Walking through the lamplit streets of Armenia’s enchanting capital, the first thing that strikes you is the city’s unique colours. Buildings covered in bright pink and dusty brown melt together as you mosey around, a fitting contrast of old and new. Nicknamed ‘The Pink City’, shops and café’s left and right are made from ancient volcanic stone that gives Yerevan an intriguing glow.

We arrive at Zvartnots International Airport a week before Valentine’s Day with the weather cool and slightly rainy. With its green pastures, beautiful flowers and gushing waterfalls, Lovers’ Park is a popular attraction for couples this time of year looking for an unforgettable holiday off the beaten track.

But delve deeper and we soon discover that Armenia is a growing tourist hot spot that has something for everyone (families, solo travelers, college students, adventure seekers), with its historic sites, exciting culture, extreme sports and thriving nightlife.

Strolling down high streets just around the corner from Republic Square, we couldn’t help but admire how modern Yerevan has become in recent years. Shiny new five-star hotels, high-end shopping outlets and trendy bars and jazz clubs are interspersed with history museums, arts centres and textile boutiques selling traditional Armenian dresses and garments. Tradition and modernity mixed into one.