A high-altitude lake town at 1,900 meters, home to a 9th-century monastery on a rocky peninsula. Popular for its freshwater beaches and local crayfish.
Located 1,900 meters above sea level in eastern Armenia, Sevan extends along the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan. You can explore the twin churches of the 9th-century Sevanavank Monastery, stay in the 1969 concrete modernist Writers' House with its distinctive angular balconies, or try local dishes like smoked Sevan trout and crayfish. In summer, the town's 2-kilometer beach becomes a center for swimming and water sports.
Getting to Sevan
Regular marshrutkas depart from Yerevan's Northern Bus Station throughout the day, taking about one hour to reach Sevan. During summer months, you can take a train from Yerevan. The M-4 Motorway connects Sevan with Yerevan and northeastern Armenia, making it accessible by car or taxi.
Swimming and Beach Activities
From June through August, locals and tourists come to swim in Lake Sevan's waters, which reach 24°C (75°F) in peak summer. The main beach extends for 2 kilometers along the shore, with clean changing rooms and showers. You can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and windsurfing gear from several shops near the beach entrance. The shoreline includes beach volleyball courts and soccer fields, with plenty of space for sunbathing.
Sevanavank Monastery Complex
You'll find the Sevanavank Monastery complex on a peninsula 3 kilometers from town center. The two churches, built in 874 AD from dark tuff stone, have survived centuries of weather and earthquakes. To reach the monastery, climb 200 steps (about five minutes). The site opens daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, and you can enter both churches to examine their carved stone crosses and medieval Armenian architectural elements.
The Writers' House
The 1969 Writers' House, designed by architects Gevorg Kochar and Mikael Mazmanyan, is a striking example of Soviet modernist architecture. Its concrete exterior features geometric balconies that look out over Lake Sevan. The building now contains 39 guest rooms, each maintaining original Soviet-era details like wood paneling and built-in furniture.
Local Food Scene
Try the local Sevan trout (ishkhan) prepared three ways: grilled, fried, or smoked. Many restaurants serve crayfish (khetsgetin) as an appetizer, caught fresh from the lake. Most lakeside restaurants have outdoor terraces with lake views. Near the beach, you'll find small stands selling gata, a traditional Armenian sweet bread made with layers of sugar and butter.
Day Trips Around Lake Sevan
Take a 40-minute drive east to see Noratus Cemetery's collection of 800 medieval khachkar stones. Visit Hayravank Monastery, 30 minutes away, for a quiet alternative to Sevanavank. The mountain town of Dilijan lies 45 minutes north by car, with hiking trails through its national park's oak and beech forests.
