Despite the war damage in some cities, especially in the province of Sahel, there is much to see. Around 1,000 km of coastline and some of the best dive sites in the region await visitors. Trekking and mountaineering are possible in the highlands and many interesting historic sites waiting to be discovered.

Beaches

The white sandy beach in Gergussum, north of Massawa, is ideal for sunbathing. Assab in the southeastern province Denkalia is a modern city with beautiful beaches.

Travel Guides:

In nearby Emberemi can be the tombs of Sheikh el Amin and Muhammad ibn Ali to visit, a pilgrimage to where many believers. Senhit Keren in the province is a smaller version of Asmara. The fort dates from the period of Turkish rule. The tombs of Abu Bakr el Said and Mariam de Mirgani Arit are important religious shrines. You can also visit the monastery of Debre Sina in Elabered on the road from Keren to Asmara. Agordet in the western lowlands (Barka Province) offers many interesting buildings from the colonial era of the Turks and the Egyptians. The archaeological sites Qohaito, Matera and Rora Habab are also of interest.

Asmara

The Eritrean capital Asmara was the end of the 19th Century is nothing more than a small cluster of villages. The 1897 Italian colonial government moved the seat of government from Massawa to Asmara. Italian architecture dominates the town, the imposing cathedral was built in 1922 in the Lombard style. When building the largest mosque Khulafa el Rashidin, Carrara marble was used. At the market close to you can buy gold and silver jewelry. The large market north of the cathedral is worth a visit: Fruits and vegetables, spices, used furniture, pottery, wood carvings and clothing will be offered. The National Avenue is the lifeline of the city. The Court, the Asmara Theatre (built 1918), the Cathedral, various government buildings and town hall are located at National Avenue. The former residence (Ghibi) of the colonial masters used today as a national museum. Other attractions include the University and the beautiful May Jahjah Fountain.

Massawa

The road to Massawa winds through a lovely landscape. The road passes the famous Orthodox monastery of Debre Bizen. Massawa was already an important center in ancient times and is now the largest natural deep-water port on the Red Sea. The three districts Batsa, Twalet with the mainland by causeways connected. The port and old town Batsa lie on the island, despite the war damage is still worth seeing. The architecture bears witness to the long colonial rule of the Turks and Egyptians, 15 to 18 Century onwards. The main mosque imam Hanbeli has remained largely unscathed by the devastation. Most restaurants, cafes and bars in the city are Batsa.

Excursions:

Small boats leave the island of Sheik Said (Isola Verde). In Twalet there are also buildings of Italian architecture. The heavily damaged Ghibi (Palace), whose foundation stone in the 15th Century was set to be restored. The Sports Club offers a restaurant, a museum, a library and a small sports equipment.