Eritrea 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Asmara

Visa Requirements: Before you embark on your journey, ensure you have a valid Eritrean Tourist Visa. You can apply for it online or at the Eritrean Embassy in your country.

Transportation: Upon arrival at Asmara International Airport (IAA), you can take a pre-arranged taxi or use local transportation like shared taxis (Zebra) and buses to get around the city.

Morning:

  • Start your day with breakfast at one of the traditional coffeehouses in the bustling neighborhood of Forto. Try the locally popular injera, a sourdough flatbread, and tsebhi, spiced lentil stew.
  • Visit the Fiat Tagliero Monument, an architectural marvel built by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini in the 1930s.
  • Explore the surrounding area, including the Hannaitum Square and the Municipality Palace.

Afternoon:

  • Head to the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, a beautiful example of modernist architecture.
  • Next, visit the Asmara Open Air Museum to learn about Eritrea’s history and culture.
  • Relax at the Meles Zenawi Square and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Evening:

  • Dine at one of Asmara’s many charming restaurants, such as Ala’a or Zara’ae, to taste authentic Eritrean cuisine.
  • Experience the nightlife by visiting bars like Café Simplon, a historic Art Deco-style café that was once frequented by Italian artists and writers.

Day 2: Exploring Massawa and the Halalib Bet

Transportation: Travel to Massawa by taking a bus or hiring a private car from Asmara. The journey takes approximately 6 hours.

Morning:

  • Arrive in Massawa and visit the Port of Massawa, one of Africa’s oldest ports, to learn about its rich history.
  • Explore the beautiful beaches of Natali Beach or Tanta Berekait.

Afternoon:

  • Take a boat tour to the Halalib Bet (Salt Islands), where you can swim in the crystal clear waters and explore the salt mines.
  • Visit the Massawa Archaeological Museum to learn about Massawa’s ancient history, including its connection to the Kingdom of Axum.

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Massawa while soaking in the stunning sea views.
  • Return to Asmara and rest for the night.