Asmara: A Modernist African City
Region: Asmara
Cultural Heritage
Art Deco and Futurist architecture complex from the Italian colonial period. UNESCO World Heritage Site registered in 2017.
Tourism in Eritrea
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Massawa Old Town
Region: Massawa
Historic port city
Pearl of the Red Sea featuring Ottoman-style buildings made of coral stone and narrow alleyways.
Dahlak Archipelago
Region: Northern Red Sea Region
Nature
Red Sea''s largest archipelago with about 350 islands, a paradise for diving and birdwatching.
Filfil Forest
Region: Debub Region
Nature
Africa''s northernmost tropical forest, home to endemic species including Schalow''s turaco.
Keren Monday Camel Market
Region: Keren
Cultural experience
The country''s largest livestock market where visitors can observe nomadic traders and camel transactions.
Nakfa War Museum
Region: Nakfa
Modern history
Preserves trenches and underground fortifications from the independence war, a symbol of patriotic education.
Solomon Temple Ruins (Kohaito)
Region: Semienawi Keyih Bahri Region
Ancient ruins
Pre-Aksumite temple ruins with inscribed rock art, visited together with highland landscapes.
Eritrean Railway (Asmara–Massawa)
Region: Asmara
Modern architecture
Scenic route where steam locomotives climb steep gradients with tourist train operations.
Anseba River Valley
Region: Anseba Region
Nature
Beautiful hiking trail showcasing contrast between baobab-dotted arid zones and rocky mountains.
Assab Red Sea Beach
Region: Assab
Resort
White sand beach with shallow, crystal-clear waters popular with windsurfers.
Suggested itineraries
3-Day Asmara and Highland Culture Experience
Duration (days): 3
Highlights: Asmara World Heritage walking tour, Coffee ceremony experience, Keren day-trip market
Itinerary to fully enjoy architecture and food culture in a short time, visiting nearby mountain cities from the capital base.
7-Day Red Sea Diving & Island Hopping
Duration (days): 7
Highlights: Massawa old port, Dahlak Archipelago cruise, Filfil forest trekking
Extended course experiencing marine and forest ecosystems while encountering Arabian maritime culture in the historic port city.
Travel tips
- Entry visa is most reliably obtained from overseas diplomatic missions before travel.
- Travel permits are required for movement outside the capital.
- Photography of civil servants and military personnel is prohibited; confirm before pointing cameras.
- Wide temperature variations: coastal areas reach nearly 40°C, while highland nights drop below 10°C; layering is practical.
- Prepare mosquito nets and antimalarial medication for malaria prevention along the Red Sea coast.
- ATMs are virtually non-existent; bring US dollar cash to exchange.
- Unstable electricity supply; mobile batteries and spare SIM cards are helpful.
- Female travelers should dress modestly, covering knees and shoulders.
- Avoid eating and drinking in public during Ramadan.
- Taxis decrease after 10 PM in the capital; arrange in advance.
- Emergency numbers: Fire 118, Police 113, Ambulance 116.
- Tap water is not potable; use bottled water.
- Cycling road races close major highways; check traffic information in advance.