Top Things to Do in Eritrea

Eritrea is a destination that quietly surprises. Most travelers arrive with few expectations and leave completely captivated. Here are the experiences you simply shouldn't miss.

Explore Asmara on Foot Eritrea's capital is a UNESCO World Heritage city and rightly so. Its streets are lined with Italian Art Deco, Modernist, and Futurist architecture from the colonial era, remarkably well-preserved and unlike anywhere else in Africa. Stroll down Harnet Avenue, stop for a macchiato at one of the many historic cafés, and watch the city come alive in the cool evening air. Asmara moves at its own pace, and that's part of its charm.

Take the Massawa Train The historic Asmara Massawa railway, one of the most dramatic rail journeys in Africa, descends nearly 2,400 metres from the highlands to the coast through spectacular mountain scenery. Operating on weekends, this vintage steam train is a living piece of history and an unforgettable ride.

Discover Massawa's Ancient Port Massawa is one of the oldest ports on the Red Sea a layered city where Ottoman architecture meets sun-bleached coral buildings and buzzing fish markets. Explore the old town of Batse, visit the Imperial Palace, and eat fresh seafood by the water as the sun goes down.

Sail to the Dahlak Archipelago Just off the coast of Massawa lies one of the least visited island chains in the world. The Dahlak Archipelago is a paradise for snorkelers and divers, with pristine coral reefs, abundant marine life, and an almost complete absence of other tourists. A three day island escape here is something you'll talk about for years.

Visit Qohaito & the Ancient Highlands The Eritrean highlands hold some of the oldest archaeological sites in the Horn of Africa. Qohaito, believed to date back over 2,000 years, features ancient temples, rock art, and dramatic canyon landscapes. It remains largely unexplored by the wider world.

Experience Life in a Village Some of the most meaningful moments in Eritrea happen away from the sites sharing a meal in someone's home, attending a coffee ceremony, or watching the sun set over terraced highland farms. We always include these moments in our tours because they're what people remember most.