Predestined as a hiker’s, outdoor activities, and extreme sports destination, Armenia boasts 4 national parks, 3 national reserves, and 30 state sanctuaries with forests over 4,000 years old. On the trail from the South to the North corridor, you may even spot one of the 11 Caucasian leopards roaming the reserves of Armenia.
We start our journey in the capital, Yerevan, which recently made headlines with Kim Kardashian and her family visiting their original homeland. With less than a 3-hour direct flight from Cairo or Dubai, Yerevan is not only a great holiday choice but also a perfect weekend stop to discover a new destination.
You might not have expected to find high-end luxury brands lining the shopping boulevards or the latest Bentley models parked outside the city’s fancy restaurants and clubs that rival their European counterparts in service and quality, even if on a much smaller scale. Add art galleries, antique hunting grounds, and opera performances to make Yerevan an exciting stop for the discerning globe-trotter eager to tick off another city on their must-see list.
WHERE TO STAY:
THE ALEXANDER
The 5-star hotel, part of the Leading Hotels of the World, is where Amal and George Clooney called home away from home during their trip to Armenia in 2016. Kim and Khloe Kardashian and co. opted for the 5-star Marriott, also known for its spa and fine dining restaurant. The list of 5- and 4-star hotels is long. I recommend opting for central downtown addresses for easy and walkable access to major sites.
WHERE TO DINE:
ARMENIAN CUISINE
If you haven’t tried Mayrig in Cairo or Beirut, then definitely head to Yerevan’s branch, which serves must-have dishes like Menta and Kibbeh. Dolomato is another favorite among locals and international visitors, including the Kardashians. At Lavash, also known for traditional Armenian cuisine, leave some space for Halva, the delicious local dessert you must try.
The restaurant at the Tufenkian Historic Hotel offers an interesting dining experience set amidst a carpet shop complete with weaving frames. A must-try is the trout, served with “Sharkaseya” sauce, the delicious walnut sauce known to accompany poultry.
Nightlife in Yerevan is very much about the hundreds of wine bars that line the city center. In Vino is among the very popular ones, where wine tasting is almost a daily routine. With over 300 local wine brands, Yerevan hosts an annual wine festival to celebrate the rebirth of winemaking.
WHAT AND WHERE TO SHOP
The daily Vernissage market, situated just opposite the Tufenkian Hotel, is where you can get your souvenirs, from carpets to carpet hats, wood and stone ornaments, ceramics including all sizes of red pomegranates (the national symbol representing fertility, prosperity, and good luck), paintings, books, and more. Antique lovers will indulge at the additional antique stalls on Saturdays and Sundays.
Armenian jewelers are well-established and known around the globe for their expertise in jewelry making. If you’re in for a treat, head to Diamor, specializing in diamonds, at Dalma Garden Mall. From H&M to Max Mara, you will find many international brands downtown. For local designers, visit 5Concept and The Main Design Store at the Mirzoyan Library, which also boasts a café and bar popular among the young and intellectual local crowd.
ART
Art lovers will truly enjoy a visit to the private Cafesjian Center for the Arts museum, which spans 5 levels and features waterfalls, showcasing a unique collection of local and international artists, including Bottero. The Modern Art Museum is home to contemporary Armenian designers and exhibitions on loan from local private collectors.
On display at the National Museum, you will discover the oldest shoe in the world. The museum also offers a one-stop crash course in Armenia’s history.
SIGHTSEEING
The statue of Mother Armenia is a definite must-see. It not only commemorates the liberation from Soviet rule but also serves as a tribute to Armenian women.
More historical sites, including the famous Geghard Monastery (one of the country’s 3 official UNESCO World Heritage sites), can be found in the surrounding countryside. Lake Sevan, popular among locals for escaping the capital’s summer heat, is also home to the Black Monastery, which dates back to the 9th century.
The nearby countryside is also where you will head for day trips to enjoy the long list of exciting outdoor activities Armenia has to offer: kayaking, balloon rides, paragliding, zip-lining, mountain climbing, horseback riding, or simply hiking to enjoy the seemingly endless scenery of lush green hills and mountains. Ideal for selfies likely to earn a lot of likes!
To sum up my trip, Armenia offers a great mix of art, culture, and outdoor activities, making it ideal for a family vacation or an out-of-the-box discovery trip!
