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The months of September and October mark the season of autumn in Armenia, which is the best time to visit the country. Armenia was once the part of the former Soviet Union which has left its influence on the country. The country is one of the few popular regions in Europe that remain undiscovered to this day. Travellers get to see a replica of a huge bottle of wine when they arrive at the airport denoting the good times that await tourists arriving in the country. The Ottoman rich architecture and cooking styles to this day are prevalent in the country. Below is an interesting compiled list of 20+ best places to visit in Armenia this Autumn.
20+ Best Places To Visit In Armenia
Areni Caves
The first location on our list of 20+ best places to visit in Armenia brings us to the Areni Caves. The caves are one of the most important and historically preserved regions in Armenia. The caves are home to several relics dating back to the Bronze age, that to this day are constantly popping up. Some notable finds include the remains of the earliest leather shoe, an old straw skirt, the oldest surviving brain and many more. The destination guide to the place is correct, however, the public transport is fairly operational and most of the times not in the best condition. So, either hire a cab or hitchhike to the location.
Location: Southern Armenia
Things to do: Hiking, trekking, wine tasting
Places to explore: St. Astvatsatsin Church, Areni Wine factory, Hin Areni Winery
Best time to visit: September and October
Dilijan National Park
The national park lies in the vicinity of the town of Dilijan which was a paradise for the creative types during the Soviet Russia era. To this day there are several Soviet ear memorials that lie across the town giving inspiration to the modern-day creative travellers. The town is also home to several astonishing war memorials, whose ruins today grace the town at different locations. There are several places that you can reach either by hitchhiking or just hiking, making the town a trip worth two days.
Location: North Eastern Armenia
Things to do: Mountaineering, safari, hiking
Places to explore: Lake Parz, Monument of Heroes, Sharambeyan Street
Best time to visit: September and October
Debed Canyon
The 20+ best places to visit in Armenia would not be complete without the mention of the Debed Canyon. The canyon is home to two of the most famous monasteries in Armenia, namely Haghpat and Sanahin. The canyon is also home to several Armenian memorial stones with ornate carvings. The memorial stones are Armenian memorial stele cross-stones that go by the local name ‘khachkars’.
Location: Northern Armenia
Things to do: Hiking, city tour, trekking
Places to explore: Sanahin Monastery
Best time to visit: September and October
Etchmiadzin Cathedral
Welcome to the Vatican of Armenian Apostolic Church locally also referred to as Echmiadzin or Vagharshapat. Armenia was the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion. In the country 90% of the population are Christians and the Etchmiadzin Cathedral is supposedly the place where it all began. The site is a UNESCO heritage site. It is also the location where priests come to study and enhance their understanding of the religion and the Bible.
Location: Vagharshapat, West Armenia
Things to do: Visiting a church, trekking, hiking
Places to explore: Manoogian treasury, Saint Gayane Church, Ruins of Zvartnots
Best time to visit: September and October
Geghard Monastery
The journey in search of 20+ best places to visit in Armenia brings us to the Geghard Monastery. The monastery is a religious pilgrim site for many years even before Christianity came to the region. The location holds a special place for pilgrims looking for a Hellenic pilgrim site to honour the Greek gods. The Geghard Monastery is a UNESCO heritage site, with people drenching themselves in the holy water. The water flows into the monastery from a holy spring that people often consume.
Location: Mets Gilanlar, Central Armenia
Things to do: Zipline, gastronomic tour, Armagnac tasting
Places to explore: Garni Temple, Geghard, Tatev Castle
Best time to visit: September and October
Read more: 50 Incredible Things to Do in Armenia
Goris
The most scenic and raw form of Armenia is visible in this small town in the Syunik province of Armenia. Goris is home to several natural wonders of nature that range from hidden caves to hills and vast expanses of lush green mountainous forests. There have been shreds of evidence that point to the fact that ancient Armenians used these caves as homes, especially to survive the harsh climate. The pleasant weather and fresh air in the region are certain to uplift your mood.
