Hidden Gems of Armenia: Places Only Locals Know

July 24, 2026DCars Team2 min read

While most tourists follow the same Garni-Geghard-Sevan route, Armenia hides incredible spots that even guidebooks miss. A rental car is essential to reach these places.

1. Lastiver Cave & Forest

Hidden in Tavush province, Lastiver offers caves with ancient carvings accessible via a forest trail. Park at the trailhead (SUV recommended for the last 2 km) and hike 30 minutes into pure wilderness.

2. Shamshadin Villages

The eastern borderland villages near Berd offer untouched rural Armenia — walnut forests, ancient churches, and hospitality you won't find in tourist areas. The road is adventurous but rewarding.

3. Artanish Peninsula (Lake Sevan)

While everyone visits Sevanavank, the Artanish peninsula on Sevan's south shore is deserted. Wildflowers in spring, swimming in summer, and not a tourist in sight.

4. Gnishik Canyon

Near Noravank but unknown to most visitors. A dramatic slot canyon with red rocks, accessible by a dirt road. Park and walk — the silence is extraordinary.

5. Ushi Waterfall

Tucked away near Dilijan, this 30-meter waterfall requires a short forest hike. Almost no visitors even in peak season.

6. Old Goris Cave Town

Above modern Goris, an entire abandoned cave settlement dots the hillside. Free to explore, completely unguarded, and barely mentioned in guides.

7. Smbataberd Fortress

A 5th-century fortress on a ridge accessible by a steep dirt road (4WD only) followed by a 20-minute hike. The views of Yeghegnadzor valley are unmatched.

8. Arpi Lake (Northwestern Armenia)

A pristine highland lake near the Turkish border. Birdwatchers' paradise with pelicans and cranes. Completely empty of tourism infrastructure — bring everything you need.

9. Ambert Fortress (Mount Aragats)

At 2,300 meters on Armenia's highest mountain, this ruined fortress is accessible by car June-October. The drive up offers increasingly dramatic alpine scenery.

10. Meghri & Southern Border

Armenia's warmest city feels almost Mediterranean — fig trees, pomegranates, and centuries-old houses with carved balconies. The drive through Kapan is remote but spectacular.

Driving Tips for Remote Areas

Always tell someone your route

Carry extra fuel (5L can)

Download offline maps before leaving Yerevan

Start early — mountain roads are slower than maps suggest

A local SIM card ensures coverage on main roads

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about renting a car in Armenia

No! DCars is one of the only car rental companies in Armenia that requires zero deposit. Just bring your valid driving license and passport, and you are ready to go.

You need a valid driving license (international driving permit recommended for non-Latin alphabets), your passport or national ID, and you must be at least 21 years old. No credit card is required.

Basic liability insurance is included with every rental. Full comprehensive insurance (covering damage, theft, and third-party liability) is available as an optional add-on for maximum peace of mind on Armenian roads.

Yes, cross-border travel to Georgia is permitted with prior notification. We provide the necessary documentation and arrange green card insurance. Contact us for details about other destinations.

We have three convenient locations: our main office at Pushkin 46 in central Yerevan (near Republic Square), Zvartnots International Airport (24/7 pickup available), and Tumanyan 34 downtown near the Cascade.

Yes! Our pricing is tiered — the longer you rent, the lower the daily rate. Rentals over 15 days get our best daily price. We also offer monthly rates for extended stays. Check individual car pages for exact pricing tiers.

For summer travel on main highways, any car works fine. For mountain monasteries, remote villages, or winter travel, we strongly recommend an SUV with 4WD. Crossovers handle most destinations year-round except in heavy snow.

No. All DCars rentals come with unlimited mileage. Drive across all of Armenia and even to Georgia without worrying about per-kilometer charges.

We accept cash (AMD, USD, EUR), bank transfers, POS terminal (credit/debit cards), and cryptocurrency. Payment is due at pickup.

Yes, for a small fee we can deliver and collect the car anywhere in Yerevan. Airport pickups are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at no extra charge.