- Where to go to sunbathe?
- Weather features of a beach holiday in Armenia
- Active and athletic
- Ancient stones of Sevan
- Delicious symbols
The oldest Christian culture on Earth originated in the territory of modern Armenia, and tours to the country of high mountains, flowering apricot trees and stately stone monasteries are usually clearly educational in nature. However, finding themselves in the summer on the shores of the purest high-mountainous Lake Sevan, many travelers decide to combine an excursion program with a beach vacation. In Armenia, it is organized at a quite decent level, and classical Armenian hospitality and cordiality become a pleasant addition to sunbathing against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes.
Where to go to sunbathe?
There is only one destination for a beach holiday in Armenia - Lake Sevan. It appeared on the world map due to volcanic activity, and the surrounding landscape is particularly beautiful and majestic. The mountain ranges surrounding Sevan guarantee stunning photos in which the blue bowl of the lake plays the main violin.
You can get to Sevan by taxi or public transport from the capital. The fares are quite affordable, and the distance from Yerevan to the city of Sevan is just over 50 km.
Hotels and motels, restaurants and cafes, boarding houses and tourist centers have been built on the shores of the lake. Prices for food and accommodation vary from very affordable to quite high, which allows a traveler with almost any budget to organize a beach vacation in Armenia. Locals also offer their houses for renting a room.
Weather features of a beach holiday in Armenia
The high-mountainous location of Sevan (the lake is at an altitude of almost two kilometers above sea level) largely determines the local climate. It is quite harsh and the average monthly temperatures are comparable to those in Karelian, for example. When choosing where it is better to sunbathe in Sevan and when to go on a tour, you should consider:
- Humidity on the shores of the lake is always high and strong winds often blow from Sevan to the coast.
- The snow melts only by mid-April, and the air temperature rises to a stable + 20 ° С not earlier than the end of May.
- Even at the height of the beach season, there is no hot weather on the shores of the lake, and in July and August, thermometers usually do not rise above + 25 ° С.
- The water temperature is kept at around + 18 ° С for most of the swimming season from July to September.
- In late summer and early autumn, less precipitation falls than in June-July.
A beach holiday in Armenia on Lake Sevan requires some acclimatization for those with heart and lung problems. Despite the favorable temperatures, it may take time to get used to the conditions of the relatively high altitude.
Active and athletic
On the shores of Sevan, there are many grounds for practicing a variety of sports. Here you can find courts and try your hand at serving a tennis ball or take advantage of the opportunity to rent a jet ski. Sevan shores are equipped with places for playing volleyball, beach soccer and basketball, and horse riding fans can take lessons at the local equestrian club.
Ancient stones of Sevan
Local travel agencies will help you diversify your beach vacation in Armenia by visiting ancient architectural and historical monuments. After reviewing the reviews, choose excursions to ancient monasteries. They were built at a time when the rest of the world did not even begin to accept Christianity:
- The most famous and significant monastery of Sevanavank was founded in the 9th century. The monastery became a fortress when the monks had to repel the attacks of the Arab conquerors, then it was destroyed and abandoned. Today Sevanavank is accessible to tourists and its main attractions are two churches that have stood on the lake shore for over a thousand years.
- Hayravank was erected on a small hill and the most picturesque views of the lake open from the walls of this monastery. It is better to choose early morning for photo sessions, because during the day its territory becomes a place for picnics arranged by residents of nearby villages.
- At the cemetery of khachkars in the village of Noratus, you can see carved stone steles that have survived from the 13th century. On the territory of the open-air museum, local residents sell the most inexpensive souvenirs in the area.
Delicious symbols
Everyone who has ever been on a beach holiday in Armenia has certainly tried the famous Sevan trout. This fish is called ishkhan and it is so loved by the Armenians that it has become the same symbol of the lake as its ancient monasteries. The image of trout adorns a commemorative postage stamp, and it is prepared in every roadside cafe or restaurant.
The second signature dish of Sevan, which is unlikely to be tasted anywhere else, is Sevan crayfish kebab. Every self-respecting cook in Armenia knows the perfect recipe for its preparation, and local herbs, cold white wine and a view of Sevan become the best accompaniment to a fragrant and hearty kebab. A lake that you will never forget once you see.
