What to see in Eritrea: 9 must-sees
Travel alert
Closed regime: restrictive travel permits
Discover what to see in Eritrea: 9 must-see destinations, from Asmara to Massawa. Predominantly city and national park; each entry includes the best time to visit and the link to its official source.
City(4)
Explore Massawa, the Red Sea port city where Ottoman coral-block buildings and Turkish porticoes survived the bombings of the war of independence. Cross to the islands of Taulud and Massawa by their bridges, admire the arcades and carved wooden balconies of the old town, and visit the markets where fish freshly arrived from Dahalak is sold. The heat is intense almost year-round, so head out early to stroll the seafront promenade and save the afternoon for a cardamom coffee in front of the port.
the Keren camel market, where on Mondays herders from all over Eritrea's interior arrive to trade amid the noise and dust. Climb the hills surrounding the city and take in its mosques, churches, and old streets under the sun. Here colonial architecture coexists with everyday life, and every market stall shows how the trade and herding routes of the Anseba region still function today.
Stroll through Decamere, a town in Eritrea's Gash-Barka region, and you'll find lively markets surrounded by mountains that frame the urban landscape. Its streets preserve traces of the Italian colonial era, visible in buildings and street layouts that contrast with today's everyday life. The town blends tradition and modernity in a cultural mosaic felt in its squares, shops, and neighborhoods. It also serves as a starting point for exploring the plateau's agricultural landscapes, where rural life sets the rhythm of the region.
Pass through Tesseney, a trading town in Gash-Barka near the border with Sudan, where the market brings together vendors from the western lowlands among stalls of spices, fabrics, and grain. Walk its streets of low-rise buildings, try the bread and coffee at the street stalls, and observe the mix of communities that define daily life in this border town, far from any coast.
National Park(2)
Visit the Red Sea National Park, in Eritrea's Northern Red Sea region, where coral reefs shelter dolphins and remarkably diverse marine life. Swim among coral gardens, follow coastal trails, and watch migratory birds resting on the islands of the Dahlak archipelago. The clear waters let you spot turtles and schools of colorful fish just a few meters from shore. The park protects fragile areas in need of conservation, so be sure to respect the diving and visiting rules during your trip.
Admire the coral reefs of the Dahlak archipelago, in Eritrea's southern Red Sea, where sea turtles swim through crystal-clear waters. Explore its volcanic islands on foot, watch migratory birds resting along its shores, and dive among tropical fish. The park protects fragile marine and land habitats, and its fishing villages preserve a way of life tied to the sea for centuries.
Beach(2)
Head down to the Dahlak archipelago in the southern Red Sea, where more than a hundred uninhabited islands await, reached by boat from Massawa. Swim among coral reefs frequented by turtles and dolphins, walk along white-sand shores without a single beach bar, and sleep under the stars in campsites right by the water. Here you snorkel in solitude, fish come right up to the shore, and the Ottoman ruins on the main island recall centuries of maritime trade.
Watch the Red Sea wash over the coast of Assab in southern Eritrea, with clear, calm waters most of the year. Snorkel over the shallows near the shore, where colorful fish can be seen among rocks and corals, or walk along the fine sand at sunset, when the heat eases. The port city is just a few minutes away, so you can combine a swim with a stroll through its Italian-influenced streets and try fresh fish at the restaurants by the pier. Bring sun protection: the sun in this region is intense even in winter.
UNESCO Heritage(1)
Admire the modernist architecture of Asmara, Eritrea's capital in the Maekel region, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. Walk among futuristic 1930s buildings such as the Impero cinema or the Fiat Tagliero service station with its suspended concrete wings. See how the people of Asmara share cafés, cinemas, and pastry shops inherited from the Italian era. Stroll down Harnet Avenue beneath the palm trees and discover a city built as an avant-garde urban laboratory, where every rationalist facade is still in use today.
New destinations and itineraries, by email
Subscribe to receive newly published destinations and itineraries, plus seasonal travel ideas. One email, only when there is news.
Anything to correct or add about Eritrea?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about destinations in Eritrea, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.