Eritrea 3 Day Itinerary

Three-Day Itinerary for Exploring Eritrea

Day 1: Asmara City Tour

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at one of the local restaurants in Asmara. Try the famous injera (flatbread) with various stews.
  • Visit the Fiat Tagliero Building, also known as the “Campo Santo” or “Dromocraterion”, an impressive Art Deco structure built by Mussolini in the 1930s.
  • Explore the Independence Avenue, lined with beautiful Italian colonial architecture, including the Catholic Cathedral and the Monument of Independence.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Asmara Open Air Market (Shabait Market), a vibrant place to experience local life and shop for traditional Eritrean goods.
  • Drop by the Asmara National Museum to learn about Eritrea’s history, culture, and artifacts.
  • Enjoy an afternoon coffee at one of the many birristerias (coffee shops) in Asmara. Don’t forget to try the local buna mek’el (espresso).

Evening:

  • Dine at a local restaurant for a taste of traditional Eritrean cuisine, such as tsi’at’i (spicy chicken) or kitfo (minced raw beef).
  • Relax and unwind at the Yemal Gelata or Giorgis Theatre, two popular spots for nightlife in Asmara.

Day 2: Massawa and its Surroundings

Morning:

  • Depart early to reach Massawa, a port city on the Red Sea coast. The journey takes approximately 4 hours by car.
  • Visit the Massawa Fortress, a historic fort built in the 19th century by the Ottomans and Italians.

Afternoon:

  • Spend the afternoon relaxing at one of Massawa’s beautiful beaches, such as Tzulaiti Beach or Nafa’a Beach.
  • Take a boat trip to the Halhal Island, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters and snorkel among colorful marine life.

Evening:

  • Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants in Massawa, followed by a stroll along the seaside promenade.

Day 3: Keren City Tour

Morning:

  • Depart for Keren, a city located about 100 km southwest of Asmara. The journey takes approximately 2 hours by car.
  • Visit the Keren Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the region, including artifacts from the ancient Kingdom of Axum.

Afternoon:

  • Explore the lively Keren Market, a bustling marketplace where you can find a wide variety of local produce, textiles, and handicrafts.
  • Visit the Tsazamaqwami Church, an impressive Orthodox Christian church built in the 19th century.

Evening:

  • Return to Asmara for your final night. Have dinner at a local restaurant and reflect on your journey through Eritrea.

Things to Know

  • Visa Requirements: Tourists require a visa to enter Eritrea, which can be obtained from the Eritrean embassy in your home country or upon arrival at the Asmara International Airport. Check the current requirements and processes before traveling.
  • Currency: The local currency is the Nakfa (ERN). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it’s best to bring cash.
  • Transportation: Taxis are widely available in both Asmara and Massawa. Rental cars can also be arranged if you prefer to drive yourself.
  • Safety: While Eritrea is generally safe for tourists, it’s always a good idea to exercise caution and awareness of your surroundings.
  • Language: Tigrinya is the official language of Eritrea, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.