img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}Now that Croatia has been discovered by the masses, and even countries like Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina have become ‘TikTok famous’, it’s easy to think that there are not that many ‘hidden gems’ to unveil in Europe.
Out west, for sure there isn’t, but if we’re talking Eastern Europe, as in, far, far east, there is still a largely unheard-of faraway land full of ancient wonders, magnificent nature, and most importantly, that’s yet to be ruined by the crowds.
This summer, you should give the usual tourism hotspots a miss and explore Armenia, the world’s oldest Christian state, and a true off-the-beaten-path country.
The Side Of Europe You Didn’t Know Existed
Tucked away in the Caucasus, an ambiguous territory between Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Armenia is one of those faraway lands you wouldn’t instinctively think to visit unless you have familial ties, or very niche interests.
There are no direct Transatlantic flights, and even service from major European hubs is limited to certain dates of the week, so it’s no wonder it’s remained largely ignored by the traveler community.
Even with the recent boom in digital nomads, who have recently found a home in Armenia drawn to the tax-friendly policies and relaxed visa rules, the country has yet to break into the mainstream.
You know, uncovering secret spots is our specialty here at Travel Off Path, and oftentimes, it’s precisely those unheard-of places you can barely pinpoint in a map that turn out to be the most incredible—Armenia is no exception:
One Of The Oldest Cities In The World
Whether you’re flying in from mainland Europe or crossing the land border with Georgia, chances are your first stop in Armenia will be Yerevan, the capital and largest city.
Boasting a rich history dating back nearly 3,000 years, it is known to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world—to our fellow culture buffs out there, it’s even older than Rome!—and it’s got the material heritage to back it up.
Erebuni Fortress, founded in around 782 BCE by an Armenian king, dates back to the founding of the nation, and a short 20-minute drive from downtown Yerevan, you can visit Zvartnots, a unique circular-shaped 7th-century cathedral inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Armenia is widely accepted to be the first state to convert to Christianity, and Zvartnots is a testament to the Armenian people’s unshakeable faith.
A Pink-Washed Cityscape
Yerevan’s most excellent appeal, however, is its Soviet heritage: like every other country in the Caucasus, it came under Russian control in the 20th century, and if you’re a fan of modernist architecture, you’re definitely in for a treat.
Republic Square is the city’s main meeting point, flanked by grandiose neoclassical buildings and featuring a dancing water display at its center. The Cascade Complex, arguably Yerevan’s main attraction, is a long stairway decorated with gardens and small fountains.
From the very top, you can admire Yerevan’s pink-washed cityscape: unlike most cities in the Soviet Union, Yerevan’s apartment blocks were built partly from volcanic pink tuff stone, not pure concrete, giving them a unique rose-tinged hue.
The city’s also famous for its lively café culture, with outdoor coffee shops galore, and open-air markets, like Vernissage, where you can buy local crafts and antique souvenirs.
Ancient Wonders Galore
Vibrant as Yerevan may be, Armenia’s true charm lies in its largely-rural countryside and smaller cities.
Picture snow-clad highlands, beautiful monasteries with an imposing Mount Arat for backdrop, and quaint villages nestled at the bottom of deep valleys that have preserved their old ways amidst a rapidly changing world.
If you’re looking to get truly mind blown, make sure you pay a visit to the 4th-century Geghard Monastery, partially carved into a mountain, and yet another UNESCO-protected gem.
Overlooking Azat Gorge, one of Armenia’s natural wonders, Garni Temple is yet another must-see ancient sight: this Greco-Roman beauty has stood here since the 1st century, and it’s the only standing Hellenic building in the former Soviet Union.
If you’re a thrillseeker, make sure you take a ride on the Wings of Tatev, the world’s longest nonstop aerial tramway, to reach a 9th-century monastery, perched atop a cliff, or explore the remote Khor Virap, a religious site of great importance where Saint Gregory, the Illuminator, was imprisoned.
The best part is, if you’re not confident enough about renting a car—Armenian roads are notoriously tricky to drive on—most of these locations are served by bus or Soviet-style marshrutkas, or guided tours, ranging from only $28–$50 per person on GetYourGuide.
Discover The Armenian Sea
Armenia has no access to the sea, but it does have Lake Sevan, one of the largest and deepest highland lakes in the Caucasus.
It is lined with sleepy resort towns and more historic monasteries, most notably Sevanavank, which occupies a prominent peninsula stretching out into the lake.
Sevanavank is among the easiest tourist sites to get to on Lake Sevan, due to its proximity to Sevan, the main town in the province, so it can get quite busy, but if you’re looking for picturesque and unspoiled, Tsovagyugh is the perfect alternative.
A small village on the shores of the lake, with a small beach and scenic promenade, it’s great for beating the Yerevan and Sevan crowds.
On the eastern shore, Shorzha is even more peaceful, with its clear water, wild beaches, and lush nature, and cottage-style stays here start from only $56 for 2 adults, or $28 each—check out Shorzha Kangar Guesthouse.
Armenia Fits Every Budget
Speaking of prices, Armenia is one of the most affordable destinations in the Eurasian continent, owing it to the low cost of living, low local wages, and weakness of the Armenian dram compared to stronger currencies like the U.S. dollar or the euro.
Getting there is not exactly the easiest or cheapest feat, as once again, there are no direct flights from the United States and even connecting flights in Europe are on the pricier end, but once at your destination, you’ll be feeling as if you’ve hit the jackpot.
According to Budget Your Trip, travelers spend an average $21 on meals per day, $3.70 on local transportation daily, and $26 on hotels per night.
Order yourself a platter of steamed dumplings with garlic yogurt dip, lahmajoun on the side, a generous khorovats grilled meat selection for main, and some local-sourced red wine, and you’ll be paying $13 tops at a local-frequented restaurant.
Armenia is the side of Europe that’s yet to be ruined by mass tourism, and though it’s quite the journey there, it’s absolutely worth the detour.
Start planning your Armenia trip by checking local entry requirements here.
Vinicius CostaVini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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