Location: South Armenia
Things to do: Hiking, trekking,
Places to explore: Saint Gregory’s Church, Aksel Museum, Ruins of Goris
Best time to visit: September and October
Gyumri
In the northern region of Armenia lies the next location on our list of places to visit in Armenia called Gyumri. The region is popular for its rich history and culture, which was hit during an earthquake back in 1988. Although several historical and archaeological sites remain in ruins, the restoration work is still in full swing. There are several churches that you can explore, or enjoy a nice cool Brewski while taking in the grand views at Gyumri.
Location: Northern Armenia
Things to do: Hiking, trekking, Brewskis tasting
Places to explore: All Saviours Church, Black Fortress, Museum Of Urban Life
Best time to visit: September and October
Jermuk
This next location goes by the name of ‘the Spa town’ or the home to a European mineral water factory. Jermuk is home to one of the largest waterfalls in Armenia called the Mermaids Hair waterfall. The way to the fall is through a winding path up the river valley and a short walk parallel to the river. The region is also popular for several geysers and hot water baths where one can take a nice dip in the therapeutic waters. These hot baths are accessible through a short ride on a 4×4 by locals at a reasonable price.
Location: Southern Armenia
Things to do: Swimming in a lake, trekking, hiking
Places to explore: Israel Ori Statue, Dolphin lake, Gndevank
Best time to visit: September and October
Khor Virap
The name Khor Virap in the local Armenian language translates to “deep dungeon”. The location is one of the popular tourist places in Armenia with Mount Ararat as its backdrop. Khor Virap is the place where Saint Gregory was put behind bars in the 3rd century for 13 years. After which he was successfully able to guide the local Armenian population in the ways of the teachings by Jesus Christ. Soon Saint Gregory became the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church and kept on with Christ’s preachings.
Location: West Armenia
Things to do: Trekking, Hiking
Places to explore: Khor Virap State Sanctuary, Aras River,
Best time to visit: September and October
Lake Sevan
Armenia is a land that consists of jagged rocks and mountains with lower valleys housing lakes. One such lake popular for its beauty and subtlety is Lake Sevan. The destination is the star attraction of Armenia and is popular even with the locals. The lake is pleasant to visit all year round and is open for many activities that take place in the lake or on its banks. The location is home to several landmarks that make a visit to the location worth every effort.
Location: Eastern Armenia
Things to do: Hiking, boating, surfing
Places to explore: Sevan Island, Bohem Studio Teahouse, Hayravank Monastery
Best time to visit: September and October
Noravank Monastery
The next destination on the list of 20+ best places to visit in Armenia is one that goes by the name of the Noravank Monastery. The monastery is one of the few locations that were left by the Mongols during their raid of the region. The reason for the mercy was the engravings on the walls that resembled the eyes of God. The almond-shaped eyes instilled a sense of reverence in the Mongols and they sparred the monastery from their plunder.
Location: Southwest Armenia
Things to do: Hiking, trekking, cycling
Places to explore: Amaghu River, Yerevan, Yeghegnadzor
Best time to visit: September and October
Noratus Cemetery
One of the most unique and intriguing places to visit in Armenia has to be the Noratus Cemetery. Unlike the other attractions in Armenia, the Noaratus village is famous for its cemetery. The reason for the popularity is the massive number of khachkars that adorn the region. Khachkars are massive memorial stones with intricate carvings from the Medieval Christian Armenian era. While some khachkars lie by themselves, some seem to cluster together in a group. A group of these khachkars or memorial stones depicts a family’s final resting place.
Location: Eastern Armenia
Things to do: Trekking, hiking, village tour
Places to explore: Gavar, Sevanavank, Lake Sevan, Daputs Monastery
Best time to visit: September and October
Orbelian’s Caravanserai
Orbelian’s Caravanserai is one of the last remaining shelters that adorn the silk route passing through Armenia. The long room used to offer refuge to travellers and animals that used to take this treacherous voyage. These caravanserais line the entire silk route, however, this is the only one that remains in the best possible shape. The building seems to be made out of basalt, which helps keep the temperatures inside the structure bearable in extreme weather.
Location: South Armenia
Things to do: Hiking, trekking, mountaineering
Places to explore: Garni Temple, Republic Square, Khor Virab
Best time to visit: September and October
Shusha
As of a recent war between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the city of Shusha is now under the administration of Azerbaijan. The current scenario of the city seems very dire as most of the region remains in ruins. The city in its former glory days was popular for the numerous museums that the city was home to. From carpet to history to money, the city had all the museums one could not even dream of going to.
