For many Russians, honestly, rest in Armenia is not the limit of dreams. This country is remembered after visiting a standard set of resorts. About Armenia more is learned from news releases than after traveling through this country. And in vain - it would be better on the contrary.
Of course, after the adoption of independence, the country changed. There were fewer guests: it's not so convenient to get to Yerevan from Russia either. But still here it is still beautiful, sunny and intoxicating freely. There are churches, fortresses, monasteries, Ararat rises, shines in the sun Sevan means everything is in order.
Tourist season
In Armenia, the tourist season begins in the autumn - it's the best time for walking: warm, lots of fruit , good prices. Excursions are good from May to June, when the heat has not yet begun. Ski holidays are comfortable from the middle of November to April. But on the mountains it is best to climb in July and August. Beach lovers are occupying Lake Sevan from the end of June to September.
The weather in Armenia is unique in its own way: due to the difference in altitudes in neighboring cities there may be different temperatures. Moreover, in one city in different regions it can differ by 2-3 degrees.
Beaches of Armenia
Armenian beaches are located near Lake Sevan - the most popular lake of Transcaucasia. It is surrounded by high mountains, and next door is the National Park. Most tourists take the northern coast, where there are sanatoriums and boarding houses. Here is a good beach infrastructure. True, the water is usually cool - even in summer Sevan collects no more than 18 degrees Celsius.
By the way, in Sevan for fishing you need to get a license, which is issued by companies that organize fishing tours. In the lake there are Sevan trout "ishkhan", barbel, whitefish, pike perch.
It is worth noting and resorts that are located near mineral springs - Vanadzor, Arzni, Arevik, Ankavan, Dilijan, Jermuk. By their medicinal properties they are not inferior to the popular brands of the Czech Republic and Hungary.
Hotels in Armenia - $
Armenian hotels in the majority preserved the Soviet charm: pompous design with not always good service. Hotels are reluctant to go through the classification, because they do not want to meet the quality standards. Example: you can deprive the Internet, but deliciously fed. So when booking, ask if the hotel is certified and what services it provides.
The best hotels, of course, are in Yerevan - here you also have transfers, a winter garden, and a swimming pool with a solarium, and soundproofing rooms. New hotels in the country are opened rarely. All five-star hotels are collected in the capital - beyond its borders, mainly means of placing a level of 2-3 "stars."
Shopping
Carpets are the national pride of Armenians. Products with traditional patterns can be bought both in specialized shops, and directly from cars, for example, in Yerevan. In the capital market - the largest selection of carpet at affordable prices. It is better to take antique carpets on the market "Vernissage", which works in Yerevan on Saturdays.
Cognac - "Ararat", "Sayat Nova", "Noah", "Armenika" - an obligatory purchase in Armenia. Practically in any store you can buy a bottle of excellent cognac. Tasting should be in moderation, so that the medicine does not become poison.
In addition, you can bring from Armenia the copper Jazzle Turks, bronze statuettes of national heroes, traditional dolls and dolls woven in the technique of tapestry, and more unusual than "tarosiki" are such small gifts for guests at weddings.
Armenian Cuisine
Armenian cuisine is a huge amount of greenery and vegetables. Locals know about 300 kinds of seasonings, which sometimes serve as the main ingredient. Each dish is served with lavash, white or black, or matnakash - round or oval bread.
The most popular dish in Armenia is shish kebab. How many of its species, it is difficult to calculate. In general, Armenians like meat dishes: dolma, arganak, kokolik, aris, bozbash, borani. Delicious treats are obtained from Ishkhan - Sevan trout. One of the most popular dishes is kutap stuffed with rice, ginger and raisin trout, while baked in the oven.
Of alcoholic beverages, first of all, Armenian cognac is known. In addition, it is not out of place to try mulberry vodka and natural wines.
Sights of Armenia
On any street of any Armenian village you will meet with some attraction. It is inevitable as well as sunrise. Armenia is called an open-air museum - and it's not a beautiful beautiful phrase, but reality.
Yerevan
Most amazing things are in one of the most ancient cities in the world - in Yerevan. Tour of the capital can last as long as you please, it all depends on your curiosity and endurance.
The central square, the 15th century fortress, monuments and memorial sites, the Matenadaran Institute with thousands of ancient manuscripts, squares, cognac factory, theaters, a botanical garden and a zoo are the tip of the iceberg. There are many medieval churches in the city, and the ruins of the temple of Avan are dated to the 6th century.
Former capitals
Armavir, Artashat and Dvin are the former capitals of Armenia. The first was founded as a fortress in the 7th century BC. Artashat, located near the confluence of the Metsamor River in the Araks, is called the Armenian Carthage. Dvin was the capital in the Middle Ages. Because of the numerous wars, he, like the other two capitals, was virtually destroyed. Today here are the ruins of palaces, manors, houses and citadels.
Vanadzor
It is the third largest city in the country. From here you can recover to the Sanahinsky Monastery, located on a thousand-meter mountain. You can only reach by cable car. Also in the vicinity of the city there is a monastery and fortress of Akhtala with beautiful ancient frescoes and the temple of the village of Odzun, dating from the 7th century.
Dilijan
Dilijan is one of the most famous resorts in Armenia. His sources for medicinal properties are compared with the Georgian Borjomi. On the territory of the resort is a huge reserve, some trees have gone for the fourth hundred years. In the reserve there are three old monasteries - Makaravank, Goshavank and Haghartsin.
Sevan
Dilijan is also a starting point to Lake Sevan. "The pearl of Armenia" is surrounded by a national park of 100 thousand hectares. On the territory where the lake, park and the city of Sevan are located, there are many historical monuments.
To explore absolutely all the sights in the vicinity of the lake, you will have to overcome 200 kilometers! The most interesting are the ancient city of Gavar, Sevan monastery from volcanic tuff and the church of Ayrivank.
Tsar
Princely residence Tsar in Nagorno-Karabakh is known for its monasteries, temples and fortresses - these are real works of Armenian medieval architecture. The most interesting is the architectural complex on the Hutavank hill, as well as the fortress Jraberd. This fortress was never captured by the enemy. For what reason, the researchers have not been able to find out.
Southeast
Fans of mountain landscapes and natural attractions go to the south-east of the country. Alpine meadows are spread here, mountain ridges and valleys stretch, rivers rush through narrow gorges, feeding on waterfalls. They say that it is in this part of Armenia that the most delicious honey is extracted.
Near the city of Yeghegnadzor is 120 kilometers to the south-east from Yerevan - there is Vernashen village. The village is the basilica of Surb Hakob, in which the museum of Gladzor University is located. In the Middle Ages, this university was the center of enlightenment of Transcaucasia, and the best scientists of that era taught here.