Armenia is the land where the past and the nature combine in the most incredible manners. With ancient monasteries that sit atop mountain cliffs, and beautiful lakes that mirror the sky, the country has some of the most photogenic places in the Caucasus. To those who have decided to visit Armenia and take a tour there, it is a travel by itself to capture its reality through the camera. The sceneries, architectural and ruins have their own tales dating back thousands of years making Armenia a dream destination to photographers and adventurers.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top photography spots in Armenia, highlighting the country’s scenic vistas and ancient ruins that will enrich both your travel experience and your photo collection.
Here are the Photography Spots in Armenia
1. Lake Sevan – The Jewel of Armenia
Lake Sevan is a spectacular freshwater lake billed as the largest lake in the Caucasus, and one of the most recognizable sights in the country known as the blue-eyed beauty of Armenia. Its crystal clear blue water is surrounded by mountains making it one of the best places to take photographs in Armenia. Sunset and sunrise here are particularly beautiful, as the lake flares up with all the colours of gold, pink and violet. It would be a shame to miss Sevanavank Monastery, which is set on a peninsula adding historical appeal to your photos.
2. Garni Temple – A Slice of Antiquity
The Garni Temple is the only Greco-Roman temple that remains in Armenia, so it should be on the list of photographers interested in ancient architecture. It was constructed in the 1st century AD and is a pagan temple standing magnificently against the Azat River Gorge. The panoramas of the temple surrounded by mountains, or the shots of the spectacular carvings, are very interesting to watch. It is also located in a great place to visit in a tour to Armenia by those who have interest in history.
3. Geghard Monastery – Carved from Rock
Geghard Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is partly cut out of cliffs, so the photography there is quite mystical. It is a remarkable piece of work with the light and shadows playing off of its chambers which are all hewn in rock. Geghard is surrounded by mountains of huge height, so there is no shortage of great landscape photography, or indeed, of spirituality in the medieval heritage of Armenia.
4. Tatev Monastery and the Wings of Tatev
Tatev Monastery is one of the most spectacular photography spots in Armenia, perched on a cliff overlooking the Vorotan Gorge. The monastery itself, dating back to the 9th century, is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. To reach it, visitors often take the “Wings of Tatev,” the world’s longest reversible cable car. From above, the sweeping views of lush valleys and the monastery itself create postcard-perfect shots.
5. Noravank Monastery – Red Rocks and Golden Light
Noravank is distinguished by the spectacular setting, between red sandstone cliffs. During sunset, the sun rays are golden and they bring a surreal effect to the monastery walls and the mountains around. Photographers like to take pictures of the two-storied Surb Astvatsatsin Church with its narrow stone staircase. This site beautifully combines Armenia’s architectural brilliance with raw natural beauty.
6. Dilijan National Park – The Armenian Switzerland
Dilijan National Park is a dream to those who want to see nature. The country is referred to as the Switzerland of Armenia due to its forests, alpine pastures and serene lakes. Deep in the park are the monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank where history and wilderness combine. Be it misty mornings in the forest or ancient stone churches overgrown with moss, Dilijan is a paradise to landscape and nature enthusiasts.
7. Khor Virap – A View of Mount Ararat
The most recognizable picture of Armenia is Khor Virap Monastery and Mount Ararat in the background. When the skies are clear, the snow-capped mountain is an imposing sight on the horizon and one of the most dramatic photography subjects in the world. The historical value of the place Khor Virap has as the place where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned adds value to each shot. For travelers, it is undoubtedly one of the unmissable photography spots in Armenia.
8. Zvartnots Cathedral Ruins – Timeless Beauty
Zvartnots Cathedral is a hauntingly beautiful site, even though there is nothing left but ruins. It is a former 7th-century cathedral and the ruins of broken columns and carved stone create an impression of timelessness. The ruins against the backdrop of Mount Ararat are ideal photographic subjects to photographers who would like to capture ancient heritage sites in a romantic mood.
9. Jermuk Waterfalls – The Mermaid’s Hair
Jermuk is a spa town, but its most photogenic waterfall can be found in the area. Also called the Hair of the Mermaid, this tumbling cataract is a very smooth falling waterfall that cascades over a cliff forming a curtain like effect. It is a good place to practice slow shutter photography. The nature that surrounds this picture with fresh mountain air makes the scene even more attractive.
10. Khndzoresk Cave Village – Ancient and Unusual
To have a unique experience, visit Khndzoresk Cave Village. This deserted community has houses, chapels and storage rooms hewn right into the cliffs. A suspension bridge links some sections in the site, providing a spectacular panoramic view of the gorge below. It is a combination of mystery, history, and rugged terrain- perfect to photographers who like adventure.
11. Amberd Fortress – Guardian of the Highlands
Amberd Fortress is a medieval fortress standing on the slopes of Mount Aragats and located at 2,300 meters above the sea level. The fortress ruins, together with the alpine landscape, are an ideal combination of history and nature. Go in spring or fall to get wildflowers or colorful foliage in the background of the fortress walls.
12. Shaki Waterfall – Nature’s Curtain
Shaki Waterfall is located not far away from the town of Sisian and flows down a cliff 18 meters into the green gorge. Instead of its beauty being in its volume, it is in its shape of a perfect semi-circle. Shaki is particularly photogenic in spring, when the flow is at its peak. Photographers will be spoiled with the number of angles to capture the energy and the charm of this natural wonder.
Conclusion
Lake-like serenity and mountain-like monasteries, ruins and waterfalls, Armenia is a land that offers every photographer memorable shots. Whether you’re drawn to landscapes, historical architecture, or ancient ruins, these top photography spots in Armenia offer endless inspiration. Every place has a narrative, and you have the need to capture it in your camera.
Traveling with Go Kite Tours means that you not only get to see these magnificent views but you have the expertise to capture them in their best. When you are going on an Armenia tour, take your camera and enjoy the adventure and be ready to capture the soul of this magical country.