The EU-supported Legends Trail contributes to the development of tourism in Syunik

The 150 km long trail runs through Syunik region in Armenia, traversing more than 30 rural communities within the regions of Goris, Tatev, and Kapan.

Dense green forests, deep gorges and canyons, ancient monuments, historic villages, and the crossroad of old and new pathways – the Legends Trail offers a unique experience for visitors to Syunik.

From 2018 to 2021, with the financial support of the European Union, the People in Need implemented the “EU4Tourism: Outdoor adventures on the historic trails in Syunik” project. The organization first collected legends and folktales from the communities along the trail, then mapped and equipped the trail.

The Legends Trail is now part of the Transcaucasian Trail.

“EU4Tourism: Outdoor adventures on the historic trails in Syunik” project has also been beneficial for the development of communities in the Syunik region.

After the implementation of the project, the number of people wishing to explore the Syunik region has been increasing every year.

Armen, who has been discovering Armenia through hikes for about 2 years, was particularly drawn by the name of the trail. He packed his backpack and set off for Syunik with a friend.

From Old Khot to Old Halidzor, this section of the trail was also explored by representatives of the European Union Delegation and member states in Armenia, who discovered the potential of the rural settlements in a new light.

Valerik Grigoryan was born in the village of Hin Khot and now lives in Khot. He has a garden along the trail, which he has cultivated over the past four years. He has also planted trees and put up a fence.

He often shares fresh produce from his garden with passing hikers, shares stories about the village, and mentions that if he had a guesthouse, he’d gladly offer tourists a place to stay overnight.

To ensure visitors to Syunik have comfortable accommodation options, the project has provided the necessary infrastructure or financial support to certain guesthouses.

“Aregak B&B” operating in Goris since 2011, is one of those guesthouses. Mareta Sevumyan is the founder, chef, and the driving force behind it.

She has mapped the world in her little red notebook, while the guests have also mapped it on the walls of the guesthouse. From Yerevan to New York, Copenhagen to Rio de Janeiro – no matter which continent or country you ask about, Mareta has hosted guests from all over the world.

The intimate geography of the small guesthouse is boundless, welcoming guests from all corners of the globe who come to explore the settlements and monuments along the Legends Trail.

Even three years after the program’s completion, the Legends Trail continues to thrive as a beloved tourist destination, weaving together people, places, and cultures while igniting a shared passion for discovering the beauty of Armenia anew.