Amazing Things to Do and Tourist Attractions to Visit in Sevan
Sevan is a city on the banks of Lake Sevan. The lake is considered to be one of the three legendary lakes of ancient Armenia. It is often called the blue eyes or the blue beauty. It is truly blue and it is extremely beautiful.
Though it is a lake and not an ocean, Sevan is considered a beach town. Lake Sevan is the only place to find beaches in Armenia. Majority of things to do in Sevan are concentrated around the lake. It is a pristine blue lake with several tourist attractions along its banks. There are resorts, waterparks, and other facilities built around the lake. Most of these become active during the summer. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them any other time of the year.
It is one of the best places for sightseeing in Sevan. Many people visit the lake for swimming. Though you should consider the warnings of the locals regarding varying tide and whirlpools in the lake. It is advised not to swim to deep in the lake by yourself. Besides swimming, there are many interesting things to do in Sevan. The lake is also very popular for wind surfing, sailing, speedboating, jet skiing, paddle boating, rowing and so on. It a great spot for enjoying a variety of water sports. Besides water sports beach football, volleyball, horse riding, and tennis are also popular activities surrounding the lake.
You can also go fishing in the lake, though this activity is limited to certain seasons only. The banks of the lake are also popular picnic spot, so you will see many people enjoying barbecue picnics near the lake. Often tourists would combine fishing and barbecue for a fun day spent near Sevan lake.
Owing to the wilderness around the lake, it is also a great region to go hiking among things to do in Sevan. One of the most popular hiking trails circumvents the lake. You will also be able to explore some historical places to visit in Sevan along the hike trail. One of the most important Sevan tourist attraction is Sevanavank Monastery. The Monastery is a Sevan attraction which used to be located on an island of sorts until much of the water was drained. The monastery is still a great place for sightseeing of the beautiful lake. This historical attraction is built with black stone. It has quite a distinguished look. Another impressive place to visit in Sevan is the Noratus Khachkar Cemetery. There are several things to see in the cemetery itself. It is the largest khachkar tombstone cemetery in the world. This tourist attraction features a variety of carved khachkar stones. Among other historical places to visit in Sevan are a few monasteries, ruins of cyclopean fortress and an astronomical observatory.
Some tourist also visit Sevan for birdwatching. The lake is breeding ground for Armenian Gull. Among other birds to see around lake Sevan during migration season are Ferruginous Duck, Bewick’s Swan, Great Black Headed Gull, White Fronted Goose, Montagu Harrier, Red Crested Pochard, Steppe Eagle and many more. You can head straight to Sevan National Park for bird watching in any season. It is one of four protected nature reserves in the country. Some experts also travel to Sevan National Park for amphibians and reptiles.
Table of Contents
Things to do in Sevan, Armenia
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Sevan, Armenia
- Sevanavank Monastery
- Hayravank Monastery
- Noratus Cemetery
- Vanevan Monastry
- Saint Thaddeus Church
- Tyseba Archeological Site
- Berkunk Fortress Ruins
- Sevsar Ancient Astronomical Observatory
- Cyclopean Fortress of Metsep Ruins
- Cyclopean Fortress Mashtotsner Ruins
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Places to Visit in Sevan, Armenia
- Lake Sevan
- Sevan National Park
- Sevan Island
- Mount Artanish
- Mount Murghuz
- Mount Karktasar
- Mets Lchasar Volcano
- Areguni Ridge
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Places to visit in Sevan, Armenia
- Sevan Botanical Gardens
- Seven Water Park
Offbeat Places, Tours & Adventure Things to do in Sevan, Armenia
- Hiking
- Lake Sevan BBQ
- Lake Sevan Paragliding
- Lake Sevan Boat ride
- Lake Sevan Sailing
Sightseeing in Sevan, Armenia
- Vazgenian Theological Academy
- Sevan Writer’s House
- Nairyan Street
- Sevan Church
- Soviet Viewing Platform
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Sevan, Armenia
- Semoyi Mot Restaurant
- Maku Hacatun
- Gata Boulangerie
- Bohem Studio Teahouse
How to Reach Sevan, Armenia?
By Air
The closest option for Sevan travel by air is the Zvartnots International Airport situated in Yerevan. You won’t get direct transportation for Sevan sightseeing. You can however get closer to the region using one of the tours available at the airport. You can also negotiate for a custom tour of places to visit in Sevan. However, you have a better shot of landing a good deal from within Yerevan for things to do in Sevan. The rates of the vendors in the city are way cheaper than those at the airport.
By Road
You will have to take a minibus to reach Sevan attractions. There are several minibuses which frequent all across the region. But you will have to be dependent on the bus timings for Sevan travel and also for the journey back.
A far more convenient option is to get a cab or book a tour. Both these options allow you the freedom of movement from one Sevan tourist attraction to another. You don’t have to be dependent on minibus transport timings and you don’t have to worry about being left behind once the last bus leaves. You can enjoy Sevan sightseeing at your leisure.
You can also take a trip circumventing the lake if you have your own vehicle or a rented vehicle. Road trips around the lake is among popular things to do in Sevan. This brings up to another option for Sevan travel: rental car. This option only works, if you are cleared to drive in Armenia. Else a cab or a tour is your best bet for places to visit in Sevan.
By Water
There are ferries and boat rides running from one end of Lake Sevan to another. But, you can’t strictly call them water transport for Sevan travel. Otherwise the region is landlocked. The lake is the only major water body in the region to enjoy boat rides.
