AM, Armenia

Armenia is dotted with monasteries cut into volcanic stone above gorges, from the cliff-cave complex of Geghard to Tatev's longest reversible ropeway, all under the snowcap of Mount Ararat across the Turkish border.

Highlights

When to Visit

May-Jun

Apricot and pomegranate trees in flower across the Ararat plain, and Lake Sevan beaches reopening for the short Armenian summer.

Jul-Aug

Yerevan hits 35°C and locals decamp to Dilijan or Tsaghkadzor in the mountains. Lake Sevan beaches at peak occupancy.

Sep-Oct

Wine harvest in Areni, Khor Virap monastery against Ararat at peak photogenic, and Tatev cable car comfortable for vertigo-prone visitors.

Nov-Apr

Tsaghkadzor ski runs January-March, Yerevan's Cascade complex galleries stay active, and the wine bars of Saryan Street come into their own.