Massawa
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The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of Eritrea. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Country
- Eritrea
- Region
- Northern Red Sea
- Population
- 50,000
- Best time to go
- November to March
- Main airport
- None with regular flights — nearest is Asmara International (ASM)
- Coordinates
- 15.61°N, 39.45°E
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Overview
Massawa is an old Red Sea port spread across two islands and the mainland, linked by causeways. Its coral-stone houses, arched arcades and Ottoman-era courtyards tell of centuries of trade between Africa and Arabia.
Much of the old town still bears scars from the independence war, which gives it a weathered, melancholy beauty. Offshore lie the Dahlak islands and their quiet reefs. Travel here is limited for now, so this guide is for a future visit.
Things to see
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Photo: O. Silvestri, based on sketches and photographs by E. Vomali, Public domain Massawa old town
Wander the lanes of Massawa Island, where coral-block merchant houses with carved wooden balconies line narrow alleys.
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Photo: Mheidegger, CC BY 4.0 Imperial Palace
The domed former palace on Taulud Island, damaged in the war, still dominates the harbour view.
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Photo: Clay Gilliland from Chandler, U.S.A., CC BY-SA 2.0 Tank memorial
Three tanks on the causeway into town mark the 1990 battle that was a turning point in the war for independence.
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Photo: Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Sp, Public domain Dahlak Archipelago
More than a hundred low, sandy islands with reefs, seabirds and very few visitors.
Things to do
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Photo: Amod Photography, CC BY-SA 4.0 Snorkelling and diving
Boat trips from the harbour reach quiet reefs around Green Island and the Dahlak islands.
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Eat fresh fish
Grilled or baked Red Sea fish, served with flatbread and spicy sauces, is the reason to eat out here.
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Photo: Reinhard Dietrich, CC0 Old town at dusk
Walk the old quarter as the heat eases, when people come out to sit and talk on the waterfront.
Where to stay
Massawa Island
Atmospheric and central, best for those interested in the old town's architecture.
Hotels in Massawa IslandGurgussum Beach
North of town, with beach hotels that suit a few lazy days by the sea.
Hotels in Gurgussum Beach
Getting around
The islands and old town are small enough to walk, though the heat makes short taxi hops welcome.
Most people come by road from Asmara, a spectacular descent of around three to four hours.
When to go
November to March is warm rather than scorching and the best time for the sea. From June to September Massawa is one of the hottest places in the world, with fierce humidity.
Plan your trip to Massawa
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.