From museums to hiking trails and medieval stone monasteries: Euronews recommends including Armenia on your 2026 travel list

The country of windswept peaks, medieval stone monasteries and a capital city of monumental architecture is often overlooked, despite being a short to mid-haul flight away from many countries in Europe, Euronews writes.

New entry rules mean citizens of dozens of countries, including those in the EU and the UK, can now visit without needing a visa.

Here’s why you should put Armenia on your travel list for 2026.

Armenia has temporarily scrapped visa requirements for 113 countries until July 1 2026. Visitors from these nations can now enter Armenia for up to 180 days within a one-year period without a visa. The relaxed entry requirements hope to boost tourism and bring travellers to the country throughout the year.

From exploring Yerevan’s cafe culture and museums to discovering hiking trails and UNESCO World Heritage sites, the country provides diverse experiences year-round. The Lesser Caucasus Mountains are criss-crossed by wild trekking routes leading to volcanic peaks like Mount Aragats and Azhdahak.

The epic Transcaucasian Trail also runs for just over 800 kilometres through the country.

The capital, Yerevan is a force of Soviet-era architecture, from neoclassical arcades to bold Brutalist statements. There are several museums of calibre, including the Matenadaran library, housing thousands of ancient Greek and Armenian manuscripts, and the History Museum of Armenia, with a wealth of archaeological treasures.

Contemporary culture is in abundance, too, at the energetic cafes along North Avenue, the Vernissage flea market, and the Cafesjian Centre for the Arts with a rich programme of emerging artists’ exhibitions, international collaborations and festivals.