Eritrea, a country located in the Horn of Africa, boasts a stunning coastline along the Red Sea, diverse landscapes ranging from arid deserts to lush highlands, and a rich tapestry of cultures. Despite its troubled history and relative obscurity on the global tourism map, Eritrea offers an array of unique experiences for those looking to explore something new. Here are the top five things to do if you find yourself in this intriguing nation.
#### 1. Explore Asmara’s Architectural Wonders
Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, is famous for its well-preserved modernist architecture. Often referred to as “Piccola Roma” or Little Rome, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its unique collection of Art Deco buildings. A stroll through Asmara’s streets offers a view into its Italian colonial past with highlights such as the Fiat Tagliero Building, Cinema Impero, and Asmara Cathedral. The blend of Italian style with local cultural elements makes the cityscape of Asmara truly distinctive.
#### 2. Relax on the Beaches of Massawa
The port city of Massawa is known for its historical architecture and beautiful beaches. Before heading to the beach, explore the old town with its Ottoman-era buildings and captivating coral-block architecture that survived through ages of colonialism and conflict. After soaking up some history, take a short boat ride to nearby islands like Green Island (Taulud Island), which provide pristine beaches perfect for relaxation or snorkeling in clear blue waters.
#### 3. Discover Dahlak Archipelago
For adventure seekers and marine life enthusiasts, visiting the Dahlak Archipelago is a must-do activity in Eritrea. This group of over 120 islands offers some of the best diving spots in the Red Sea with vibrant coral reefs teeming with diverse aquatic species. The largely uninhabited islands also provide opportunities for fishing and pearl diving amidst untouched natural beauty.
#### 4. Trek Through Filfil Rainforest
Located in the Semienawi Bahri region (Northern Red Sea Zone), Filfil Rainforest stands out as one of Africa’s last remaining tropical rainforests containing an array of flora and fauna that are rare in such arid surroundings. This green belt provides excellent hiking trails where visitors can immerse themselves in nature while catching glimpses of vervet monkeys, numerous bird species, and lush vegetation.
#### 5. Visit Qohaito Ruins
No visit to Eritrea would be complete without exploring its ancient ruins that testify to a rich history dating back thousands of years. Qohaito was once an important city during Aksumite civilization which peaked around 1st millennium BCE to 1st millennium CE. Today you can see remnants like stone pillars (stelae), rock art engravings, tombs scattered across archaeological sites offering panoramic views over surrounding plateau up towards mountains.
### Conclusion
Eritrea’s understated charm lies in its combination of historical depth diverse landscapes friendly people making it an ideal destination adventurous travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences While it might not boast usual tourist hotspots found other destinations richness culture heritage sure captivate those who venture this unique corner Africa Whether it’s wandering through architectural sites lounging pristine beaches diving into marine wonderland exploring rainforests delving into ancient histories there’s something everyone this fascinating country