6 Most Beautiful Landscapes In Armenia

​Rich in breathtaking natural, historical and cultural landscapes, Armenia offers countless fascinating attractions to the curious and adventurous traveler. With many mountains, rivers and lush forests to enjoy and remote regions, forts and monasteries to discover, the country will never cease to impress. We explore the ten most beautiful landscapes in Armenia that are must-visits.

​►Monastery of Tatev
Located on an 850 meter-high cliff above springs and incredible nature, the ninth century monastery of Tatev is a must-visit not only for its religious and historical importance but also for its breathtaking natural landscapes all around. To reach it, travelers can hop on board of the world’s longest cableway between Halidzor and the monastery and enjoy the stunning views from above. In medieval Armenia, this was the location of the country’s most important scholastic and spiritual center. Today, this old and famous complex is certainly one of Armenia’s most impressive sites of interest. 

►Goris Rock Formations
Located in a beautiful valley on the Goris River, the small town of Goris is one of the most charming in southern Armenia. With lush green mountains in the surroundings, the area is home to the most breathtaking natural landscapes. What sets this place apart from others, however, is the gigantic rock formations on the edges of the town. These strikingly jagged and numerous foundations are worth the trip.

►Noravank Gorge
Located in Vayots Dzor, Noravank Gorge is not to be missed. Visitors will see fascinating caves where ancient shoes and traditional wine making facilities from the Chalcolithic period have been found. This makes the so-called Bird Cave one of the earliest wine fermentation sites in the world. In addition to the stunning caves, there is a wide variety of birds including eagles and vultures, impressive rocky walls with changing colors according to the time of the day, and a magnificent 13th-century monastery to visit.

►Lake Sevan
Stunning Lake Sevan is one of Armenia’s natural gems and is the nearest ocean equivalent for this land-locked country. Located 1905 meters above sea level, this incredible freshwater lake is one of the world’s largest high-altitude lakes. The perfect place to take a dip on hot summer days. There is also Sevanavank, a stunning ancient monastery made out of crude black stones that travelers can visit. The church is a perfect viewpoint, too. While at the lake, make sure to try the local grilled trout.

►Khor Virap
Located on a small hill in the Ararat Valley, Khor Virap is where Grigor Luisavorich, or Saint Gregory the Illuminator, was imprisoned for a period of 13 years until he cured King Trdat III who was then suffering from an illness. The king’s recovery made him convert to Christianity and Armenia became the first country in the world to adopt the Christian religion in 301. Today, travelers can explore the underground chamber where the Saint was held, and the beautiful Khor Virap monastery itself. The setting is one of the most impressive as it is the closest point to stunning Mount Ararat.

►Garni Canyon
About 30 kilometers east of Armenia’s capital city, Yerevan, stands the breathtaking Garni Canyon with its gorgeous vertical cliffs and unique basalt polygon columns called the ‘Symphony of Stones.’ Looking at it from afar, the cliffs can indeed resemble a massive pipe organ. Believed to be formed after volcanic eruptions a long time ago, a visit to this stunning gorge is highly recommended. The trip can also be combined with a visit to the nearby Temple of Garni, Armenia’s only pagan temple built in the first century.

►Debed Canyon
Rich in history and culture, Debed Canyon is one of the most attractive sites in Armenia. Lacking tourist facilities, visitors usually stay in Vanadzor and take day trips to the stunning canyon. On the way, you can choose to visit the World Heritage listed Sanahin and Haghpat monasteries, together with countless little villages along the Debed River. The area is home to a number of fascinating khachkars; impressive cross stones which are the perfect reflection of Medieval Christian Armenian traditional art.