Romantic Stays and Sunsets at Lake Sevan
What Sevan Offers Couples
Lake Sevan is a high mountain lake rather than a resort strip, so romance here is quiet: big skies, cool air, a good table by the water and an early start. At about 1,900 m the evenings cool quickly even in summer, so pack a jacket. Plan one or two nights rather than a long stay.
Where to Sleep
The Sevan Writers’ House is a Soviet modernist guest house (Architectuul ) on the peninsula, designed by Gevorg Kochar and Mikael Mazmanyan and built from 1932 to 1935, with a lounge added in 1963 to 1965. Guests describe a large round dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, and it takes bookings as a small hotel.
Best Western Bohemian Resort in Sevan is the more conventional resort option in Sevan. Rates change by season, so compare current prices on Booking.com .
Sunrise at Sevanavank
Be on the peninsula early. The churches are free to enter and open daily in daylight hours, and an early visit means quiet steps and soft light before the tour groups arrive. The climb is about 200 uneven stone steps, so wear flat shoes. Cover shoulders and knees, and keep your voice low, since the churches are in active use. Read more: Sightseeing around Sevan .
Sunset Dinners
Collette, on the M4 Sevan to Dilijan highway about 8 km out, serves lake fish. Bohem, a tea house on Sayat-Nova Street in Sevan, has a terrace and live music, which suits an evening of tea and conversation rather than a big meal. Order farmed trout, lake whitefish or crayfish kebab for a local flavour.
A Destination Dinner at Tsaghkunk
Tsaghkunk Restaurant and Glkhatun, in Tsaghkunk village about 7 km north-west of Sevan, is the destination restaurant near the lake. The chef is Yura Sargsyan, the crayfish kebab is the signature dish and lavash is baked in a tonir. Book ahead and arrange a driver or taxi for the ride back.
A Quieter Shoreline
The north-east shore around Shoghakat, formerly Shorzha, and the Artanish Peninsula is a quieter stretch of the lake. Camping, a beach cafe and hill walks are on offer, and Mount Artanish gives a view over the whole lake. Windsports use the beach in summer, so expect some activity on the water.
Water and Weather
If you swim, July and August are the months, and the water is cool to cold. Winds rise suddenly, so skip any boat ride in a gusty afternoon.
Getting There
The M4 drive from Yerevan is 65 km and takes 1 to 1.5 hours. A hired driver makes an evening dinner easier. Marshrutkas serve Sevan town, so check the last return time before you plan a late dinner.