Travellers often go to popular spots such as Italy or Greece (Image: traumlichtfabrik via Getty Images)
Europe boasts countless stunning destinations within easy reach — from France and Spain to Italy and Greece. Yet it can be all too simple to overlook equally breathtaking locations that remain somewhat beneath the tourism radar.
The beautiful nation of Armenia is one such destination, attracting fewer visitors than many of its continental counterparts. Armenia is a small, mountainous nation where Eastern Europe and Western Asia meet. Though modest in size, it has a remarkably rich history and a unique cultural identity, the Express previously reported.
Armenia is a landlocked country on the edge of Europe (Image: Getty)
Its capital and largest city, Yerevan, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history dating back to 782 BCE.
Armenia became the first state to adopt Christianity as its official religion, traditionally dated to 301 CE.
The Republic of Armenia is a landlocked nation sharing borders with Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran and the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan to the south.
Meanwhile, the country, itself has population od around 2.8 to 3 million people.
Food and culture
Armenia is known for its ancient monasteries and churches, traditional stone carvings called khachkars (cross-stones) as well as rich folk music featuring the duduk, a woodwind instrument recognised for its distinctive sound.
However, one unique tradition in the country is chess with the game even being taught in schools. Chess is deeply woven into Armenian identity, education, and national pride.
Armenian cuisine is among the world’s oldest culinary traditions, shaped by thousands of years of history and influenced by Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Popular Armenian foods include:
- Lavash (traditional flatbread recognized by UNESCO)
- Khorovats (barbecue)
- Dolma (stuffed grape leaves or vegetables)
- Harissa (a slow-cooked wheat and meat dish)
- Gata (a sweet pastry)
Armenia has some stunning spots and is surrounded by mountains (Image: Getty)
Yerevan
In recent years, Yerevan has undergone a remarkable transformation, with an abundance of new retail outlets, restaurants, shops and pavement cafés springing up — all of which were virtually unheard of during Soviet rule, from which the country broke free in 1991.
Travel blogger Kami — who runs the website Kami & The Rest of the World — revealed that she finds herself drawn back to the country time and again.
She said: “Are you planning a trip to Armenia? Good choice! This is one of the most fascinating countries with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, hospitable people and some amazing monuments.”
Kami went on to say: “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. I’m sure you will discover it too when you travel to Armenia.”
Thijs Broekkamp from travel review website www.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?”.
“Not a lot of nations can boast to have preserved their rich cultural heritage dating far back as the ancient times.”
They continued: “This small country will draw you in with it’s [sic] capturing landscapes, ancient monuments and unparalleled hospitality. If you’re up for discovering one of Europe’s best kept secrets travel to Armenia!”.
Armenia’s capital has notable landmarks including:
- Republic Square — the city’s central plaza, known for its distinctive architecture and evening musical fountain displays
- Cascade Complex — a massive limestone staircase and arts centre offering views across the city toward Mount Ararat
- Matenadaran — a museum and research institute housing thousands of ancient Armenian manuscripts
- Erebuni Fortress — the archaeological site marking the city’s ancient origins
- Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex — a memorial and museum dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide
Flights from London to Yerevan take between five to six hours (Image: Getty)
Flying to Armenia
As of 2026, direct flights from the UK to Yerevan are available, although services are limited.
Wizz Air UK operates non-stop flights from London Luton Airport (LTN) to Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) in Yerevan, typically twice a week.
The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes to 6 hours, depending on weather conditions and flight schedules.
At the moment, there are no direct flights from other UK airports. If you’re flying from another UK airports, you’ll usually need to connect through cities such as:
- Vienna
- Frankfurt
- Paris
- Warsaw
- Athens
- Tbilisi
At the time of writing, there are return flights from London Luton to Yerevan for £60 in December.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
