This Landlocked Country Has Some Of Asia's Most Underrated Beaches Full Of Mountain Views

If you look at a world map and focus in on the area smack dab between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, you'll find the Caucasus. This mighty mountain range forms part of the border between Europe and Asia and is home to several enchanting nations, including Azerbaijan, the semi-autonomous republics of southern Russia, and Georgia, a gorgeous country known for its epic hiking trails.

Another place in the Caucasus region that is well worth exploring is Armenia. This under-the-radar country is an enthralling, ancient land of stoney mountains, deep forests, cool rivers, shimmering lakes, and some of the oldest Christian monasteries on the planet (Armenia was the first country to officially adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 A.D.). Armenia is also home to a 3,000-year-old culture and civilization with its own unique, delectable, cuisine and fine, locally-produced wines– like this region in Spain that stands out for its vines.

If this weren't enough to pique a traveler's interest, it may also come as a surprise that Armenia — a country with no access to the sea — also boasts some terrific beaches. Its biggest freshwater body — Lake Sevan — more than makes up for the lack of ocean. During the summer, people flock to Lake Sevan to relax on its shores and plunge into its deep, cool waters while the mountains stand sentinel in the distance.

Located on a narrow rocky peninsula that sticks out into the lake like a finger, Sevanavank is a complex of small buildings that dates back to the ninth century and offers sweeping views of the lake and the mountains beyond. The average depth of the lake is about 88 feet (though it gets as deep as 265 feet in spots), and the water is refreshingly cold, year-round.

Being a landlocked nation, the shores of Lake Sevan have become Armenia's de facto coast, drawing visitors in summer who come to beat the heat. While there are many beaches to choose from, the north shore is the most popular, with over 1.5 miles of sand with small resorts, restaurants, and vendors. If you're seeking solitude in the shadow of local mountains, head to a beach on the lake's eastern shore for a quieter, more rustic experience. For those keen to get out the water, take a boat tour, try your hand at windsurfing, or cast a line for the lake's fabled ishkhan trout.

One of the highlights of Lake Sevan is the Sevanavank Monastery. Located on a narrow rocky peninsula that sticks out into the lake like a finger, Sevanavank is a complex of small buildings that dates back to the 9th century and offers sweeping views of the lake and the mountains beyond. The monastery is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations, so be well-prepared for crowds in the summer. For a less-mobbed alternative, head to the Hayravank Monastery — a no less-stunning complex which sits just 30 minutes south of Sevanavank – or cruise over to the lake's eastern shore to check out the village of Artanish, which features a medieval cemetery along with the ruins of an ancient fortress.

Most people start their visit to Armenia with its buzzing capital, Yerevan — one of the world's oldest continually inhabited settlements. Nestled under the imposing gaze of nearby Mt. Ararat, Yerevan grew over the centuries as an ancient center for trade and commerce. These days, the city is dominated by Soviet-era buildings, though its cafes, traditional taverns, and wine bars come alive at night, making it an exceptionally festive place year round.

Armenia is especially renowned for its old religious complexes, and the Geghard Monastery is easily the country's most famous. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features a number of churches and tombs hewn from the rock the mountain calls home, and is a must-see during any visit to the country. While you're exploring, make sure to hit the Garni Temple, a restored pagan structure dedicated to God of the Sun, Mithras, done in a classical Greek style — complete with towering columns.

Armenia sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan is served by direct flights from cities such as Frankfurt, Paris, Vienna, Rome, Athens, Warsaw, Istanbul, and Dubai. For more natural wonders in the region, check out this spot in Turkey that will make you feel like you've just stepped out of a storybook.