Watching over revered Mt Ararat, Armenia spans rocky highlands while also boasting lush forests and serene, turquoise Lake Sevan. There are remote regions and monasteries to explore (Vayots Dzor & Syunik, for example), but highlights are as likely to be Yerevan’s buzzing arts scene, the Mediterranean mind-set and café culture, or a spontaneous shared meal – and tipple – with locals.
Much of the current tourist traffic comprises diaspora Armenians seeking a slice of their homeland. Their high standards enticed some international hotel chains and caused overdevelopment in places like Sevan. Yet it’s still easy to escape to hidden gems, including stalactite-filled caves and summer villages inhabited by Yezidi Kurds and Armenian shepherds. The Debed Canyon is rich with history and culture, and Goris is a fascinating time-warp town that warrants a few days’ exploration. As most travellers whiz through on a brief side trip between other places, serious explorers will have the best sights to themselves.
While the country’s ancient monasteries, candle-lit churches and high-walled forts are obvious highlights, your fondest memories of Armenia will most likely lie with the locals themselves. You’ll easily find friends among these gracious, humble and easygoing people, even without a common language. Ties are best forged around a dinner table, where endless rounds of toasting accompany a meal bursting with fresh vegetables and grilled meats.
Armenian cuisine is very rich and diverse, due to the location of Armenia at a crossroads of many cultures and civilizations. The Caucasus and Armenian Highlands form a bridge between Europe, Asia and the Middle East, while even Africa is not far. Because Armenians have been spread across the land from the Caspian to the Mediterranean Sea, you will find Armenian dishes with anything from Russian and Persian, to Greek, Arabic and Turkish influences. Some of the most important dishes to Armenians include Shish Kebab (Khorovats), with many different marinades, dolma and of course, Armenian rice! There are countless dishes which few non-Armenians ever get to try, which are just as loved within the Armenian community.
