What to see in Armenia: 25 essentials from Yerevan

Updated: December 10, 2023

These are the best things to see in Armenia, which you can visit in 1 day from Yerevan, with details of what to see and how to get there.

Armenia is a country that It is completely off the tourist trails, despite how much it has to offer with its beautiful landscapes and ancient culture.

An advantage of the lack of mass tourism is that the visits are much more authentic, unlike well-worn destinations where you no longer know what is authentic and what things are designed specifically for foreigners.

Armenia is a mountainous country in the Caucasus of just 29,743 km², that is, with a size similar to Galicia or Catalonia.

Therefore, you can visit most places throughout the country in 1 day from Yerevan, its capital, one of the oldest cities in the world.

I have grouped the places that I recommend you visit into 7 areas, because many of them are worth visiting together, but you can visit them individually if you travel on your own.

In this article I only tell you what to see in Armenia without including Yerevan, because for Yerevan I already wrote a very complete guide that you can read here: What to do in Yerevan: 14 best plans.

As always, at the end of the article I leave you a map with each of the places I mention.

What to see in Armenia?

1. Echmiadzin and Zvartnots Cathedral

Echmiadzin or Vagharshapat, which is its official name, is a city in Armenia located 20 km west of Yerevan.

This city founded in the 3rd century BC is where it is located the oldest cathedral in the world, declared a World Heritage Site in the year 2000, like the other religious buildings that I tell you about below.

– Echmiadzin Cathedral

The first church built where the Echmiadzin Cathedral is located It was built between 301 and 303 BC and was dedicated to the patron saint of Armenia, Saint Gregory the Illuminator.

Now, it works like headquarters of the Armenian apostolic church and the official name is Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

The Armenian Byzantine style cathedral It has beautiful geometric engravings on the outside, don't miss to admire its main entrance and the bell tower.

Then, inside the most notable thing are the fresh with a clear Persian influence, especially those in the dome, as well as the Arabic style engravings representing flowers, birds and other shapes.

Furthermore, this cathedral keeps some sacred relics such as:

• the sacred spear (in theory the one used with Jesus);
• relics of the apostles, including John the Baptist; and
• fragments of Noah's Ark.

The place where the cathedral is located is a complex with more buildings and a large garden area full of the typical finely carved ancient Armenian stone crosses, called khachkar.

👍 Fun fact: during Soviet times in Armenia, Echmiadzin Cathedral was the only church that did not stop functioning as such, although it was left with a very reduced service.

– Other UNESCO sites in Echmiadzin

1. Saint Gayane Church: built in the 7th century, although the roof and dome were restored, the rest remains as it originally was. Gayane was the abbess who, along with several nuns, was martyred, later made a saint by the Armenian church.
2. Shoghakat Church: built on top of the original church that was from the 4th century and you can still see some remains that were used. The most striking are the geometric reliefs, rosettes at the entrance and in various areas of the church. Although this is probably the least striking on the list.
3. Church of Saint Hripsime: Built in the 7th century, but has had some restorations. Like Gayane, Saint Hripsime was martyred, both are among the first martyrs of Armenia. Hripsime's remains are found in the church going down the stairs that are on the left side of the altar.
4. Zvartnots Cathedral: It is a cathedral from the 7th century, quite peculiar due to its design, which was dedicated to Saint George, which was unfortunately destroyed in the earthquake of the year 930. Likewise, its ruins are one of the most photographed places in Armenia with Mount Ararat in the background. This is the only place in Echmiadzin on the list that is paid, the entrance costs 1,300 drams (3.17 euros).

– Where to eat?

In Echmiadzin next to the complex where the cathedral is located there is a restaurant called Agape Refectory, I also leave it marked on the map below.

It is a very old restaurant, no less than from the 17th century, with traditional Armenian cuisine and some of their dishes remain almost unchanged since they opened.

One of them are the meats marinated in a delicious pomegranate sauce which results in meat with a very good flavor and is very tender.

