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style.news.am: According to the Numbeo safety index in 2024, Armenia is among the top ten safest destinations in the world. This country ranked eighth among 146 countries. Yerevan, the historical capital of Armenia, was ranked 19th out of 333 cities. Euronews writes: This is an attractive offer for a vacation, but besides spiritual peace, there are other reasons to travel to Armenia.
Ancient religious buildings, delicious food, and vibrant culture are easily experienced due to Armenia’s small size (a landlocked country of less than 30,000 square kilometers). Here are some reasons to visit Armenia in 2024.
Local cuisine may surprise you
The country’s complex history of kingdoms and conquerors has shaped Armenian cuisine over the years. But the rich soil always produced lentils, wheat, figs and apricots.
Bread is abundant here, and the traditional lavash is considered an important cultural symbol, which is why it was included in the representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Various meats are wrapped in thin flat breads, especially “kebabi” – Armenian kebab. It dries quickly, sometimes the bread is folded and dried and then softened with water for further use.
Among other traditional dishes, we can mention Dolme. On the occasion of this dish, the “Uduli” festival is held every year in the city of Armavir, where various types of tulma are offered, as well as master classes and cooking competitions.
Those lucky enough to be attending an Armenian holiday event, such as a wedding or Christmas party, can try Gapama.
Armenia’s ski resorts are underrated
Armenia is probably not a destination that many skiers consider when planning a winter vacation, but with its peaks towering over the Alps and sunny winter days, it’s a great destination for ski enthusiasts.
Mylar resort in Aparan region is in the new country’s ski scene. Here, skiers, snowboarders and skaters can enjoy around 100 marked trails, a vertical drop of 972 meters and three resort villages.
Another famous place is Tsaghkadzor, the largest ski resort in the country, which is only 40 minutes (by car) from Yerevan. 30 kilometers of route are waiting for you, the highest of which starts at 2819 meters.
The best time to ski in Armenia is from December to March, when the temperature is low enough to create ideal conditions for skiing on the slopes.
Immerse yourself in the Armenian festival
Festivals are a great way to get an idea of the country’s cultural traditions and history, and there are many of them in Armenia. The country hosts a variety of events almost year-round, from food and wine festivals to balloon and jazz festivals.
Yerevan Wine Days is one of the most popular wine days. This vibrant festival, which last year attracted more than 160,000 visitors and showcased 17,000 bottles of wine, takes place in early June and celebrates the more than 6,000-year history of winemaking in Armenia.
The centerpiece of the event is Sarian Street, where wine producers from all over the country offer samples of their beverages. There is always live music playing on the stage, delicious local food is also offered to the visitors.
Jazz Day in Yerevan, Vardavar, Honey and Mulberry Festival and International Film Festival are just a part of the many and varied events that are held throughout the year.
The UNESCO heritage sites in Armenia are amazing
As the first Christian country in the world, Armenia is of great historical importance. Echmiadzin Cathedral is one of the most spectacular places. This beautiful building, which largely defines the ecclesiastical architecture of the region, has attracted the attention of UNESCO.
Haqpat and Sanahin monasteries are located near the northern border of Armenia in Lori region. Byzantine monasteries built in the 10th century and almost intact historical monuments are proof of the seamless fusion of Armenian and Byzantine architecture.
Gaghard Monastery and the valley above Azat River are a collection of rock tombs and churches. Just an hour’s drive from Yerevan, you’ll find these medieval buildings standing out against the backdrop of steep cliffs. On the way, stop for a moment and throw a stone to the edge of the cliff to preserve a dream. Local people believe that if it remains on the threshold, your wish may come true.
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