Location: Azerbaijan
Things to do: Hiking, trekking, city tour
Places to explore: Art Museum, History Museum, Carpet Museum
Best time to visit: September and October
You may like: 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Armenia
Stepanakert
The next location is the capital city of Nagorno-Karabakh. The capital city is Stepanakert, which is a forgotten land due to the long ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Technically the land of Nagorno-Karabakh lies in Azerbaijan. Stepanakert the country’s capital city is only accessible via a piece of land that lies in Armenia. The city is one of its kind, with the local population completely cut off from the rest of the world.
Location: Between Armenia and Azerbaijan
Things to do: Trekking, city tours, hiking
Places to explore: Park Artsakh, History Museum, Yeghishe Arakyal
Best time to visit: September and October
Tatev Monastery
Many would have already come to the conclusion about Armenia, is the land of monasteries. The presence of these many monasteries often amazes travellers visiting the country. The Tatev Monastery is one such example of a great monastery and University back in the 9th century. The monastery complex is one of the most historically rich and important places to visit in Armenia. The monastery is roughly a four and a half-hour drive from the city of Yerevan.
Location: Southeastern Armenia
Things to do: Trailing, hiking, trekking
Places to explore: Wings of Tatev, Tatevi Anapat, Goris Cave
Best time to visit: September and October
Temple Of Garni
The temple of Garni is the next iconic location on the list of 20+ best places to visit in Armenia. The temple is the only building in Armenia with columns of pillars supporting the roof. Temple of Garni portrays a lot from the pre-Christian era and likely dates back to the first century AD. In 1679 the temple was hit by an earthquake and since has undergone several refurbishing efforts. The temple serves as the central shrine of Armenian Neopaganism.
Location: Central Armenia
Things to do: Biking, hiking, trekking
Places to explore: Symphony of Stones, Garni Gorge, Republic Square
Best time to visit: September and October
Ughtasar Petroglyphs
One of the most unique locations in Armenia has to be the Ughtasar Petroglyphs. The place lies in the beautiful Syunik province of Armenia near a town that goes by the name of Sisian. According to historians, the region is abundant with relics that hold archaeological and historical significance. The reason the petroglyphs are difficult to find and reach is due to their remote location. The petroglyphs show engravings of coffee mugs, pottery, jewellery and many other important archaeological symbols.
Location: Southern Armenia
Things to do: Trekking and hiking
Places to explore: Shaki Waterfall, Carahunge, Sevlich
Best time to visit: September and October
Vayots Dzor Province
The next location that makes up the list is the province of Vayots Dzor. The mere mention of the name brings about memories of the famous Areni wines made in the region. The province is popular for some of the best hiking trails in Armenia. The reason for this, is the low popularity of the trails among hikers that call the province their home. The trail offers a panoramic view of Mt. Tekar and the landscape surrounding the province.
Location: Southeastern Armenia
Things to do: Hiking, trekking, mountain biking
Places to explore: Noravank Monastery, Jermuk Waterfall, Hot Springs
Best time to visit: September and October
Vanadzor
The city of Vanadzor is Armenia’s third-largest city and serves as the capital of Lori province. The city centre is a popular tourist attraction that one must visit when in Vanadzor. The entire city is home to two UNESCO approved sites which are worth the visit. Vanadzor is popular for housing some of the famous monasteries in Armenia. As well as the holiest and the oldest church in Armenia, the Odzun Church.
Location: Northern Armenia
Things to do: City Tour, wine tasting, river rafting
Places to explore: Boo Mountain Park, Geological Museum, Museum Of Fine Arts
Best time to visit: September and October
Yerevan
The final location on the list of 20+ best places to visit in Armenia is its famous capital city of Yerevan. The city to this date happens to woe travellers coming from all different corners of the world. Yerevan is famous for its rich history, culture and architecture. Hues of pink are visible adorning the many old structures of this tourist-friendly city. The café culture is very strong in the city, with new cafes popping up in every corner of the city.
Location: Southwestern Armenia
Things to do: City tour, hiking, wine tour
Places to explore: Matenadaran, Dancing fountains, Armenian Genocide Museum
Best time to visit: September and October