The main meat they use and their specialty is lamb, but unfortunately they don't serve it at noon, which was when I was there.

So, if you go at noon and want to try some meat marinated in pomegranate sauce, you will have to choose chicken, beef or trout. I tried the trout and it was finger-licking good. 😋

– How to visit Echmiadzin and Zvartnots?

1. Car: Echmiadzin is very close to Yerevan just past the airport, it is very easy to get there by car and it will give you flexibility to move around the area to visit other places. If you like rent a car Armenia I recommend this search engine that works only with serious and cheap local companies.
2. By Bus: Getting to Echmiadzin by bus is very easy, you can take bus number 203 from Kilikia in Yerevan, which leaves every 10 minutes, costs 300 drams (0.73 euros) and takes between 30 and 50 minutes depending on traffic.
3. Day trips: The visit to Echmiadzin and Zvartnots is one of the most popular in Armenia, that is why you will find many tours, I recommend these, some of which have more visits included:
   • visit to Echmiadzin and Zvartnots with guide in Spanish and the price is per group;
   • this other tour is the most popular, with a visit to the main places of Echmiadzin;
   • if you can not take advantage of this other excursion which also take you to Lake Sevan and Dilijan, both places I mention below in point 4.

2. Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery

The Garni Temple and the Geghard Monastery are a short distance from each other, which is why they are often visited together.

Also, I'll tell you about a couple more places that you can take advantage of to see in the same area.

– Garni Temple

The Garni temple is he only pagan temple in Armenia and at the same time the only Greco-Roman temple in the country and of all the countries of the former USSR that remain standing.

It's a temple that was built in the 1st century, long before Christianity was adopted as the official religion in Armenia.

The temple was dedicated to the sun god, known as Mithras (or Mihr) in Armenia.

Therefore, inside, if you look towards the ceiling, you will see an opening that allowed the sun's rays to pass through and reflect on the water that was in a small well on the floor, now covered with glass.

Some things that stand out are:

• the huge steps leading to the temple so that when people went up they would bow with each step;
• The ornamentation of the temple, although worn, shows the clear Greco-Roman style;
• the greek inscriptions which is on one of the stones at the entrance;
• the ancients roman baths where you can still see the heating system and an elaborate mosaic of tiny pieces.

Although the temple was seriously damaged in an earthquake, it was rebuilt and today You can see its great splendor.

As if that were not enough, it is in a privileged place with the Gegham mountains in the background and next to the Garni canyon through which the Azat river passes.

👉 Entry costs 1,000 drams (2.44 euros).

– Geghard Monastery

Geghard Monastery is a medieval complex built in the Azat Valley, both the monastery and the valley area were declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

Katoghike Church is the main one built at the beginning of the 13th century. However the monastery was founded in the 4th century by Saint Gregory the Illuminator, in the cave where there is a sacred spring.

Katoghike was built next to the walls of the mountain next to the spring cave and then to house more files an extension was made by digging into the rock, creating the chapel of Saint Gregory.

Some of the most notable things about the place are:

• the fabulous engraved with intricate details;
• the stone crosses, some originals and others are replicas;
• the caves that functioned as cells for monks;
• the chamber on the upper floor with extraordinary acoustics.

👉 Entry is free.

– Is Geghard Monastery worth a visit?

If I have to be honest, I made this visit mainly for the Garni temple and I would never have imagined that the Geghard monastery would surprise me so much.

I recommend you not to miss it and if you can, visit it with a guide who will explain its history to you.

The Garni and Geghard temple is one of the best visits near Yerevan what can you do.

– What else to see in the area?

• Charent Arch: On the way to the Garni temple there is a quite interesting viewpoint that I recommend stopping if you are driving. Although many excursions stop there to take a photo. Its about viewpoint that has beautiful views of Mount AraratUnfortunately, the day I went it was cloudy and you could barely see it.
• Garni Canyon: The canyon is beautiful to see from the Temple of Garni, where there is a unique and quite extensive rock formation that is known as «Symphony of Stones«. They are high walls on both sides of the basalt canyon that they remind of an organ of those in the churches. You can go down to the canyon to see them up close, I assure you that the sensation is completely different than seeing them from above.

