Travel Guides

Armenia

Car hire Armenia

It might not the first place in the world you’d think of traveling to, but Armenia, the landlocked country that straddles Asia and Europe, is an interesting and colorful one that is starting to become a popular tourist destination. For Americans heading to Armenia, they can expect stunning mountains, an Alpine lake, lush rainforests and a pulsating gaggle of cities. Car rental in Armenia isn’t one of the faint-hearted, but it is handy if you’re traveling to more than on city.

Flights aren’t direct from the US, but a stop in France, Germany or Turkey is a welcomed one as it can take more than 14 hours to get there and if you don’t need a break, the airplane might! Although it’s not much, there is an airport tax of around $6, which is payable at the visa services desks in the terminal building where you can compare car hire.

Things to do and see

With lush forests, rugged mountains and stunning lakes, Armenia is a tranquil, natural setting that bodes well for those that love to hike or go mountain biking. In the busy cities, there are more than 1,700 religious buildings although these are mainly churches, which are nonetheless fascinating to see. The Garnie Temple is another must-visit landmark.

Sunbathing, camping, rock climbing and even windsurfing on the lake are all popular with active tourists, or for those that like a quieter time, the ancient monastery on top of Mount Ararat should not be missed. For shoppers, the markets and trade stalls offer some amazing chances to haggle for cognac, carpets, gifts and souvenirs. Be sure to sample the dolma, borcht and the BBQ khorovats to really take a bite out of Armenia.

Best time to visit

With the country still technically at war with Azerbaijan, it pays to check up on the political status, but having had a ceasefire since 1994, all should be well. It’s generally warm and dry in the cities and frequently wet in the forests, while snow is to be expected in the mountains almost year-round. The heat is manageable except in the summer months, when it can become a little too humid without any sea breeze to speak of.