As the summer approaches, the question on everyone’s mind is where to go for a weekend outside Yerevan.
Locals along with tourists are also thinking about options as it may get too hot in Yerevan even in May. Besides, with temperatures rising, the opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in any region of Armenia multiply. Of course, the destination is based on your preferences. Some people do not like extreme or active rest and would rather opt for a luxurious hotel with a spa. The good news is Armenia has many options to offer.
Armenia’s diverse landscapes and numerous cultural sites provide perfect destinations for every traveler looking to make the most of the sunny season. This blog will explore some ideas for a weekend outside Yerevan.
Weekend in Mountains Near Yerevan
Kotayk province with its mountain popular resorts of Tsaghkadzor or Aghveran is one of the most visited destinations by locals. It’s a way to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life by being closer to nature. The reason for these destinations is it takes less than an hour to travel there. There are plenty of options for tourists. You can either choose a hiking tour, a zip line, or climbing mountains. Another popular way of spending a weekend is simply enjoying a good hotel with a pool and breathtaking views.
Tsaghkadzor, known for its winter sports, transforms into a haven in May. Take a ropeway to watch the awakening of nature, green slopes, and flowers. Besides, here you can try zip-lining or mountain biking. Outside hotels, the small town has state-of-the-art restaurants and cafes that offer national Armenian and European cuisine.
Wine Tasting
Armenia is becoming more popular as a destination for wine lovers. Of course, you can enjoy any local wine in one of the multiple bars of Saryan Street or match your visit to Armenia with joyful Yerevan Wine Days. However, the best option is to spend a weekend in Vayots Dzor or Aragatsotn provinces offering a blend of culinary delight and cultural exploration.
These regions, renowned for their rich winemaking heritage, provide a picturesque backdrop for visiting multiple wineries. Sip the distinct flavors of local wines and learn about the ancient techniques still in use today. There are many accommodation options in both provinces. Hotels and B&B where wine enthusiasts can spend a great weekend visiting several wineries during one trip. The journey through these provinces also allows for stops at significant cultural sites, like Noravank in Vayots Dzor.
This will not be a traditional wine tasting with wines and delicious snacks. A short weekend may turn into a thrilling adventure. Visting Areni cave where the world’s oldest winery was discovered is like traveling through time. Another unusual site is Armenia Wine Museum in Aragatsotn with its collection of archaeological exhibits related to winemaking. Thus, the tasting tour turns into an educational journey into the heart of Armenia’s vinicultural heritage.
Tatev Monastery
The road to Tatev Monastery, an iconic site on any tourist’s bucket list, takes around 4 hours. If you have a chance to spend a weekend outside Yerevan, it’s perfect to stay here overnight. Besides, tourists can choose one of the hotels in charming Goris. This town in the south of Armenia is captivating visitors with stunning views and unique architecture.
Tatev Monastery is located on the edge of a deep gorge. It is accessible via the “Wings of Tatev” the world’s longest non-stop cable car, which provides stunning aerial views of the surrounding mountains. The monastery consists of several buildings – three churches, a library, a bell tower, a refectory, etc. This was once one of the educational and spiritual centers of the region. So, the destination is perfect for those willing to explore Armenia’s rich past.
Spending a weekend in this part of Armenia is a thrilling experience. One of the top sites is Khndzoresk with its old cave settlement where people lived until the 1950s and a swinging bridge. Carahunge or Zorats Karer, a 4.5-hectare site with more than 200 standing stones built is a mystical site only one hour drive from Tatev.
Traveling to Armenia’s North
As the weather gets warm, do not miss a chance to visit Lori and especially Debed Canyon. This trip promises a wide range of outdoor activities for thrill-seekers. From hiking and mountain biking to more intense pursuits like rock climbing and rafting. For the latter check the weather as rafting is allowed during several months of the year.
Adding to the charm of Debed Canyon are the historical monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat, perched atop neighboring hills. These UNESCO World Heritage sites not only offer a glimpse into Armenia’s rich history and architectural heritage. These are not the only historical sites. In general, Lori is known for many beautiful churches and unique khachkars like Amenaprkich (All-Savior) khachkar dating back to the 7th-8th centuries.
Extreme Adventures in Tavush
Few expect to find extreme adventures in the tranquil woodlands of Tavush. Dilijan or a little Switzerland how a resort town called for its green-covered peaks is popular as a place to find peace. Covered with forests, it has amazing hiking trails that may lead you to a medieval monastery or a mountain lake. However, tourists can find an extreme amusement park traveling only one hour from the resort town.
Yell Extreme Park in the village of Yenokavan is Armenia’s pioneering adventure park offering a bunch of activities for everyone. It’s famous for its amazing 750-meter-long zipline. It was the first attraction here but later, the park expanded to include mountain biking, horseback riding, and the challenging rope park.