– How to visit Garni and Geghard Monastery?

To make these visits there is no bus that will take you directly, then you will have to drive, but it is easy to get there, because the Garni temple is less than 30 km from Yerevan and then to the Geghard monastery it is only 10 more km.

If you don't want to complicate things, I recommend you do like me and go with an excursion because this is one of the most popular visits near Yerevan.

I recommend these excursions to Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery:

• This is with guide in spanish, the price is per group and it is very affordable if you go with more people or join other travelers;
• I went with this one tour which is the most popular, the guide is phenomenal and knows a lot. In addition, it includes the Charent arch and a stop to see how the traditional lavash bread. They don't go down to the canyon, according to what the guide told us, the bus can't go down there.
• Another option that was not available when I went is this tour that includes the Lavash bread and Khor Virap monastery which I talk to you about in the next point, so you make the most of the day. Below you can see availability and book this tour.

In the video below you can see the making of the Lavash, if you continue looking there is a short of the chamber with good acoustics in the Geghard monastery.

⭐ You can read more about 31 Curiosities of Armenia surprising, I tell you more about Lavash and Lake Sevan and Armenian wine.

3. Khor Virap Monastery

Khor Virap Monastery is less than 45 km from Yerevan and just 8 km from the Turkish border.

In this monastery it is one of the main places of pilgrimage of the Armenian faithful, because Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned there for 13 years.

The name of Khor Virap It means "deep pit" for the dungeon.

Gregory the Illuminator would later become the king's religious advisor and who would bring the Christian religion to Armenia. Today, Saint Gregory the Illuminator is the patron saint of Armenia.

The monastery is in the Ararat valley surrounded by green meadows and vineyards with Spectacular views of Mount Ararat.

– What else to see in the area?

If you are driving, you can continue along the road to see other interesting places in the area and even continue to the Tatev monastery that I talk to you about at the end of the article, because it is one of the best visits in Armenia.

The excursions usually include more stops to make the most of the day and the trip to that area.

These are the most popular places to see nearby:

• Areni Cave-1: also known as Cueva de los Pájaros, where very diverse archaeological remains have been found. The oldest are from the Lower Paleolithic, beginning of the Stone Age, that stones used as cutting tools were found. Admission costs 1,000 drams (2.42 euros).
• Noravank Monastery: built in the 13th century, it is known for the church of Santa María de Dios with two floors. Besides fabulous prints in several places, especially the entrance to the gavit (or vestibule) of Saint John the Precursor.
• Armenian wine cellar: If you like wines, be sure to try Armenian wines, in the area you will find wineries that explain the country's traditional winemaking. Below in point 5 I tell you more about the visit to the wineries.

– How to get to Khor Virap Monastery from Yerevan?

To do this tour or at least see the Khor Virap monastery you will need to drive or go with an excursion which is the most practical way, in addition There are several at a good price.

These are the tours to Khor Virap that I can recommend:

• In case you want to go with a guide in Spanish, this is the best excursion with stop at Areni-1 and Noravank Monastery.
• I went with this excursion that makes all the stops that I mentioned above, that is: Khor Virap, Areni cave, Noravank and the wineries. It is a full day tour with very varied visits.
• Although, the most popular alternative is this tour that includes a visit to the Tatev Monastery and the cable car.

4. Lake Sevan and Dilijan

– Lake Sevan and Sevanavank Monastery

Lake Seván is one of the largest high mountain lakes in the world, at 1,900 m high.

This immense lake 78 km long It's one of the Favorite places for Armenians to bathe during the summer.

A visit to the lake is excellent to spend a relaxed day in the area.

Then, you can visit the Sevanavank Monastery which is on top of the hill next to the lake and you will have postcard views of the complex. monastery with Lake Sevan in the background.

