Armenia Travel Guide

We were in a marshrutka on our way to Goris when we pulled over for a couple of passengers to have a cigarette break. The rest of us sat there waiting. Someone from outside opened the door and handed a huge bag of dried apricots to a guy sat at the front. They asked for no payment, they just knew that we were on a long journey, so gifted the bag to him. The guy at the front took a handful, and then passed it to the next person, who passed it to the next person. The whole bus was full of dried apricots, and we all sat there tucking in with big grins on our faces. Just this one example epitomises the generosity and hospitality of the Armenian people. 

Armenia is the land of juicy apricots, potent brandy, UNESCO listed monasteries, rusty Ladas, and creamy hummus. But it’s a country we didn’t know too much about; there just aren’t many travel blog posts online. And it’s definitely not on the tourist radar. The two main reasons I have seen it pop up online is for being the homeland of the Kardashians (wow), and the recent horrific war over the Nagorno Karabakh region. Neither are great selling points for Armenia, but regardless, there is so much vibrancy, culture, and history in this small unknown country. We travelled Armenia for six weeks, from Goris in the south to Gyumri in the north, and experienced nothing but welcoming smiles, and friendly faces.

Discoveries of the world’s oldest monuments and objects are right here in Armenia, and it’s mind-blowing. The world’s oldest cathedral sits in Echmiadzin, the world’s oldest winery is in Areni, and it’s also where the world’s oldest leather shoe was discovered! And Armenia was the first country to declare itself Christian. So many world firsts in this small country (though it wasn’t always this small – but that’s a story for another blog post).

With all this history and culture, you’ll find fascinating things to see and do throughout the country. Journey down south to Goris to explore Tatev Monastery (honestly, the journey itself is breath-taking), discover the landscapes of Dilijan, hike Debed Canyon stopping at all the UNESCO listed monasteries, watch lavash being cooked in a traditional tonir, see the unique black and red architecture of Gyumri, explore a Roman temple (?), gorge on falafel and hummus (seriously though, I lost count of the number of falafel wraps we ate there!), try pomegranate wine, and take full advantage of the vibrant restaurant and bar scene in Yerevan.

Yerevan airport is easily accessible from most of Europe (except the UK!), so maybe combine a European city with your Yerevan trip and make the most of that layover. Excited for your Armenia trip?

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