Jermuk (Armenia)

Perched some 2,080 metres above sea level and surrounded by peaks that often reach more than 3,000 metres, the little town of Jermuk seems abandoned in the middle of nowhere and so much the better! When I was there it felt like a luxuriantly natural bolt hole to escape from the modern world. The region is ideal for trekking and for skiing in the winter.

But one of the main reasons to visit Jermuk is to try its mineral water, which you can find everywhere in town. Going to Jermuk without trying a spa cure would be odd, especially as there are innumerable care centres in the town. Even though its communist architecture isn't really on a par with the beauty of the environment, Jermuk is still a popular destination during a trip to Armenia.