Eritrea is a hidden gem of Africa. It lies in the horn of Africa and compared to neighboring countries, Eritrea is one mesmerizing country.
It is multi ethnic country and you can find influence from Europe, Turkey, Egypt, Mediterranean and Arab culture. The ethnic diversity makes it a great and unique place to visit. It was occupied by the Italian till 1944 and you can see a lot of Italian architecture and culture here.
The country has everything that tourists want when going on a vacation except luxuries. It is a poor country and the average earning of people her is not below $50.
In terms of beauty, there is no match. You can enjoy reefs, culture, beaches, highlands, lakes, and numerous archeological sites. Here are some of the best places to visit in Eritrea.
10 Best Places To Visit in Eritrea
1. Massawa
This is a laid-back city and it got destroyed in the Independence War but still it is an amazing town to visit. You can enjoy walking and roaming the streets of the town to explore and discover tiny treasures. This is a coastal town and so definitely offers a great relaxing experience at the amazing beaches.
2. Asmara
Asmara is a lovable small town, also the capital of Eritrea. The city has lots to offer in terms of architecture and history. The main tour attraction here is the National Museum Asmara which is loaded with history, culture and arts. The Italian colonial buildings and cafes are a great sight. You can also enjoy delicious Italian coffee and pastries in road-side cafes.
3. The Dahlak Marine National Park
It lies on the Dahlak archipelago and is situated in the Red Sea. It is one of the best destination to visit if you want to experience unspoiled nature. The place has a huge biodiversity and you can find some amazing aquatic wildlife here.
Other than marine life, the island is house to a huge variety of birds as well. Things to do here include boating, sightseeing, birdwatching and different water sports.
4. The Imperial Palace
It was a magnificent palace back in 16th century but today what remains are the facades of the Imperial Palace that were destroyed during the independence War. It was originally built by Turkish and then later on redesigned and built by Werner Munzinger in the 19th century.
5. Eritrean Orthodox Church
The church is a main tour attraction in Masawwa because of its astounding architecture. The church can only be visited for 2 hours in the entire day and that to, early in the morning so if you want to visit this amazing church you will have to wake up really early. It is also known as Nda Mariam Orthodox Church.
6. Senafe
It is a mainly archeological town with ruins dating back to the 3rd century. The main tour attractions here are the Metera ruins’ other things to do here include visiting the Enda-Tradqan and also rock climbing if you are in for an adventure.
7. Mountain Emba Soira
This is the highest mountain in Eritrea and is part of the mountain range whose one side lies on the Great Rift Valley and finally ends up at the Red Sea. It is a great place to bring out the adventurous person in you.
Things to do here include hiking, trekking, mountain climbing and sightseeing. You can visit a nearby town where you can stay and then plan a trip to the mountains.
8. Red Sea
Eritrea is a gem of the Red Sea as it has a huge coastal area to mesmerize the tourists. The clean, shimmering waters and golden sand beaches are a sight worth visiting. You can also enjoy several water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving. The underwater reefs are a spellbinding site.
9. Qohaito
This is again an archeological town with ruins from the Pre-Axumite and Axumite period. The main tour attractions here are the King Saba’s palace and the Safra’s Dam.
You can also get fascinated with the amazing rock art all around the town which dates back to the 5th century.
10. Semenawi Bahri National Park
It is an amazing national park just close to the capital city. It lies at the foothill of a mountain and the winding roads are a great sight and the view that you can see from these roads is simply enthralling. You can spot a number of wildlife and enjoy the serene environment.
Conclusion
Eritrea is a poor country but with a rich soul. You can certainly enjoy every bit of your trip if you are a bit on the adventurous side. It is a stunning and beautiful place to enjoy, relax and learn a lot about the local culture and their style of living. It is a great place to visit with many things to do here.
Read Also:
- What is Capital of Eritrea?
- Best Hotels To Stay in Eritrea
- Best Countries To Visit in Africa
