Why Travel to Armenia in 2026 (6 Reasons By a Local)

If you are reading this right now, consider it your sign to travel to Armenia. I am sure you have heard about Armenia before. Maybe your friends have visited or you have seen videos on Instagram or TikTok. Enough waiting. We are ready to welcome you in 2026.

But if you still want some reasons to come, here are a few that, as a local, I think every tourist should know:

1. Safest Country in the World

Armenia has recently been recognized as one of the safest countries in the world for travelers. According to the World Travel Index, it ranks 13th out of 193 countries with a safety score of 90.27. This means you can explore its streets, mountains, and cities without worrying about your safety.

Many visitors say you can even walk around at night and feel completely safe. Expats and locals share the same experience.

Klara Atamurzaeva, a TikTok blogger and expat living in Armenia with her family, mentions that she feels completely safe letting her kids play outside. Having traveled and lived in many countries, she says Armenia is a peaceful place where families do not have to worry about crime or danger.

Famous influencer Luca Galone has also tested Armenia’s safety through social experiments. He left car keys unattended and even dropped wallets in public, and in every case, people returned them. His experiences show that Armenia is a secure country where people respect others’ belongings.

Whether you are traveling solo, with family, or just looking for adventure, Armenia in 2026 offers a safe and welcoming environment. You can focus on exploring its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture without worry.

2. Festival-friendly

   
   

Armenia is a country full of festivals for every kind of traveler. Love wine? There’s a wine festival. Prefer beer? We have that too. Into flowers, food, or shopping? You’ll find a festival for that as well.

If you’re planning a visit, the best time to experience Armenia is during its festival season.

Here are the top festivals to look forward to in 2026:

1. Wine Days, Yerevan – Celebrate Armenia’s ancient winemaking traditions with tastings, grape stomping, and live music. Date: TBD

2. Beer Days, Yerevan – Sample local and international beers, enjoy food stalls, and catch live performances. Date: TBD

3. Golden Apricot Film Festival, Yerevan – One of the region’s most prestigious film festivals, showcasing films from around the world. Date: TBD

4. Gastronomic Days, Yerevan – A paradise for food lovers, with local and international cuisine, cooking demos, and tasting events. Date: TBD

5. Gutan Folk Fest, Yerevan – Celebrate Armenian folk music, dance, and crafts in a vibrant cultural gathering. Date: TBD

Most of these festivals take place during the summer and autumn months, making it the perfect time to visit Armenia for both great weather and unforgettable experiences.

3. We Know How to Have Fun

   
   

Honestly, we know how to have fun. Baby born? Big celebration. Getting married? Invite 500 people. No money? No problem, we’ll celebrate anyway.

Here are the top celebrations to look forward to in 2026:

Vardavar – The Water Festival

If you want to have fun, this is the festival for you.

Vardavar is an ancient Armenian tradition where people of all ages take to the streets to splash water on each other. Originally tied to pagan rituals and later connected to the Feast of the Transfiguration, it’s now a day of pure fun, laughter, and cooling off in the summer heat.

Every year, more and more people join in the excitement, splashing and watering each other in the streets. Mark your calendar for July 12, 2026 and get ready to get wet.

Nor Tari – New Year’s Celebration

The 2025–2026 New Year celebration in Yerevan was unforgettable. The city was full of lights, Christmas decorations, and a giant Christmas tree. People called it one of the best New Year celebrations in the world. Don’t believe it? Check out the comment sections on the videos below. Who knows what 2026 will bring—it might be even better.

4. Food That Will Make You Question Your Previous Choices

   
   

I’m not saying this just because I’m Armenian—others will agree too. You have pizza and pasta in Italy, spicy food in Thailand or Vietnam, but our food? It’s impossible to pick just one favorite because there are so many incredible dishes. Even non-Armenian food tastes better here.

Here’s what travelers have shared from their trips:

5. Instagrammable Locations + Rich History and Culture as a Bonus

   
   

You haven’t really been somewhere if you haven’t taken photos or created aesthetic videos. In Armenia, your content will look amazing almost anywhere you go—the colors, weather, and atmosphere make every shot vibrant and memorable. What’s even better is that each location tells a story and carries a deep cultural or historical meaning, giving your photos and videos an extra layer of richness that your brain will love.

Needless to say, you can find countless examples online from travelers who have captured Armenia beautifully:

6. PEOPLE

   
   

I saved the best reason for last. Armenia is about its people. We have a concept called “jigyar”, which doesn’t really have a direct translation in any other language. It’s like a deep love and warmth for others.

Armenians are kind, friendly, and genuinely love welcoming tourists. They are always ready to help if you’re in need. Even if they don’t speak your language, they’ll happily use Google Translate or find another way to communicate.

Come for the above-mentioned five reasons but I am sure you’ll come back for the sixth. People will make you fall in love with our country.