Armenia: Beautiful European country where you might be the only tourist
It’s safe, affordable, jam-packed with rich history and “mesmerising” landscapes that travel bloggers say should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Europe has so many beautiful countries to visit that are right on our doorstep – from France and Spain to Italy and Greece. But sometimes it can be easy to overlook places that are equally as stunning but a little more under the tourism radar.
The stunning country of Armenia is one such location, with less visitors than many of its counterparts on the continent – but all that could be about to change as tourist numbers begin to soar.
Armenia – officially the Republic of Armenia – is a landlocked country in the Armenian Highlands of West Asia, bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north and Azerbaijan to the east and Iran and the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan to the south.
The Tourism Committee revealed that interest in the country – that is generally considered geopolitically European – is rocketing in a report summarising visitor numbers for last year.
It said: “This year Armenia received more than two million (2 million 50 thousand) tourists for the first time and there are still two months to go. The number of visitors has exceeded all expectations.” In the first nine months of 2023 the number of tourists increased by almost 50 percent.
Its capital city Yerevan is also quickly gaining traction as a must visit place. The city is the country’s capital and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities with a current population of over just over a million people.
In recent years Yerevan has undergone major transformation – with new retail outlets, restaurants, shops and street cafés – which were rare during its Soviet rule from which it became free of in 1991.
Travel blogger Kami – who runs website Kami & The Rest of the World – revealed that she is drawn back to the country time and time 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 added: “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 agreed. They said: “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 added: “This small country will draw you in with its capturing landscapes, ancient monuments and unparalleled hospitality. If you’re up for discovering one of Europe’s best kept secrets travel to Armenia!”
https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/1881957/armenia-european-country-no-tourists
