Know Goris Before You Go
Looking for an authentic travel experience in Armenia? The best things to do in Goris offer a compelling blend of natural drama and deep history. This town in southern Armenia serves as a gateway to ancient cave dwellings, soaring monasteries, and some of the country’s most rugged landscapes. It provides a practical base for exploring the Syunik region.
Goris itself is defined by its unique stone architecture and the soft, conical rock formations that surround it. The atmosphere is quiet and provincial, focused more on local life than on a polished tourist circuit. Travelers come here not for luxury, but for access to landmarks that feel genuinely untouched by time.
Goris at a Glance
- Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October for pleasant weather and clear skies.
- Getting There: The nearest major airport is Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) in Yerevan. From Yerevan, take a shared taxi or marshrutka (minibus).
- Best For: Independent travelers, hikers, and history enthusiasts.
- Known For: A launching point for Tatev Monastery and the Old Khndzoresk cave village.
- How Long to Stay: 2–3 days is ideal to see the main sights without rushing.
- Cost Snapshot: Budget $30–40/day; Mid-range $60–80/day; Luxury $100+/day
Table of Contents
Why Visit Goris: A Gateway to Southern Armenia
Travelers often ask why visit Goris, and the answer lies in its strategic location and unique environment. The town is the primary hub for accessing the most spectacular sites in southern Armenia, including the Tatev Monastery and Old Khndzoresk. It makes exploring this remote region efficient and accessible.
Beyond its role as a base, Goris possesses a distinct, unhurried charm. Its streets are lined with two-story stone houses with arched windows and balconies, creating a consistent architectural style.
The surrounding landscape of eroded rock pillars and ancient cave dwellings, meanwhile, gives the area an otherworldly feel. Goris’s quiet, authentic character invites deep exploration.
Best Time to Visit Goris for Ideal Weather and Events
The optimal travel window for Goris is during the shoulder seasons. Late spring (May–June) brings lush green landscapes and comfortable temperatures for hiking. Autumn (September–October) offers crisp air, clear views, and vibrant fall foliage, making it another excellent choice.
Summer (July–August) can be hot, with temperatures reaching 85°F (30°C), but it remains a popular time for tourism. Winter (December–February) is cold, with significant snowfall.
The annual Mulberry Festival, typically held in July, celebrates a local harvest with food and music.
How to Get to Goris: Transportation Options
Figuring out how to get to Goris is straightforward, though it requires some patience. Most travelers arrive from Yerevan, Armenia’s capital.
- From Yerevan: The journey covers about 155 miles (250 km) and takes 4–5 hours. Regular marshrutkas to Goris (No. 607/611) depart from the Southern Bus Station (Sasuntsi Davit/Intertown). Some services to/through Goris also use Kilikia Bus Station. A seat in a shared taxi costs around 5,000 AMD (~$13), while a marshrutka is slightly less. For more comfort, a private taxi can be hired for approximately 30,000 AMD (~$80).
- Driving: Renting a car in Yerevan provides the most flexibility for exploring the region. The M2 highway connects the two cities; the road is paved but winds through mountain passes, so drive cautiously.
Getting Around: Easy Ways to Explore
The center of Goris is compact and easily walkable. You can explore the main square, market, and nearby streets on foot in under an hour.
For attractions outside the town center, such as Old Khndzoresk, taxis are the most practical option. Arrange fares beforehand, as meters are uncommon.
Best Things to Do in Goris: Top Attractions and Activities
1. Explore Old Goris (Cave Dwellings)
The hillside east of the modern town contains Old Goris, a sprawling, abandoned cave settlement. These hand-carved dwellings and structures were inhabited from the early medieval period until the 20th century. The site consists of hundreds of caves, rock-hewn chapels, and storage rooms connected by winding paths.
- Open 24/7; no admission fee. No staff or services are on-site.
- Reachable via a steep 20-minute walk from the town center. Allow 2–3 hours to explore the main areas.
- Wear sturdy shoes with excellent grip. The dirt paths are uneven, steep, and become very slippery when wet.
2. Walk Through the Historic Town Center
Goris’s 19th-century town center features a unique grid layout designed by a German architect. The streets are lined with two-story homes built from local basalt stone, each with arched windows and distinctive balconies. This planned urban design stands in stark contrast to the organic layout of most Armenian towns.
The neighborhood provides a pleasant and photogenic environment for a self-guided walking tour. It showcases a specific period of regional architectural history unavailable elsewhere in Armenia.
Travel Tip: Visit in the late afternoon when the low sun casts a warm light on the stone buildings, accentuating their texture.
3. Aksel Bakunts House-Museum
This museum occupies the 19th-century home of Aksel Bakunts, a prominent Armenian prose writer executed during Stalin’s Great Purge. The exhibits preserve the author’s personal belongings, manuscripts, and the authentic atmosphere of a traditional Goris household. It offers insights into both his life and regional culture of the era.
- Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. Admission is approximately $2 (1,000 Armenian Dram, AMD).
- Located in the town center. A visit typically takes about 1 hour.
- Travel Tip: Ask the museum staff to point out the small garden, which offers a quiet place to sit and reflect.
4. Geological Museum
The Goris Geological Museum displays a collection of minerals, fossils, and artifacts from the Syunik region. It explains the volcanic origins of the area’s bizarre rock formations, known locally as the “stone forest.” The exhibits are dated but informative.
- Practical: Open Monday–Saturday, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM. Admission is around 500 AMD ($1).
- Logistics: Situated near the main square, the museum can be visited in under 1 hour.
- Travel Tip: The descriptions are primarily in Armenian and Russian; use a translation app to get the most out of the exhibits.
