Armenia, a small mountainous country at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, is emerging as a captivating destination that draws travelers back repeatedly. Despite its modest size, it boasts one of the world's oldest civilizations, with a history that includes being the first state to adopt Christianity as its official religion in 301 CE. Travel experts say it is not hard to see how it captivates visitors.
A Land of Ancient Heritage
Armenia is a landlocked nation sharing borders with Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan. Its capital, Yerevan, is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, dating back to 782 BCE. The country, with a population of around 2.8 to 3 million people, is known for its ancient monasteries, traditional khachkars (cross-stones), and the duduk, a woodwind instrument with a distinctive sound.
Chess holds a unique place in Armenian culture, being taught in schools and deeply woven into national identity. Armenian cuisine, one of the world's oldest culinary traditions, reflects influences from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Popular dishes include lavash (a UNESCO-recognized flatbread), khorovats (barbecue), dolma, harissa, and gata.
Yerevan's Transformation
Since Armenia gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Yerevan has seen a remarkable transformation, with new retail outlets, restaurants, and pavement cafés springing up. Travel blogger Kami, who runs the website Kami & The Rest of the World, revealed her frequent returns: "I was lucky to visit Armenia around 10 times by now (I already lost the count) and I'm sure I will be returning there in future too. This country has something magnetic that draws you back over and over again."
Thijs Broekkamp from travel review website nomadasaurus.com echoed her sentiments, stating: "From enjoying the world's longest cable car ride through the mesmerising landscapes of Vorotan canyon to admiring some of the oldest monasteries on record, these are just some of the reasons you should travel to Armenia. When you travel in Armenia you will often wonder, how come more people aren't placing Armenia higher on their bucket list?"
Key Landmarks and Getting There
Yerevan's notable landmarks include Republic Square, the Cascade Complex, the Matenadaran museum, Erebuni Fortress, and the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. As of 2026, direct flights from London Luton Airport to Yerevan are available, operated by Wizz Air UK, typically twice a week, with a journey time of approximately 5 to 6 hours. Return flights in December are available for £60.
