Travel to Armenia
Dark-stone monasteries set on cliffs, an ancient columned temple, a high-altitude lake and the oldest known winery: here is what to plan before you look for cheap flights to Armenia, the first country to adopt Christianity.
Armenia in numbers
Capital
Yerevan
Population
About 3 M
Highest point
Over 4,000 m
Currency
Dram
Language
Armenian
Average altitude
1,800 m
Continent
Asia
Time zone
UTC+4
Airports covered
1
Why visit Armenia
Monasteries, wine and mountains at the crossroads of Europe and Asia
The first Christian country
Armenia adopted Christianity as its state religion in 301. Etchmiadzin Cathedral and the monasteries of Geghard, Haghpat and Sanahin are on UNESCO's list, and others perch on gorges and cliffs.
The cradle of wine
Areni cave holds the oldest winery known, and the tourism board speaks of more than six thousand years of winemaking. The Vayots Dzor wine route leads to cellars and the red Areni Noir grape.
A culture of its own
An alphabet of 39 letters invented around 405, manuscripts kept in Yerevan, lavash baked in a clay oven, Ararat brandy and a welcome stressed everywhere.
Mountains and a high-altitude lake
Nine-tenths of the country lies above 1,000 metres: more than sixty hiking trails, Lake Sevan at about 1,900 metres and, in winter, skiing.
Landmarks
Yerevan, Khor Virap, Garni, Tatev, Sevan and Dilijan
A trip to Armenia usually starts in Yerevan, with day trips to Garni, Geghard, Khor Virap or Lake Sevan, then an extension to Dilijan or the south and Tatev: five to seven days give a good rhythm, eight to ten if you head south.
Yerevan, the pink capital
Yerevan spreads around Republic Square and its neoclassical buildings, the Cascade, the opera and the Matenadaran, which keeps more than 17,000 manuscripts. Parpetsi, Aram and Pushkin streets line up restaurants, bars and live musicians; this is where to try khorovats, tolma and Ararat brandy. Two days cover the essentials.
Khor Virap and the Ararat plain
Some forty kilometres from Yerevan, Khor Virap monastery stands on a hill at the edge of the plain, facing Mount Ararat, the country's symbolic mountain, which shows on the horizon when the sky is clear. The vineyards of the plain, among the sunniest in Armenia, surround the site.
Garni and Geghard
East of Yerevan, the 1st-century Garni temple is the country's only standing ancient building with Ionic columns, dedicated to the sun god Mithra and set above the Azat gorge. Below, the Symphony of Stones lines up basalt columns. Geghard monastery, partly carved into the rock, is on UNESCO's list.
Tatev and the south
In the south, Tatev monastery, from the 10th to 13th centuries, was a great religious and teaching centre. You reach it from Halidzor on the Wings of Tatev cable car, billed as the world's longest reversible aerial tramway. Further north-east, the Vayots Dzor region and Areni cave add a wine chapter to the route.
Lake Sevan and Dilijan
Some sixty kilometres from Yerevan, Lake Sevan stretches at about 1,900 metres, with Sevanavank monastery on its peninsula. Further north, Dilijan, backed by a national park, offers forests, trails and monasteries such as Haghartsin, tucked into the woods.
Before you go
Which season to travel to Armenia
| Area | Climate | Best time to visit |
|---|---|---|
| Yerevan and the Ararat plain | Dry hot summers, up to 35 degrees; cold winters. | April-June and September-October |
| Garni, Geghard, Sevan | Highland climate, cooler summers by the lake. | May to September |
| Dilijan and the north | Forests, colourful and wetter autumn. | September-October for colours, May-June for walking |
| Tatev and the south | Hot summers in the valleys, cool at altitude. | May-June and September-October |
Winter can be cold, down to -7 degrees in Yerevan and lower elsewhere: pack layers even in spring. Autumn is the grape-harvest season. Keep an eye on fares before you lock in your dates.
Getting around
Taxis, minibuses, metro and night train
Yerevan is easy on foot and by metro, and affordable taxis are widely used, including for long trips to Garni or Sevan. Minibuses (marshrutkas) link the capital with towns around the country; for Tatev, Khor Virap or Dilijan, a driver or a rental car gives more freedom.
The only international train links Yerevan with Tbilisi overnight, in about ten hours. Mountain roads are beautiful but slow: leave some slack before a return flight.
Food and culture
Lavash, khorovats and Ararat brandy
Armenian cuisine blends the Middle East, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Caucasus: lavash, a thin bread baked in the clay tonir oven, khorovats, grilled skewers served with vegetables and herbs, tolma, meat and rice rolled in vine leaves, harissa and ghapama. Ararat brandy is enjoyed with chocolate or peaches.
The country is a land of churches and khachkars, carved stone crosses. The 39-letter Armenian alphabet appears on shop signs as on the manuscripts of the Matenadaran.
Flying to Armenia
The Armenian airport covered by SniperAir
Zvartnots International
Yerevan's airport, about twenty minutes by car from the centre; taxis, a shuttle and car rental serve it. It is the entry point for Yerevan, Garni, Khor Virap, Sevan and, further on, Tatev.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Armenia
Which airport do I fly into for Armenia?
Yerevan (EVN) is the capital's international airport and the one SniperAir tracks. The centre is about twenty minutes away by road.
When is the best time to travel to Armenia?
April-June and September-October are the most balanced for cities, monasteries and the grape harvest. Summer is hot in Yerevan but pleasant around Lake Sevan, winter is cold.
Is travelling to Armenia expensive?
The tourism board presents the country as affordable: meals, local transport and taxis are generally modest. Excursions with a driver and high-end hotels push the bill up.
Do I need a visa for Armenia?
It depends on your nationality: many travellers are exempt, others use an e-visa. Check the conditions on the official Armenian tourism site and with the authorities before you go.
How long do I need in Armenia?
Five to seven days cover Yerevan, Garni, Geghard, Khor Virap, Sevan and Dilijan. Allow eight to ten days if you add Tatev and Vayots Dzor.
What should I see in two days in Yerevan?
Republic Square, the Cascade, the Matenadaran and its manuscripts, then dinner on one of the lively streets in the centre. A half-day trip to Garni and Geghard rounds out the stay.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Armenia gets cheaper?
Create a SniperAir alert profile with your departure airport and Yerevan as destination: we track prices and tell you as soon as an opportunity matches. See how it works.
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