19 Best Places To Visit In Eritrea

Eritrea, a small Horn of Africa country, is home to about 5 million people. It shares borders with Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and the Red Sea. Its capital, Asmara, is the largest city, and Tigrinya is the official language.

The country boasts diverse geography, from deserts to mountains to coastlines, and numerous historical sites like ancient monasteries and temples. Eritrea is also known for its wildlife, including lions and elephants.

Asmara

Asmara offers several travel options, including buses running every 15 minutes, though they can be crowded during rush hours. Walking is also an option, with many scenic routes available.

The city has a variety of attractions, such as the main shopping district for souvenirs, a lively market, and several mosques and churches. Notable sites include St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the Nayla hotel. Asmara is easy to navigate, with good roads and plenty of internet cafes.

The architecture is predominantly Italian, and the city is known for its friendly people and bustling nightlife. Historic sites include the former governor’s palace and Catholic and Orthodox cathedrals.

Asmara Zoo

Asmara Zoo, located on the city’s outskirts, houses friendly animals like lions, birds, and snakes. The entrance fee is affordable.

Nearby is the historic Nda Mariam Orthodox Church, built before the Italian occupation. It hosts annual religious events, such as the Nigdet of Saint Mary. The zoo and church are accessible by taxi or rental car.

Debre Bizen Monastery

Debre Bizen Monastery in Nefasit, Eritrea, is a significant historical site for the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, housing valuable Ge’ez manuscripts. The monastery, which is 650 years old, has endured multiple invasions and is a key Christian center in Eritrea.

The monastery is home to monks who live off the land, promoting brotherhood and love. They welcome guests, offering shelter and guidance.

Note that general public access is restricted, and women are not permitted. During Eritrea’s independence war, it served as a refuge for EPLF fighters.

Massawa

Massawa, a port city on the Red Sea coast, offers historical sites like the Imperial Palace ruins on Taulud Island and a civil war memorial. The Old Town features the Mosque of the Companions, believed to be the world’s first, and remnants of historic hotels.

The city boasts pristine beaches and notable Islamic architecture, such as the 15th-century Sheikh Hanafi mosque and coral-block houses. Other sites include St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Though damaged by war, Massawa has worked with UNESCO to restore some buildings. Accommodation options range from the luxurious Dahlak Hotel to more affordable local restaurants.

Semenawi Bahri National Park

Semenawi Bahri National Park, 43 km from Sabur, is home to diverse wildlife, including monkeys, baboons, leopards, and various bird species. The park offers scenic landscapes and historic ruins, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Centre of Qohaito.

Located 21 km from Asmara, the park is popular for birdwatching and leopard-spotting. Its varied altitudes and climates make it a favored destination for nature enthusiasts. Eritrea’s coastal beauty is also nearby.

Ruins of Metera

Eritrea, second to Egypt in historical sites, is restoring places like the Statue of Metera and Kidane-Mihret Church. Notable are the Ruins of Metera, an ancient city from the 5th century BC, featuring a 3rd-century AD obelisk with Ge’ez inscriptions.

Excavations at Metera have uncovered numerous artifacts, including bronze lamps, daggers, and Mediterranean amphorae. The site also includes sub-zones like Qohaito and Tekondae, showing evidence of pre-Axumite settlements.

Emba Soira Mountain

Eritrea, in eastern Africa, features diverse climates, a Red Sea coastline, and mountainous interior. Its highest point is Emba Soira Mountain, standing at 9,900 feet.

Emba Soira, part of the Eritrean Highlands in the Great Rift Valley, is known for its rich biodiversity and nearby town of Filfil. The mountain links the country’s lowlands and highlands.

Hawatsu Copse and Reservoir

The Hawatsu Copse is a small patch of native forest located just north of Asmara. The area is home to many different species of birds, including the Egyptian Goose and Pink-backed Pelican. Other common sights include the Little Grebe, Black-headed Heron, and Grey Heron.

The Massawa site is an important historical landmark. The structure, designed by Werner Munzinger in the 19th century, was once used by the Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie. It’s a great place to see Eritrea’s history and take a few photos.

Filfil

Filfil, north of Asmara, is known for its plantations, wildlife, and rainforest. It is easily accessible by road from Asmara or Massawa and is an excellent birding spot.

The journey to Filfil offers views of the forest canopy, coastal plains, and foothills. It takes about two and a half days, passing through forests and semi-desert. Filfil is Eritrea’s last tropical forest, home to rare bird species.

Emberemi

Emberemi, a town on Eritrea’s eastern coast, is popular among pilgrims and features archaeological sites like the tomb of Said Mustafa Wad Hasan and Rora Habab. It is located 41 miles north of Asmara and 66 km north of Massawa.

