Eritrea – Timeless Beauty on the Red Sea

Eritrea is one of Africa’s most unique and least-explored countries. Tucked along the Red Sea between Sudan and Ethiopia, it offers travellers a rare blend of history, architecture, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant cultures – all without the crowds. For those seeking something different, Eritrea is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Asmara – Africa’s Art Deco capital

Eritrea’s capital, Asmara, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and often the highlight of any visit. Sitting at 2,300 metres above sea level, it has a cool climate and an easygoing pace. But what makes Asmara truly special is its architecture. Built during the Italian colonial period, the city is filled with beautifully preserved Art Deco and modernist buildings – from the curved Fiat Tagliero petrol station to the grand Cinema Impero.

Mountains, deserts, and highland villages

Eritrea’s landscapes are remarkably diverse. In a single journey, you can go from the green highlands around Asmara to the coastal plains and on to the hot, dry lowlands of the Danakil region. The country is also home to dramatic mountain passes, ancient terraced villages, and scenic routes like the road to Keren – a market town nestled in the hills and known for its camel market and Italian war cemetery.

Keren – cultural crossroads

Keren is Eritrea’s second-largest city and offers a different feel from Asmara. Surrounded by mountains, it’s a vibrant regional hub where traditional markets, colourful festivals, and religious diversity coexist. Visitors can explore local Orthodox, Catholic, and Islamic sites, and enjoy a more traditional side of Eritrean daily life.

Rich heritage and living traditions

Eritrea is home to nine recognised ethnic groups, including the Tigrinya, Tigre, Saho, and Afar. Each group has its own language, clothing, music, and traditions. Travellers interested in culture will find Eritrea to be a mosaic of influences – from Orthodox Christian processions to Islamic architecture, and from Italian espresso culture to ancient local customs.

Food and coffee – a warm welcome

Eritrean cuisine shares similarities with Ethiopian food, including injera (sourdough flatbread) and spicy stews like zigni. But it also features unique Italian influences – pasta, pizza, and espresso are widely available. The coffee ceremony, a deeply rooted tradition, is something every traveller should experience: slow-roasted beans, incense, and conversation shared with friends or strangers.

Places You Won’t Want to Miss

• Asmara – Eritrea’s capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its striking Italian modernist architecture, cafés, and laid-back charm.
• Massawa – A port city with Ottoman, Egyptian, and Italian influences, featuring coral stone buildings and a gateway to the Red Sea.
• Keren – A picturesque highland town famous for its camel market, colonial history, and vibrant local culture.
• Qohaito – The ruins of an ancient city on the edge of a plateau, offering archaeological intrigue and sweeping views.
• Debre Bizen Monastery – A spiritual site perched high above Nefasit, reachable only by a steep footpath – a true pilgrimage in every sense.

Wild Beauty & Natural Escapes

• Dahlak Archipelago – A paradise for snorkelers and divers, with remote islands, pristine waters, and vibrant marine life.
• Semienawi Bahri (Green Belt) – A lush, forested region northeast of Asmara, teeming with wildlife and ideal for hiking.
• Danakil Depression – One of the hottest and most otherworldly places on Earth, with salt flats, lava fields, and sulfur springs.
• Filfil Solomuna – A tropical forest area rich in birdlife, where you can experience Eritrea’s rare greenery and biodiversity.
• Sahel Mountains – Rugged and remote, these mountains offer spectacular scenery and a window into traditional Eritrean life.

A place for the patient and curious

Eritrea isn’t a mainstream tourist destination. Infrastructure is basic, permits are often required for travel outside major cities, and internet access is limited. But for those who come with curiosity, respect, and a sense of adventure, Eritrea offers an experience like no other – a journey through time, culture, and untouched natural beauty.