Culture and nature can easily be combined here by hiking to dramatically solitary monasteries.
According to new entry rules, citizens of 113 countries will be able to visit the country without a visa until July 1, 2026.
Armenia, located in the highlands of Western Asia, has just become more accessible for Europeans.
The country of wind-swept peaks, medieval stone monasteries, and a capital with monumental architecture often goes unnoticed, even though it takes only a few hours to fly here from many countries in Europe.
According to new entry rules, citizens of dozens of states, including EU countries and the UK, can now come here without a visa.
This is why Armenia should be included in travel plans for 2026. "This decision is a direct invitation to travelers from all over the world," said Lusine Gevorgyan, chair of the Tourism Committee of Armenia.
"Armenia is open and welcoming, and we look forward to introducing even more guests to our culture, landscapes, and hospitality throughout 2026."
Armenia offers a wide range of experiences for adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts, and foodies.
"With its ancient monasteries, dramatic mountain landscapes, vibrant culinary scene, and rich traditions, Armenia provides travelers with a unique blend of history and modern life," says Gevorgyan.
"From exploring the café culture and museums of Yerevan to discovering hiking trails and UNESCO World Heritage sites, the country offers a variety of leisure formats year-round."
Culture and nature can easily be combined here by hiking to Armenia's dramatically solitary monasteries, including routes through Dilijan National Park — often referred to as the 'Armenian Switzerland' — where the monasteries of Goshavank, Matosavank, and Yuhhtavank are hidden among the forests.
Nearby is Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world.
The monasteries of Agartsin and Sanahin, located in the far north, are also included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Founded in the 10th to 13th centuries, they were major religious centers of education and manuscript writing.
If you head south in the country, there are also many sacred sites.
"It's worth visiting Dilijan to see the most revered monastery in Armenia — Khor Virap Monastery, which is over a thousand years old," says Ance Schweinzer, general manager of Intrepid Travel for Eastern Europe, to Euronews Travel.
Travelers can walk the trails leading to the Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is partially carved into a solid rock in the upper reaches of the Azat Valley.
Hiking Trails and Monasteries
The Lesser Caucasus is crisscrossed with wild trekking routes leading to volcanic peaks such as Mount Aragats (4090 meters) and Azhdahak. The famous Transcaucasian Trail, stretching just over 800 kilometers, also runs through the country.
Culture and nature can easily be combined here by hiking to Armenia's dramatically solitary monasteries, including routes through Dilijan National Park — often referred to as the 'Armenian Switzerland' — where the monasteries of Goshavank, Matosavank, and Yuhhtavank are hidden among the forests.
Nearby is Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world.
The monasteries of Agartsin and Sanahin, located in the far north, are also included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Founded in the 10th to 13th centuries, they were major religious centers of education and manuscript writing.
If you head south in the country, there are also many sacred sites.
"It's worth visiting Dilijan to see the most revered monastery in Armenia — Khor Virap Monastery, which is over a thousand years old," says Ance Schweinzer, general manager of Intrepid Travel for Eastern Europe, to Euronews Travel.
Travelers can walk the trails leading to the Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is partially carved into a solid rock in the upper reaches of the Azat Valley.
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