Eritrea

Red Sea Shores and Coral Kingdoms

The Dahlak Archipelago scatters more than 200 islands across the southern Red Sea, most of them uninhabited and fringed by coral reefs teeming with marine life. Massawa, the gateway to these islands, layers Ottoman, Egyptian and Italian heritage across its old town, where coral block buildings and ancient mosques line narrow streets warmed by the coastal sun. Snorkelling and diving in these waters reveal a quietly spectacular underwater world that few travellers have discovered.

Highland Trails and Ancient Terraces

Beyond Asmara, the Eritrean highlands unroll in dramatic escarpments, terraced farmland and weathered villages perched on ridgelines. The railway from Asmara to Massawa, one of the great engineering feats of its era, descends through tunnels, bridges and switchbacks with views that stretch to the Red Sea. Keren, the country's second city, hosts one of the liveliest markets in the Horn of Africa, where camels and livestock change hands in cheerful commotion every Monday.

Nine Peoples, One Table

Eritrea's nine recognised ethnic groups each bring their own language, traditions and culinary fingerprint to the national table. Injera topped with spiced stews and tangy zigni is shared from a single platter in a tradition of communal eating that turns every meal into a small ceremony. Local honey wine known as mes and home brewed beer called suwa flow at celebrations, and the country's Italian heritage lives on in surprisingly excellent pasta, gelato and cappuccino served alongside traditional dishes.