Once you have seen Garni, Geghard and Lake Sevan, Armenia still has plenty of surprises. These six lesser-known places reward travellers who are happy to drive a little further, and most of them are still blissfully quiet.
1. Jermuk: waterfalls and mineral springs
High in the mountains of Vayots Dzor, the spa town of Jermuk is famous across the region for its hot mineral water. Sample it from the stone taps of the Gallery of Waters, walk to the 70-metre Jermuk Waterfall, and hike the pine-covered trails above the Arpa River canyon. In winter, Jermuk also has a small ski resort.
- From Yerevan: about 170 km (2.5 to 3 hours)
2. Old Goris and Khndzoresk
Above the town of Goris, strange cone-shaped rocks are riddled with caves that people lived in until the mid-20th century. Nearby, the cave village of Khndzoresk is reached by a long swinging footbridge over a gorge. Goris itself is a relaxed base with stone houses and a good choice of guesthouses, and its homemade fruit brandies are well known.
- From Yerevan: about 240 km (4 hours)
3. Areni: the cradle of wine
In 2011, archaeologists working in the Areni-1 cave announced the discovery of the oldest known winery in the world, around 6,100 years old. Today the surrounding villages grow the native Areni Noir grape, and small family wineries welcome visitors for tastings. Every October the village hosts a lively wine festival.
- From Yerevan: about 110 km (1.5 hours)
4. Vorotan Canyon and Devil’s Bridge
Below Tatev, the Vorotan River has carved a deep canyon and a natural stone bridge. Warm mineral springs bubble up in pools beneath it, and the hike down to the abandoned Great Hermitage of Tatev makes a peaceful half-day walk. Most visitors only see this landscape from the cable car, so the trails are rarely crowded.
5. Lake Kari on Mount Aragats
Mount Aragats is Armenia’s highest mountain, with four summits around an ancient crater. A road climbs to Lake Kari at about 3,200 metres, where snow can linger into July. It is a great base for day hikes, and experienced hikers can attempt the southern summit with a local guide in summer.
- From Yerevan: about 60 km (1.5 hours); the road is usually open from June to October
6. The forests around Dilijan
Dilijan National Park protects some of the greenest landscapes in the Caucasus. Walk to the small Parz Lake, visit the forest monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank, or follow sections of the Transcaucasian Trail, a long-distance hiking route that passes through the region.
- From Yerevan: about 100 km (1.5 hours)
How to visit these places
Public transport reaches Jermuk, Goris and Dilijan, but the most beautiful corners around them are easier to reach with a driver. Combining several gems into one trip, for example Areni, Jermuk and Goris over two days, is the most efficient way to see them.
Go beyond the usual route
Our local guides know the hidden side of Armenia. Tell us what you love, whether it is hiking, wine or history, and we will design an off-the-beaten-path trip for you.
