Asia > Armenia

The climate is clearly continental: The temperatures differ greatly between winter and summer and are even more marked in the higher altitudes. The summer can be very hot with temperatures reaching 40°C but winter in some areas can be quite harsh. Snowfall is fairly common in the north.

In the spring, rain is fairly abundant although the south benefits from a dryer climate. Throughout the country however there is a lot of sunshine all through the year. June and September are the ideal months for visiting Armenia with pleasant temperatures and almost no rain apart from that resulting from a few storms in the mountains.
In spring, precipitation is relatively abundant, but the south but has a dry climate. Everywhere country enjoys bel sunshine throughout year. June and September are ideal months to visit Armenia, with pleasant temperatures and virtually no rain, except for possible thunderstorms in the mountains.

Despite its small territorial area, Armenia does not lack attractions. Its Capital, Erevan, does not need more than a days visit to see the major attractions such as the National History Museum, the Blue Mosque, Katoghike Church and the modern cathedral as well as the culturally significant Armenian Genocide Museum.

Leaving Erevan, there are several sites worth a detour. To the east you could visit the Hellenistic Temple of Garni, reconstructed next to a ravine, then there is a magnificent monastery at Geghard; a beautiful example of medieval architecture. Towards the south Mount Ararat is a splendid backdrop for the Khor Virap Monastery and to the west you can discover the Neolithic site of Metsamor. A hike to the summit of Mount Aragats (4,090 metres) will give you the opportunity to appreciate the surrounding peaceful landscape.
In the north of the country it is recommended that you go and see the River Debed gorges and the two beautiful monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat together with the medieval fresco at the Achtala monastery.

Cool down beside Lake Sevan; at an altitude of 2,000 metres and 75 kilometres in length with white sand beaches and turquoise waters glittering in the sunlight it really is a sight to see.

Still relatively few in number, tourists are given a warm and enthusiastic welcome thus contributing to Armenia’s reputation for finding a special place in visitor’s hearts and memories.Initially Yerevan, many area attractions worth visiting. To the east, you can visit the Hellenistic temple of Garni, rebuilt at the edge of a ravine, and then the magnificent monastery Geghard, sumptuous representative of medieval architecture. To the south, Mount Ararat is the framework in the monastery of Khor Virap, and west, you can explore the Neolithic site of Metsamor. A hike to the summit of Mount Aragats (4090 meters) will give you the opportunity to contemplate peaceful scenery.
In the north, go see Debed River Gorge, and two beautiful monasteries and Sanahin Haghpat, then that of medieval fresco Achtal.
Mount cool on the shores of Lake Sevan, suspended nearly 2000 meters and measuring 75 kilometers long, with banks of white sand and turquoise water under sunlight.
Yet few tourists are welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm that contributes to Armenia very endearing.

The easiest means of access is by airplane: Various airlines fly to this destination, including Air France, where you will land at Erevan. It is possible to reach Armenia by road through Georgia.
A visa is required, either by request before your departure or on your arrival.

The currency in circulation here is the Dram. Do not bring travellers cheques or credit cards with you, they are rarely used here.
Your required budget here should be fairly low if you stay in a guesthouse and use public transport. A double room in a hotel will cost around €40. Food is relatively inexpensive and you can obtain a delicious meal in a restaurant, influenced by various aspects of the Armenian cuisine, for around €10.

The main health risk is diarrhoea so do not drink tap water, take a basic first aid kit with you with suitable medicines and make sure all your vaccinations are up to date.

For transport within the country the buses aren’t too bad but they are quite uncomfortable. However they do reach all destinations, even those that seem most implausible. Renting a car is a possible solution, practical and affordable but be on guard for the often mediocre state of the roads.