Trip to Eritrea, architecture, culture and relaxed atmosphere.
Travel to Eritrea to discover this country located on the Red Sea coast. Eritrea is a destination that captivates travelers with its charming yet melancholic atmosphere, its colonial architecture and its culture, still quite hermetic today. In every corner of Eritrea you will find a unique blend of Italian, Arab and African influences that make it unique.
Highlights of our trip to Eritrea
- The city of Asmara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its modernist architecture standing still in time.
- Keren camel market: a must-see on Mondays
- Scenic drive through the highlands to the Red Sea coast.
- Historic port city of Massawa
- One night in the Dahlak archipelago (island selected according to weather and sea conditions: Dessie, Madot, Durgam, Durgela or Dahret).
Discovering Asmara
We started our trip to Eritrea in Asmara, the capital, is a testimony of modernist and art deco architecture. Strolling through its streets is like traveling back in time, where the facades of the buildings, with their ornate details and faded colors, tell stories of a bygone splendor. Buildings such as the National Theater and the Sacred Heart Church are perfect examples of the architectural beauty that defines this city.
However, Eritrea is not just an open-air museum; it is also a place where decay meets resilience. The weathered structures, some of which have remained standing despite the passage of time and conflict, create a thought-provoking atmosphere of nostalgia. Cobblestone streets and cafes that still retain their retro charm are the perfect setting to feel the pulse of a rich and vibrant culture.
Local markets, such as the Mercato Centrale, offer a taste of Eritrean culture with colorful stalls selling spices, textiles and handicrafts. Asmara is also famous for its coffee culture, where you can enjoy traditional Eritrean coffee ceremonies.
Eritrean culture is a mosaic of traditions and customs. We will try to get closer to its people where each conversation offers a window into their daily lives and cultural heritage.
Massawa, the Pearl of the Red Sea
Originally an important commercial center, Massawa boasts a mix of Italian colonial structures and traditional Eritrean buildings. Again, walking tours follow one after another to leisurely explore the beautiful old town with its narrow streets, colorful markets and historic monuments.
Keren, the Monday market
The Keren Camel Market is one of the most important and visually stunning markets in the Horn of Africa, held only on Mondays. Traders gather with their camels, goats and produce from the surrounding regions.
Dahlak Archipelago
The Dahlak Archipelago off Massawa is a group of islands in the Red Sea known for its natural beauty, rich biodiversity. We will take a boat to travel to the islands, spend a night and enjoy its beaches.
Approximate itinerary of the trip to Eritrea
Day 1: Arrival in Asmara (Saturday)
Day 2 – Guided city tour of Asmara: architecture and living culture (Sunday)
Day 3: Asmara to Keren | Monday camel market (Monday)
Day 4: Exploration of Keren and return to Asmara (Tuesday)
Day 5 – Asmara to Massawa: From the Highlands to the Red Sea (Wednesday)
Day 6: Excursion to the islands of the Dahlak Archipelago and overnight (Thursday)
Day 7 – From Dahlak Island to Massawa (Friday)
Day 8: Massawa to Asmara and departure (Saturday)
