Lake Sevan is the largest lake in the Caucasus and one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world, sitting at 1,900 metres above sea level. In summer the shores near the Sevanavank peninsula become busy with Armenian holidaymakers, and the beaches here — white sand, turquoise water against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains — are genuinely beautiful. The water is cold even in August, but Armenians swim enthusiastically regardless.
The best beaches are on the northwestern shore near the resort town of Sevan. Further south toward Martuni and Vardenis the shores are less developed and largely deserted. The lake's water quality has improved significantly since Soviet times when irrigation diversions dropped the level dramatically; conservation programmes over the past two decades have stabilised the lake and partially restored its former depth.