5. Visit Notable Statues and Monuments
The town contains several monuments that count among the top attractions in Goris for history enthusiasts. These sculptures and memorials are spread throughout the city’s parks and squares.
- Goris Entry Monument (Old Bells of Goris)— Located at the entrance to the city, features a cluster of stone bells. It is a significant cultural marker that welcomes visitors to Goris and symbolizes the city’s spirit and history.
- Grigor Tatevatsi Statue — Monument to the 14th-century theologian in the central square.
Practical: All monuments are in public spaces and are free to visit at any time.
Goris Itinerary Ideas
A Perfect Goris Itinerary: 1 Day
- Morning: Take a self-guided walking tour of the 19th-century historic center, observing the unique stone architecture and visiting the central square’s monuments.
- Afternoon: Cross the river and hike through the Old Goris cave dwellings. Continue up the path to the main viewpoint for panoramic photos of the town and rock formations.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the town center, sampling local specialties.
Expanded Goris Exploration: 2 Days
This itinerary adds cultural context to the main natural and historical sites.
- Day 1 (Morning): Arrive and explore the historic town center on foot, familiarizing yourself with its grid layout and stone houses.
- Day 1 (Afternoon): Visit the Aksel Bakunts House-Museum for a glimpse into historic Goris life, followed by a quick stop at the Goris Geological Museum.
- Day 2 (Morning): Dedicate the morning to a thorough exploration of Old Goris, venturing into the less-visited caves.
- Day 2 (Afternoon): Hike to the viewpoint above the cave town for sunset views before returning to town for the evening.
Goris also serves as an excellent operational base for exploring the wider Syunik Province. While major sites like the Tatev Monastery are popular day trips, these itineraries focus strictly on the best things to do in Goris itself.
Where to Stay in Goris: Accommodation Areas and Options
Accommodation in Goris is generally functional, consisting mostly of guesthouses and small, family-run hotels. Options are plentiful for the town’s size, but do not expect large chain hotels or luxury resorts. The most convenient area to stay is in the town center, along or just off Mashtots Street. This location ensures easy walkability to restaurants, shops, and the local market.
For a quieter experience, several guesthouses are located on the hillsides overlooking the town, offering better views but requiring a short, steep walk or taxi ride. These are often more modern and provide a peaceful retreat from the modest buzz of the town center.
Regardless of location, booking in advance is wise during the peak summer and autumn months.
Local Food and Specialties to Try
The local food in Goris reflects hearty Armenian mountain cuisine. Khorovats (barbecued meat) is a staple, grilled on skewers over an open fire. You will also find Tolma, grape leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice. A regional specialty is Jingalov Hats, a flatbread stuffed with a dozen types of wild greens.
Be sure to try the local mulberries and the potent vodka distilled from them. Food markets in Goris are small and cater to locals but offer a glimpse into the fresh produce of the Syunik region.
For a deeper dive into the country’s cuisine, explore our guide to the best food in Armenia.
Nightlife and Evenings in Goris: What to Do After Dark
The nightlife in Goris is minimal and reflects its status as a quiet provincial town. Evenings are best spent enjoying a long dinner at one of the local restaurants, many of which have outdoor patios in the warmer months. A few small cafes and bars exist around the central square, but they typically close early.
The local social life is centered around family and community rather than public entertainment. For travelers, the evening is an ideal time for a quiet walk, stargazing away from the town’s lights, or relaxing at your guesthouse. Do not expect nightclubs or lively bars.
Sustainable and Responsible Travel Tips
- Respect Heritage Sites: When exploring the cave dwellings of Old Goris or Khndzoresk, do not climb on fragile structures or leave any trace behind.
- Support Local Businesses: Choose family-run guesthouses, dine at local restaurants, and purchase crafts or produce from the town market to ensure your money benefits the community.
- Conserve Water: The region can be arid. Be mindful of your water usage. Tap water is generally considered safe to drink, but using a filtered bottle is a good precaution.
- Trail Etiquette: If hiking in the surrounding hills, stick to marked paths to prevent erosion. Carry out all your trash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Goris is worth visiting as the essential base for exploring southern Armenia’s most famous attractions, including Tatev Monastery. It offers a quieter, more authentic alternative to larger cities and immerses you in a unique landscape of cave dwellings and dramatic gorges.
The best time to visit Goris is late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October). The Goris weather during these months is mild and pleasant, perfect for hiking and sightseeing. Summer is also popular, while winter is best avoided due to cold and potential road closures.
To get to Goris from Yerevan, you can take a shared taxi or a marshrutka (minibus) from Southern Bus Station. The trip takes about 4-5 hours. Renting a car and driving the M2 highway is another excellent option that provides more flexibility for sightseeing along the way.
Goris is generally very safe for solo travelers. The town has low crime rates and a welcoming, hospitable culture. The compact town center is easy to navigate on foot. As always, take standard precautions, such as avoiding unlit areas at night and informing someone of your hiking plans.
When exploring Goris local food, be sure to try khorovats (Armenian barbecue) and tolma (stuffed grape leaves). Also, look for fresh lavash bread and local cheeses at the market. A must-try regional specialty is the sweet and potent mulberry vodka, a source of local pride.
Best Things to Do in Goris: Summary and Tips
Goris is an essential destination for travelers seeking to understand the historical depth and natural beauty of southern Armenia. It is best suited for independent explorers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate rugged landscapes over polished comforts. Those looking for bustling nightlife, luxury hotels, or a fast-paced city experience might find it too quiet.
Remember to book accommodations in advance during peak season, always carry cash, and wear sturdy shoes for exploring the rocky terrain. The best things to do in Goris are a testament to a region rich in culture and scenery.
If you are planning a wider tour of the country, be sure to check out our Best Places to Visit in Armenia Guide.
Happy travels in Goris!
