Eritrea tailor-made holiday ideas
AsmaraSituated on a high plateau, the capital has a pleasant climate, which led the colonising Italians to choose it as their main base. A small collection of villages just over 200 years ago, today it is full of striking Italian architecture and bougainvillaea lines the streets. Carrara marble was used in building its mosque. It is a lavish town, with Italian trimmings.
MassawaComing here from the capital you descend 2,438 metres to sea level, passing breath-taking views of coastal desert. The Turko-Egyptian city has the largest deep water port in the Red Sea. Batsi island connects with the mainland via a series of dams. Sadly damaged during the struggle for independence from Ethiopia, the old town is being rebuilt in keeping with its original style. Some parts remain impressive.
QohaitoAn archaeological site whose beginnings are still being questioned. What is not in doubt is its impressiveness. Of the area excavated, around 20 per cent of the total area, digs have found the Temple of Mariam Wakiro, an early Christian church, temples, and tombs. The largest, most significant find, has been the Saphira Dam - 60 metres long and thought to be 1,000 years old.
Dahlak ArchipelagoOver 350 islands lie off the coast of Eritrea. Underwater is where their real beauty lies, packed with fish and coral life. Wreck-diving is also possible. Island and Arabian ruins are found on the largest island, home to nine ethnic villages.
