10 Beautiful Villages to Explore on Your Armenia Tour

Armenia is a country in which history, nature and culture are united in breathtaking harmony. For travelers who need more than the usual sightseeing, an excursion into the countryside is a special experience. The villages dotted all over the Armenia mountains, valleys and lakes are full of charm, traditions and stories waiting to be discovered. If you're planning to explore Armenia Tour, be sure to leave some time to visit these enchanted destinations.

In this guide, we'll showcase 10 stunning villages to visit on your Armenia Tour that perfectly combine natural beauty, ancient heritage, and true Armenian hospitality.

Here are 10 stunning villages to visit on your Armenia Tour

1. Dilijan – The “Little Switzerland” of Armenia

Nestled in the lush forests of Tavush Province, Dilijan is often referred to as the "Little Switzerland" of Armenia with its greenery and alpine beauty. This village is well known for its cozy wooden houses, fresh air of mountains and art community. With monasteries such as Haghartsin and Goshavank close to it, Dilijan is a cultural and spiritual centre. Whether you are into hiking, traditional crafts, or just taking it easy, this is one of the best Villages to see on your Armenia Tour.

2. Areni – The Wine Capital of Armenia

Areni is world renown for its ancient winemaking tradition with evidence that wine has been made here for over 6,000 years. Located in the region of Vayots Dzor, Areni is one of the places with beautiful views of canyons and unique cave complexes. The village is best visited with the Areni Wine Festival in October where you can taste local wines and enjoy Armenian folk music. Don't miss the 13th century Noravank Monastery only a short drive away.

3. Garni – A Village of Pagan Heritage

Garni is very famous for its ancient Greco-Roman temple, which is the only pagan temple which was not destroyed with the conversion of Armenia to Christianity in the 4th century. The village sits on top of a cliff overlooking the breathtaking Garni Gorge with its basalt columns formations known as the "Symphony of Stones." A walk through this village, you are connected to the pre-Christian history of Armenia, which makes it one of the most unique villages to visit on your Armenia Tour.

4. Noratus – The Village of Ancient Khachkars

Located close to the shores of Lake Sevan, Noratus is the home of the largest collection of khachkars (intricately carved cross-stones) in the world. Walking through the Noratus Cemetery is like walking back in time because each khachkar is a story of faith and artistry. The villagers are called warm people and you can often find inhabitants that are willing to share with you traditional food and stories.

5. Khndzoresk – The Cave Village

Khndzoresk in Syunik Province is an interesting cave village, the inhabitants of which lived inside rock formations until the mid-20th century. Today, you can take a long suspension bridge to walk from the old part of the village to the new part of the village. Exploring the caves, visitors have a glimpse on how Armenians adapted to their rugged landscape. This is a must see for those that are looking for off the beaten path experiences.

6. Tatev – A Spiritual and Scenic Treasure

Tatev is most famous with the complex of monasteries that are situated on the cliff, and which overlooks the Vorotan Gorge. The trip to Tatev is as memorable as the place, with the help of the so-called Wings of Tatev which is the longest reversible aerial tramway in the world. Tatev is considered to be one of the most impressive villages to visit during your Armenia Tour because of the spiritual atmosphere, dramatic landscapes, and historical importance.

7. Saghmosavan – The Village of Psalms

The village lies in the Aragatsotn Province and has the Saghmosavank Monastery, the name of which translates to Monastery of Psalms. The monastery is located on the border of the Kasagh Gorge and provides breathtaking scenery of Mount Aragats and the landscape. Saghmosavan is a quiet village where the visitors have an opportunity to enjoy the rich spiritual heritage of Armenia and its beautiful views.

8. Oshakan – The Birthplace of the Armenian Alphabet

Oshakan is a historically and culturally important village since it is the tomb of Mesrop Mashtots who developed the Armenian alphabet. His church is erected in the village center and the adjacent Alphabet Park is a tribute to the Armenian letters with huge stone carvings. Oshakan is a memorable place to anyone who is interested in the language, history, and national identity.

9. Lchashen – The Village by Lake Sevan

Lchashen is picturesque and historic and is located on the banks of the lake, Sevan. The archaeological digs in this village found Bronze Age tombs, ancient artifacts and fortresses. Lchashen is a combination of both natural beauty and archaeological marvels, and it gives the travelers an opportunity to appreciate the lakeside beauty besides relating to the prehistoric history of Armenia.

10. Yeghegis – A Hidden Gem in the Mountains

Yeghegis is a small village in the mountains that has medieval churches, a 13 th century Jewish cemetery and stunning landscapes along rivers. Yeghegis is an ideal place to hike and unwind as it is surrounded by mountains and forests. It is one of the most gratifying villages to visit during your tour of Armenia because of its combination of history, varied heritage and natural beauty.

Why Visit Armenian Villages?

Armenian villages are not merely picturesque places, but also living museums of culture, history and tradition. When you visit them, you will be able to meet the locals, have a taste of the true Armenian food and observe the ancient traditions that are still maintained in daily life. The places are a way to get out of the busy towns and cities and an opportunity to experience the soul of Armenia.

Travel Tips for Exploring Armenian Villages

• When to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best seasons with the best weather and best scenery.

• Homemade Meals: Be prepared to receive warm welcomes and homemade meals.

• Transportation: It is more convenient to hire a local driver or go on guided tours.

• Showing Respect Traditions: It is better to ask before taking photographs of people or religious places.

Conclusion

The beauty of Armenia is not only in its cities and monuments but also in its villages where centuries-old traditions, natural beauty, and strong sense of history can be found. The alpine scenery of Dilijan and cave dwellings of Khndzoresk are only some of the villages with their own stories. You want to be spiritual, in touch with nature or, rather, experience the culture to the fullest, you will find endless villages to visit on your Armenia Tour.

You can discover these secrets of the city at Go Kite Tours in comfort and style and have memories that will live a lifetime. Start the day and make the heart of Armenia open to you, as the true loveliness of an Armenia Tour is in its villages.