Looking for the most beautiful city in Armenia, you gotta go beyond the capital. And, I’d dare to say that not even Gyumri, which I love endlessly, should make it into the competition for that title. I think it’s worth looking further and deeper because smaller cities and towns in Armenia have a lot to offer in this regard. So, going beyond the typical Yerevan – Gyumri axes of the most visited places in our country, which is the most beautiful city in Armenia?
Here are some of the most beautiful cities in Armenia that are worth seeing:
- Goris
- Kapan
- Dilijan
- Jermuk
- Odzun.
In all honesty, though, it’s hard to pick one as the most beautiful city in Armenia. Do you want to enjoy some of the best water pools in the Caucasus? Then you definitely need to visit Jermuk. Do you want to see “Armenian Switzerland”? Go to Dilijan, and get inspired from my ‘Things to do in Dilijan’ post!
One thing is certain. Armenia is more than the pink capital Yerevan or Gyumri with its unique architecture. So, let’s see what these beautiful cities in Armenia can offer. And if you happen to visit some of these places, ping me on Twitter or Instagram with #ArmeniaTravelTips. I would love to hear your stories.
Goris
Goris is the second-largest town in the region of Syunik after Kapan. This small town will blow you away with its hospitable people, spectacular natural landscape, and unique architecture. Here you can admire art in a local gallery, visit Goris geological museum, visit Aksel Bakunts House-Museum or just admire the local architecture.
In addition to the interesting architectural landscape, Goris is famous for its beautiful nature. If you want to see Goris at its best, you need a long hike in the surrounding hills or drive there to see the city from the top. Here you can see beautiful views of the caves and stone pyramids.
The most inexpensive way to get to Goris from Yerevan is to grab a marshrutka. You will need to go to the Southern Bus Stations in Yerevan. The drive will last about 4-5 hours and will cost you 2000-2500 AMD ($5). Also, don’t hesitate to check the main transport connections in this online routes platform. I really like it.
Kapan
Kapan is the capital of the Syunik region. It is located near Khustuph Mountain and the Voghji River in the South-East of Armenia.
The picturesque mountain surrounding the town gives a look that touches the eye. You can visit monuments dating back to the 4th century like the Baghaberd Fortress also known as the castle of Davit Bek.
It’s worth visiting the church of Yeritsavanq which is near to Kapan and dates back to the 5-11th centuries.
You can get to Kapan by bus, car or taxi. The buses leave from Yerevan Southern bus station.
Dilijan
Welcome to “little Switzerland in Armenia”! Dilijan is located in the north, in the picturesque Tavush region. It is beautiful in all four seasons but I love it most in the fall because of the colorful landscape. It’s really worth seeing it!
Today Dilijan is known not only for its pristine nature but UWC Dilijan College and TUMO – a one-of-a-kind creativity and technology center for youth. If you decide to visit these sites and talk to students, you need to book a tour beforehand.
Don’t miss Dilijan churches. Here you will find several gems of medieval Armenian architecture. By all means, visit Haghartsin which dates back to the 10th -13th centuries, and Goshavank (12th -13th centuries).
If you are looking for an affordable way to get from Yerevan to Dilijan, take the marshrutkas that leave regularly from the Northern Bus Station.
Jermuk
Another fabulous spot of Armenia. Jermuk is located in the mountains of Vayots Dzor, in the southeastern end of the country on a plateau divided by the canyon of the River Arpa.
It is known for its mineral water pools which make Jemuk one of the best resort towns in Armenia. Surrounded by mountains, these pools are one-of-a-kind in the whole region. Generally, mineral waters from Jermuk are known for their healing nature. You must have heard of the bottled mineral water branded “Jermuk”.
Don’t forget to visit “Mermaids hair”, a fascinating waterfall that looks like the hair of a girl. In short, this is one of my best favorite spots in Armenia. I really recommend it!
You can get from Yerevan to Jermuk by bus taxi, or car. The buses leave from Kilikia bus station and it takes 4 hours to travel from Yerevan to Jermuk.
Odzun
Aerial photo of #Odzun Church, Armenian basilica constructed around 5th-7th century in the Odzun village of the #Lori Marz of #Armenia. pic.twitter.com/7zfkOuovsc
— Armenia 🇦🇲 (@armenia) August 9, 2017
If you prefer to visit the Northern part of Armenia, most people will recommend Vanadzor or Alaverdi. However, I prefer Odzun – a historic village in the Lori province of Armenia. It is situated on a plateau above the left bank of the Debed river gorge.
Odzun has a different vibe that will attract your heart if you love nature and old architecture. You may want to visit the Armenian basilica that was built between the 5th and 7th centuries. This one is definitely worth the visit.
Another mysterious place in Armenia is Horomayri Monastery tucked away in what feels like an armpit of the Debed Gorge.
You can travel by train, taxi, car, and bus from Yerevan to Odzun. The train travels three times a week and costs some USD 2.
Wrapping up
Yep, traveling in Armenia is an adventure. Visiting the most beautiful cities in Armenia I hope you’ll experience the same uplifting feeling that I do. You will enjoy picturesque mountainous views in almost all the spots I mentioned. And if you appreciate the beauty of your surroundings, I think you might like reading my post about the most romantic places in Armenia, where I put together 7 beautiful spots for you.
Go beyond Yerevan and Gyumri, explore, travel around! If you happen to visit these different beautiful cities in Armenia, don’t forget to share your impressions with me. Just ping me on Twitter or Instagram with #ArmeniaTravelTips. I would love to hear from you!
Featured image credits: Karine Avetisyan on Unsplash
