Overlooking Azat Gorge, one of the natural wonders of Armenia, Garni Temple Is another must-see old face: this Greek-Roman beauty has been here since the 1st century, and it is the only standing Hellenic building in the former Soviet Union.
If you are a sensation, make sure you take a ride on the Tatev wingsThe world’s longest non-stop air tram, to reach a 9th-century monastery, on top of a cliff, or explore the remote control KHOR VIRAPA religious place of great importance where Saint Gregory, the Illuminator, was locked up.
It is best if you are not sure enough about renting a car–Armenian roads are notorious to drive on–Most of these locations are served by bus or Soviet style Marshrutkas or tours, ranging from just $ 28- $ 50 per person on Getyourguide.
Discover the Armenian Sea
Armenia has no access to the sea, but It has Lake SevanOne of the largest and deepest highland -lakes in the Caucasus.
It is covered with sleepy resort cities and more historic monasteries, in particular Sevanavank, which takes a prominent peninsula that extends into the lake.
Sevanavank is one of the easiest tourist sites to get to Lake Sevan, because of the proximity of Sevan, the most important city in the province, so it can be pretty busy, but if you are looking for picturesque and unspoilt, Tsovagyugh is the perfect alternative.
A small village on the banks of the lake, with a small beach and picturesque promenade, it is great to beat the crowds of Yerevan and Sevan.
On the eastern coast, Shorzha is even quieter, with its clear water, wild beaches and lush nature, and stay in cottage style here Of just $ 56 for 2 adultsor $ 28 each–check out Shorzha Kangar Guesthouse.
Armenia fits every budget
Speaking of prices, Armenia is one of the most affordable destinations on the Eurasian continent, making it compared to the low costs of living, low local wages and weakness of the Armenian dram compared to stronger currencies such as the US dollar or the euro.
There is not exactly the easiest or cheapest achievement, because again, there are no direct flights from the United States and even connecting flights in Europe are at the more expensive end, but once at your destination, You will feel that you have hit the jackpot.
According to Budget your tripTravelers spend an average of $ 21 in meals per day, $ 3.70 on local transport daily and $ 26 on hotels per night.
Order yourself a dish steamed rods with garlic yogurt dip, Lahmajoun on the side, a generous Khorovats Grilled meat choice for head, and some local red wine, and You pay $ 13 tops In a local restaurant.
Armenia is the side of Europe that still has to be ruined by mass tourism, and although it is a whole journey there, it is definitely worth the detour.
Start by planning your Armenia trip by checking local access requirements here.
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