The monastery was very strict because the monks were sent there. monks of Etchmiadzin who had sinned.

In addition, the weather conditions with high winds made it a harsh place to live.

Some things that stand out in the main church of Sevanavank are:

• The entrance door made of wood and beautifully carved;
• the stone cross with crucified Jesus Christ, a rare representation in Armenia;
• he black color of church interior due to the stone that was used in the construction;
• he immense icon on the altar, Something rare in Armenian churches, it is made of wood without glue fitted together like a puzzle.

– Dilijan National Park

Dilijan National Park It is known as the "Switzerland of Armenia" for its mountain landscapes, forests, springs and lakes.

If you are a nature lover you will love it, because it is a reserve rich in flora and fauna. As for the fauna, some of the animals present are eels, squirrels and brown bears.

Furthermore, in the park there are climbing areas, especially on Mount Apakekar and several hiking trails.

The most popular is the 80 km long Armenian Transcaucasian Hiking Route which is done in 4 or 5 days, in this link you can go down the route.

Another point of interest in the report is the Haghartsin monastery which was built between the 10th and 13th century.

– How to get there?

The best way to do this visit near Yerevan is by car.

If you don't want to drive, the most practical way to go is with an excursion, below I recommend the best ones:

• This excursion to Lake Sevan and Dilijan It is the only one that has a guide in Spanish.
• If you can not join this one from the link than the one I went to. In addition, of the places I mentioned above, visit the Goshavank monastery and Lake Parz.

5. Armenian wine cellars

Armenia has a very old tradition As far as wines are concerned, no less than 6,000 years, according to the archaeological remains that have been found.

Many tours from Yerevan include visits to wineries, especially those at Khor Virap Monastery (above at point 3) and Tatev Monastery (below at point 7) because that is where the main vineyard area is.

But if you are a true wine lover or a professional, I recommend making a specific visit to the wineries like this one in the link that includes the visit to the winery with explanations and a complete tasting of 4 wines. 🍷

6. Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries

The monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin are located in the province of Lori, very close to the Georgian border, a very beautiful area of mountains, valleys and forests.

These Monastic complexes were built between the 10th and 13th centuries, a time of the flourishing of religious architecture in Armenia.

They are constructions that attract attention for the fusion of traditional Caucasian style with ecclesiastical Byzantine.

Both monasteries are included in the UNESCO list as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

The Haghpat monastery is considered a masterpiece regarding medieval religious constructions.

Some of the most notable things about Haghpat Monastery are:

• The St Nshan Church which is the oldest in the complex, has a square base with 4 large pillars where its vault rests.
• The stone crosses known as khachkar with exceptional carving.
• Don't miss the bas-reliefs of kings Smbat and Gourgen on one of the facades.

On the other hand, in the Sanahin monastery the most striking things are:

• The vestibule (or gavit) in the church of Saint Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) with its four central columns was a pioneering design in a religious building, inspired by traditional Armenian houses. This is one of the most photographed spaces of the monastery.
• The three-story bell tower which is the first construction of its kind.
• In the areas near the monastery there are preserved 50 stone crosses, some with great historical value.

These are some of the most relevant details of these monasteries, but believe me there are many more details to see. Therefore, I recommend that you visit these places with a guide.

– What else to see in the Lori area?

• Akhtala Monastery: a fortified monastery from the 10th century, one of the most relevant things are its Byzantine frescoes.
• Zarni-Parni Cave: It is an interesting cave-fortress complex that served as a refuge in times of war. Admission costs 1,000 drams (2.40 euros).

– How to visit Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries?

One of the best ways to visit these monasteries and the Lori area is by driving, you can do it from Yerevan, but in just 1 day it can be a chore.

Another alternative is to visit if you are driving between Georgia and Armenia, because the Haghpat Monastery is just 34 km from the border Bagratashen – Sadakhlo.

If you go to rent a car in Armenia I recommend this search engine that works with serious and cheap local companies, if not here to rent in Georgia.

