Sevan is often called the "Armenian sea", and this is not just a beautiful metaphor. The huge high-altitude lake occupies almost one fifth of the country's territory and is so vast that on its shores it is easy to forget that you are not by the sea. There is special air here, constantly changing water colors, and a sense of openness that you do not expect in the mountains. In summer people come here to swim and sunbathe, in autumn to walk along the shore and watch the sky reflected in the water, and in winter the lake turns into a picture painted by ice and wind. This guidebook brings together all the answers: how to get there, where to stay, what to taste, and which routes to choose so that a vacation at Lake Sevan will be remembered for a long time.
Why is Lake Sevan called the Armenian sea?
The surface area of the water is about 1242 km², and the shoreline stretches for more than 200 km. One stands on the beach, looks into the distance, and it seems as if a real sea is in front of you. That is why Armenians affectionately call Lake Sevan their sea, and tourists often ask in surprise:"Isn't it a gulf?"
Lake Sevan is located at an altitude of almost 1900 m above sea level and is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in Eurasia.
Its water is clean and transparent, and its color changes depending on the time of day and weather, ranging from deep blue to turquoise and silvery shades. But it is called a sea not only because of its size and views. For Armenia, Lake Sevan is a vitally important resource: a source of fresh water, fish, and electricity, as well as the main summer resort. It is impossible to imagine life in the country without it, which is why the name "Armenian sea" has become permanently rooted in language and culture.
Sevan Horizon: Blue Silence and Mountain Sky
Geography and nature: What makes Lake Sevan special?
28 rivers and streams flow into Lake Sevan, while only one flows out, Hrazdan, which makes it a kind of heart of the country's water system. Its shores are very diverse: in one area there are sandy beaches with cafes and music, in another there are wild forested coves where only the sound of waves can be heard.
Nature here changes remarkably with the seasons. In summer the water warms up to 18-22 degrees, and the shores turn into a resort area. In autumn the lake becomes calm and transparent, reflecting the crimson slopes of the mountains. In winter Sevan is covered with ice, and mists rise above its surface, creating landscapes that look more like paintings.The uniqueness of Lake Sevan also lies in the fact that it is located within the national park of the same name. The flora and fauna are protected here: the ishkhan fish (Sevan trout), rare birds, and plants found only in this region. It is precisely the combination of scale, altitude, and a clean ecosystem that makes the lake not just a resort, but a natural wonder of Armenia.
Sailing on Lake Sevan
Ways to get to Lake Sevan: all the options
Getting to Sevan is easy: it is only about 65 km from Yerevan. Thanks to this, the trip turns into a short journey that can easily be included even in a one-day itinerary.By car
The most popular option is traveling by car or taxi. Along the M4 highway, the journey takes about one hour. Along the way, panoramas of mountain ranges and valleys open up, and after the junction near Sevanavank, the view of the lake appears unexpectedly and is impressive.
Another convenient option is to book a private transfer from Yerevan to Sevan through "Hyur Service" company.
Public transport
From the Northern Bus Station in Yerevan, minibuses and buses run to Sevan town and nearby settlements. Travel time is from 1.5 to 2 hours. This is a budget option, but it is worth noting that transport does not stop at the beaches, but in populated areas, from where one can reach the shore by taxi.
Railway
In summer, a train operates on the Yerevan-Sevan route. The journey takes about two hours, and it is not only a mean of transport, but also an opportunity to enjoy the views through large windows. For those who travel so as to feel the atmosphere of the journey, this is an interesting option.
Within a group tour
Many tour operators include Lake Sevan in the program of one-day excursions. For example, "Hyur Service" offers tours to Sevan separately and in combination with Dilijan or Tsaghkadzor.
A bright day at Lake Sevan with the Hyur Service group
Best time to visit: seasonal recreation
Sevan is a place that is beautiful at any time of year, but the impressions will be different.
- Summer (June-September). The most popular season: the water warms up to 18-22 degrees, beaches, cafes, and recreation centers operate. In July and August it is crowded here, especially on the northern shore, where the infrastructure is concentrated.
- Autumn (September-October). Perhaps the best time for a calm vacation. There are fewer tourists, the air is clear, the water is cold, but the views are especially expressive: the surrounding mountains turn golden and red.
- Winter (December-February). Sevan is covered with ice and invites you to admire northern landscapes. In winter people come here for solitude and atmosphere. Sometimes ice fishing is organized. Swimming season is, of course, closed, but photos and walks at this time are especially impressive.
- Spring (March-May). Nature awakens, the shores turn green, and the first tourists appear. It is still too early for swimming, but this is a wonderful time for walks to monasteries and hikes along trails. Spring is suitable for those who love silence and want to see how the lake comes to life.
