Where to next?
Perched high in the Horn of Africa, Eritrea remains one of the world's most enigmatic and untouched travel destinations. An expedition here feels like stepping across decades, where Italian Futurism, Ottoman coastal heritage, and deeply rooted highland traditions exist in suspended animation.
The Highlands: Asmara’s Art Deco Sanctuary
The journey begins at 2,300 meters above sea level in Asmara, a UNESCO World Heritage capital celebrated for its pristine concentration of 1930s modernist and Art Deco architecture. Mornings begin with rich espresso or macchiato served from vintage lever machines at sidewalk cafés along palm-lined Harnet Avenue. Highlights include the iconic, airplane-winged Fiat Tagliero service station, Cinema Impero, and the bustling open-air artisan workshops of the Medebar Market, all set against a calm, remarkably safe cityscape.
The Descent: Mountain Escarpments to the Red Sea
Leaving the cool plateau, the winding highway to the coast drops dramatically through the clouds, mirroring the route of the historic steam railway carved into sheer cliffs. The route leads to Massawa, the historic Red Sea port marked by centuries of Ottoman and Arab influence. While scars of the independence conflict remain etched into its coral-block buildings, the old port retains an evocative beauty. From Massawa, boats set out toward the uninhabited reefs and crystalline waters of the Dahlak Archipelago.
Essential Trip Details
Best Time to Visit: October to March, when highland temperatures are crisp and pleasant, and the Red Sea coast escapes the extreme summer heat.
Logistics: International flights arrive in Asmara. Traveling outside the capital requires travel permits issued in Asmara. Cash (Eritrean Nakfa) is essential, as international cards and ATMs are non-functional.