Armenia

Good to know

1. 1Armenia is often described as one of the first countries to adopt Christianity as a state religion, in the early fourth century, and the Armenian Apostolic Church is still central to its culture.
2. 2The Armenian alphabet was created by a monk named Mesrop Mashtots around the year 405, and its distinctive letters are still used today.
3. 3Mount Ararat, the peak traditionally linked with Noah's ark, dominates the skyline from Yerevan, though it now lies across the border in Turkey.
4. 4Armenian food centres on grilled meat, fresh herbs, flatbread called lavash, cheese, dried fruit and walnuts. Lavash baking is recognised by UNESCO as part of the country's cultural heritage.
5. 5Lake Sevan is one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world, and in summer it is a popular place for locals to swim and relax.
6. 6The currency is the dram, and the main language is Armenian. Russian is widely understood by older people, and many younger people in cities speak some English.

Tips for a first visit

• Visit monasteries such as Geghard, Khor Virap and Tatev with modest clothing in mind, and speak quietly inside churches.
• Cards are widely accepted in Yerevan, but carry some cash in drams for villages, markets and small guesthouses.
• Try khorovats (barbecue), dolma, a bowl of spas soup, and finish with strong coffee served in a small cup. Local brandy and apricots are also worth tasting.
• If you are invited to a meal, expect a lot of food and several toasts. Accepting at least a little of everything is polite.
• Hiring a driver for a day is a straightforward way to reach monasteries and mountain sites that buses serve poorly.
• Leave extra time for mountain roads, as distances look short on a map but winding routes make journeys slower than you expect.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with mild days for city walks and countryside trips, and autumn brings harvest fruit and wine. Summer is hot in Yerevan and the Ararat valley, but the highlands and Lake Sevan stay cooler. Winter is cold and snowy in the mountains, which suits skiing, while some remote roads and sites can be hard to reach.

Getting around

Most visitors fly into Yerevan and travel from there. Minibuses called marshrutkas link Yerevan with most towns and cities, and they are cheap and frequent on main routes, though not always comfortable. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are common in Yerevan and can also be hired for longer trips, and there is a limited railway network that is less useful for most visitors than road transport.