Areni feels a bit like it's at the end of the earth, isolated in an arid area only a few kilometres from the border with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. It is a very small town with a population of about 2,000, crossed by the River Arpa which has created beautiful canyons and caves in the region.
Although the town itself isn't particularly interesting, it is known for its beautiful 13th century church, Surb Astvatsatsin, perched high on a plateau opposite the village and above all for the locally produced wine which is one of the best in the country.
I went there in September, during the grape harvest festival, and the town was suddenly full of people come to celebrate the harvest of the local wine, and so very lively. A very traditional place somewhat off the beaten track during your trip to Armenia.