The country of Eritrea is located in the north of the Horn of Africa. With a total area of 124,000 square kilometers, it is home to around 4.9 million inhabitants, of which approximately 500,000 live in the capital, Asmara.
Its population includes the Tigrinya, the Tigré, the Sahos, the Afars, the Hedarebs, the Bilens, the Kunamas, the Naras, and the Rashaidas. Arabic, English, and Tigrinya are among the country’s working and official languages. The population is evenly split between Christianity and Islam.
Sights in Eritrea
Among the country’s most significant attractions are the 1,000-kilometer-long Red Sea coastline and its world-class diving spots, which rank among the best in East Africa. The Dahlak Archipelago also offers excellent diving opportunities. Many tours to the Dahlak Islands depart from Massawa.
The country’s highlands provide ample opportunities for mountaineering and trekking vacations. The many historical sites also draw visitors, many of which are located in the capital Asmara, such as the cathedral built in Lombard style in 1922 or the Khulafa el Rashidin, the country’s largest mosque, which was constructed with Italian marble.
Location and Climate of Eritrea
Eritrea is situated in North Africa and shares borders with Ethiopia, Sudan, and Djibouti. To the east, the country is bordered by the Red Sea. Eritrea consists of the mainland and the Dahlak Archipelago, which comprises 209 small islands, only three of which are inhabited.
In the central highlands of Eritrea, temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius in May. In winter, however, temperatures can drop to around zero degrees. The climate of the central highlands is shaped by the rainy and dry seasons. The first rainy season lasts from March to April, and the second from June to August. Along the coast and in the Danakil Desert, temperatures can soar to 40 degrees Celsius from June to August. In winter, temperatures do not drop as drastically, remaining between 18 and 32 degrees Celsius. The rainy seasons along the coast and in the west begin in December and end in February. Due to the climatic differences, the coast is best visited from November to March, and the highlands from September to February.
Entry and Travel to Eritrea
The international airport of Eritrea is located about six kilometers from the capital Asmara. Direct flights are available from several European airports, including Frankfurt am Main. In addition, there are ship connections from Europe to Eritrea.
Entry into Eritrea is only possible with a valid passport and a visa. When applying, travelers should ensure they request a tourist visa for holiday purposes, which may not be used for business. Tourist visas are issued for a duration of one month. If a longer stay is planned, the stay in the country can be extended twice for a fee, provided the maximum stay of three months is not exceeded.