Relaxing at Lake Sevan in Noyland
Attractions around the lake
- Sevanavank (Sevan Peninsula). Two stone churches, Saint Arakelots and Saint Astvatsatsin, stand on a high cape offering one of the most recognizable views of Sevan. The monastery was founded in 874 by Princess Mariam, daughter of Ashot I. When the lake level was lowered during the Soviet era, the former island turned into a peninsula, making Sevanavank even more accessible to travelers.
- Hayravank (southwestern shore). A small monastery dating from the 9th-12th centuries, seemingly "growing" out of the rock right above the water. Around it there is a field of khachkars (cross-stones), silence, and a long line of the horizon.
- Noratus. The largest concentration of khachkars in Armenia: nearly a thousand stone crosses from the 10th century to works by masters of the 16th-17th centuries. Among the carvings are scenes of weddings and village life. A place where you "read" history in stone.
- Odzaberd / Teishebaini. A Urartian fortress on a hill near the village of Tsovinar. Founded in 735-713 BC; at the foot there is a cuneiform inscription. From here there is an excellent view of "small" Sevan. A place for lovers of antiquity and panoramas.
- Sevan National Park. The entire water area and part of the shores are a protected territory with scientific ecosystem monitoring, fishing quotas, and environmental protection projects.
Hayravank Monastery: panorama of Lake Sevan
Active recreation and entertainment
Sevan is not only about beaches and monasteries. The lake has long become a place for active recreation, where everyone can find something they enjoy.
- Water activities. In summer, boat, catamaran, and kayak rentals operate on Lake Sevan. SUP boards are becoming increasingly popular – in the morning, when the water is calm, you can paddle far out onto the lake and enjoy the silence. In some areas, more adrenaline-filled activities are also offered: jet skis and water skiing.
- Fishing. Local fishermen offer boat trips. Traditionally, Sevan trout and whitefish are caught. For tourists, this is not only an opportunity to take part in the process, but also to cook the catch right away over a fire or in a café by the shore.
- Hiking routes. Trails of varying difficulty start from the shoreline. The trail to Mount Artanish is popular: from the summit you can see both "basins" of Lake Sevan. In the western part there are convenient routes to Hayravank and Noratus, and in the northeast there are hikes through forests and slopes to small coves.
- Cycling. The shores of Lake Sevan are suitable for cycling tours: there are flat stretches along the highway, and in villages you can turn off toward wild beaches. Bicycles are available for rent in the town of Sevan and at tourist bases.
Sunset fishing on Lake Sevan
Beaches and swimming: the best places to relax
The most popular recreation area is located on the northern shore of Lake Sevan. There are public and private beaches with infrastructure: sun loungers, cafes, showers, boat rentals, and SUP boards. Entry to public beaches is free; they are well maintained and suitable for families with children.Tsovagyugh and Shorzha (eastern shore) are a less touristy part of Lake Sevan, with many wild beaches. Sandy coves, silence, and tent camps. Tourists note that the water here is cleaner and the atmosphere is calmer. An excellent option for those who value nature and solitude. On the southern coast there is less infrastructure, but more wild nature. Campers and those who combine relaxation with hiking like to stay here.
Places for overnight: hotels and guesthouses
At Lake Sevan, one can find accommodation to suit any taste, from resort complexes to cozy guesthouses. Among the popular options are Tufenkian Avan Marak Tsapatagh Hotel, Noy Land Resort, and Sevan Up Inn Hotel. For those who enjoy a "home-like" atmosphere, family-run guesthouses are a great choice, where hosts welcome guests like friends.
Tufenkian Avan Marak Tsapatagh hotel
Gastronomy: What to taste by the lake?
The main dish of Sevan is fresh fish, especially Sevan trout (ishkhan) and whitefish. They are grilled, baked in the oven, or smoked. In lakeside cafes, fish is often served with grilled vegetables, herbs, and thin lavash. The classic set is complemented by local cheeses, matsun, herbal infusions, and, of course, gata, a sweet pastry.
Ishkhan – the famous trout of Lake Sevan
Tips and recommendations from experienced travelers
If you are planning a summer vacation, book accommodation in advance: good beach options sell out quickly. It is cooler at the lake than in Yerevan, so a windbreaker will be useful in the evening. Swimming is safer on public beaches: the water is cleaner there and a lifeguard service is available. If you are visiting for the first time, it is better to choose a guided tour – it will save time and help you see more than just the shoreline. Lake Sevan is most beautiful at sunrise or sunset, when the water and sky are painted in pink and golden tones.