If you don't want to drive, the best alternative is to go with a 1 day excursion, like this one at the link, which is very complete, with additional stops and at a good price.

You also have the option of visiting with a tour from Tbilisi in Georgia.

⭐ You may be interested in this other article about 11 Best Tours from Tbilisi.

7. Tatev Monastery and Wings of Tatev

The picturesque Tatev Monastery It is the best visit near Yerevan what can you do.

This monastery is one of the oldest (9th century) and most important in the country along with Noravank.

Between the 14th and 15th centuries, the most important university in Armenia operated there, allowing it to make scientific, philosophical and religious advances.

– What to see in Tatev?

• The fortress of the enclosure is located next to huge cliffs.
• The fabulous Gavazan hanging column, a unique medieval engineering work from the year 902, which has a pivoting base that allows it to withstand earthquakes and at the same time warn of the slightest movement.
• The frescoes that have been kept, which were commissioned from masters who came from Constantinople.
• The old oil mill.

– Tatev's Wings

At the end of 2010, the construction of the famous Alas de Tatev cable car was completed.

Is he Longest non-stop double-track cable car in the world, with a Guinness record Therefore, with its 5,752 m it takes between 11 and 15 minutes to travel depending on the weather conditions.

👉 The trip costs 5,500 drams (13.17 euros) and the round trip costs 7,000 drams (16.77 euros), you can buy the online ticket on their website.

🔔 Fact: If you go in low season you can buy tickets directly there. But, in high season, if you arrive just with the excursion groups that already have their place reserved, you may have to wait a long time if you do not buy them in advance.

– What else to see in the area?

In the Tatev monastery area you can visit the wineries and you also have the Noravank monastery nearby, they are visits that I mentioned above in point 3 with the Khor Virap monastery.

• Shaki waterfall: Another very popular stop is this beautiful waterfall 18m high. According to legend, it is named after a young Armenian woman who refused to submit to the conquerors and jumped off the waterfall.
• Devil's Bridge: in the gorge above the Vorotan River just below the Tatev Monastery, Water and wind polished the petrified lava forming this unique bridge. If you continue walking you will find an area with hot springs where you can take a dip. 💦

– How to go to Tatev Monastery from Yerevan?

1. By Bus: to go to Tatev there is no direct bus, the buses go to Goris and from there you would need to hire a taxi to take you there and back. The bus in Yerevan leaves from the South Station, there is a daily one at 3:00 p.m. (it leaves when it is full), it takes about 4 hours and costs 2,500 drams (5.99 euros).
2. Driving: To visit this entire area it will be very practical for you to drive, so you can see the Khor Virap monastery area, continue with the visits to the Tatev monastery. Although, I have to clarify that If you are going to drive it can be a pain getting there and back in the same day.
3. Excursion: if you have little time and don't want to complicate things, the best way to visit Tatev is with a tour like these:
   • You have this option of complete visit to the monasteries, This includes: Khor Virap, Noravank and Tatev, as well as the cable car.
   • If you can't do this other one excursion that is very varied, includes wineries, waterfalls and the cable car, it is the one I did, it couldn't be better.

Map of Visits near Yerevan for 1 day

* To check the legend for each place, click the button in the top left corner of the map. To view this map on your phone or computer, tap the star on the right side of the title. Then go to Google Maps, select "Your Places" and "Maps" from the menu.

Final Thoughts

These are the best places to see in Armenia with an amazing history, a very rich and ancient culture, at the same time, beautiful landscapes.

In case you are preparing your trip on your own, this Armenia guide It may help you, where you will find all the articles I wrote.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

More about Armenia and the Caucasus

• Tips for traveling to Armenia
• Route through Armenia: 1 week itinerary
• How to get around Yerevan and Armenia
• Visit to the Cascade Complex in Yerevan
• What to do in Yerevan: 14 best plans
• How to Get from Tbilisi to Yerevan: Fast, Cheap, and Comfortable