The town offers various lodging options and is known for its solar-powered water project, which benefits over 600 families. The project includes a 9-kilometer pipeline and two water distribution centers.

Dankalia

Dankalia, Eritrea, offers diverse natural environments and resources, ideal for learning and research. Its landscapes range from undersea worlds to coastal villages and vast deserts.

Stretching over 500 kilometers along the Red Sea, Dankalia includes the Danakil depression, one of Earth’s lowest points. This region is marked by volcanic cones and is home to the Afar people.

Qohaito

Qohaito, an ancient city in Eritrea, dates back to around 5000 BC and was significant during the Aksumite period. Its ruins, including an early Christian church, remain largely unexcavated.

The site reflects Eritrea’s ancient commercial history, with highlights like the Great Canyon, Temple of Mariam Wakiro, and Saphira Dam. Qohaito offers views of Mount Ambasoira and contains ancient cave paintings. Guides can be hired to explain the region’s history and rock-art sites.

Keren

Keren, located 91 kilometers northwest of Asmara, is the capital of the Anseba region. Surrounded by mountains, it attracts visitors with its historic sites, bustling markets, and Italianate architecture. The city has a mild climate with hot days and cool mornings.

Post-independence, Keren has been developing economically with improved education and infrastructure. Its landscape features century-old ruins and offers a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. The region’s natural beauty and friendly people make it an appealing destination.

Dekemhare

Dekemhare, Eritrea’s second-largest city, offers unique cultural experiences like traditional dances and the national festival held in January. This event features cultural performances, exhibitions, and sports, including the ShenenYatana ethnocultural exchange program.

The city’s climate varies significantly by season. The warm period lasts from July to October, with temperatures over 88°F. The rainless season stretches from October to March, with November being the driest. For a cooler visit, plan for the winter months, with temperatures around 56°F and minimal rain.

Taulud Island

Eritrea’s Filfil Rainforest, located between 700 and 2,000 meters above sea level, features olive, cedar, and deciduous trees. It has a wet season lasting five to seven months and is accessible by car from Massawa or Asmara.

Historically, the nearby Dahlak Islands have been a significant center for Christianity and Islam. The islands have experienced various rulers, including the Ottomans, Yemenis, Italians, and Ethiopians. Eritrea gained independence in 1993.

Desei Island

When traveling to Eritrea, plan ahead due to regional tensions. Stick to bottled water and fresh juices, avoid ice cream and salads. Raw foods are not recommended.

Dahlak Kebir, the largest island in the Dahlak Archipelago, is a popular destination with rugged terrain and pristine beaches. Desei Island offers accommodation at the Desei Island Resort Hotel, featuring modern and traditional huts, a restaurant, and a bar. The island is known for its soft white sand.

Danakil Region

The Danakil Depression, known for its extreme weather and unique geology, is home to the Erta Ale volcano and diverse wildlife. Highlights include Lake Afrera, Erta Ale mountain, Lake Assale, and Dallol hot springs.

The region, inhabited by the resilient Afar people, is very hot, with temperatures reaching 50°C. Visit between October and February to avoid peak heat. The Dallol geothermal area features sulfur lakes, but caution is advised due to toxic acid.

Dahlak Archipelago

The Dahlak Archipelago, comprising 200 islands off Eritrea’s coast, is ideal for yacht cruising, diving, and pearl fishing. Hire a charter yacht from Massawa to explore the islands, home to diverse wildlife including sea birds, dolphins, whales, and dugongs.

Dahlak Kebir, the largest island, offers beautiful scenery, rugged terrain, and pristine beaches. The archipelago’s coral reefs, formed by seismic activity, support thriving marine life. The region, largely untouched by tourism, is perfect for diving, snorkeling, and exploration.

The Red Sea

Eritrea’s northern Red Sea Region, the country’s largest, borders Ethiopia and Sudan. It features rich forestry and archaeological sites, reflecting Eritrea’s varied culture and heritage.

The Red Sea has historically been vital to Eritrea. The seaport of Massawa thrived as a trading hub. Notable coastal ruins include the ancient city of Adulis, once the capital of the Aksumite kingdom and a key trading center with Roman Empire ties.

Takeaway

Eritrea offers diverse landscapes, including mountains, deserts, coastal towns, and forests. It boasts ancient ruins and UNESCO World Heritage sites, with a history dating back to 20,000 BC.

The country has a rich culture, one of the oldest written languages, and unique cuisine. Despite being overshadowed by neighbors Ethiopia and Somalia, Eritrea’s historical significance and archaeological findings make it a compelling destination for cultural tourism.