‘Fascinating’ European country home to one of the oldest cities with direct flights from London

The European destination has stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries and a rich culture history

While destinations such as France, Spain, Italy and Greece tend to dominate European travel plans, it’s surprisingly easy to overlook equally spectacular locations that fly under the tourist radar.

Armenia is one such hidden gem, drawing considerably fewer visitors than many of its continental neighbours. This small, mountainous nation sits at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia and, despite its modest size, boasts an extraordinarily rich history and a distinct cultural identity.

Its capital and largest city, Yerevan, ranks amongst the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history stretching back to 782 BCE.

Armenia also holds the distinction of being the first nation to adopt Christianity as its official religion, traditionally dated to 301 CE.

The landlocked Republic of Armenia shares its borders with Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran and the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan to the south.

The country is home to a population of approximately 2.8 to three million people, reports the Express.

Food and culture

Armenia is celebrated for its ancient monasteries and churches, intricate traditional stone carvings known as khachkars (cross-stones), and a vibrant folk music tradition centred around the duduk, a woodwind instrument widely recognised for its hauntingly distinctive sound.

One distinctive custom in the nation is chess, with the game even forming part of the school curriculum.

Chess is deeply embedded in Armenian identity, education, and national pride.

Armenian cuisine ranks among the world’s most ancient culinary traditions, moulded by millennia of history and shaped by European, Asian, and Middle Eastern influences.

Popular Armenian dishes include:

Lavash (traditional flatbread recognised by UNESCO)
Khorovats (barbecue)
Dolma (stuffed grape leaves or vegetables)
Harissa (a slow-cooked wheat and meat dish)
Gata (a sweet pastry)

Yerevan

In recent years, Yerevan has experienced a striking transformation, with a wealth of new retail establishments, eateries, shops and pavement cafés emerging – all of which were practically non-existent during Soviet rule, from which the nation gained independence in 1991.

Travel blogger Kami – who operates the website Kami & The Rest of the World – shared that she finds herself returning to the country repeatedly.

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.

“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 shared similar views, saying: “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 it’s [sic] capturing landscapes, ancient monuments and unparalleled hospitality. If you’re up for discovering one of Europe’s best kept secrets travel to Armenia!”

Notable landmarks in Armenia’s capital include:

Republic Square — the city’s central plaza, known for its distinctive architecture and evening musical fountain displays
Cascade Complex — a massive limestone staircase and arts centre offering views across the city toward Mount Ararat
Matenadaran — a museum and research institute housing thousands of ancient Armenian manuscripts
Erebuni Fortress — the archaeological site marking the city’s ancient origins
Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex — a memorial and museum dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide

Getting to Armenia

As of 2026, direct flights from the UK to Yerevan are available, although services are limited.

Wizz Air UK runs non-stop services from London Luton Airport (LTN) to Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) in Yerevan, generally twice weekly.

Flight duration ranges from approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes to 6 hours, subject to weather conditions and timetabling.

Currently, no direct routes operate from other UK airports. Travellers departing from elsewhere in the UK will typically require connections through cities including: