Why go
- Capital and largest city of Eritrea.
- Served by Massawa International Airport (MSW).
History
Asmara, or Asmera, is the capital and most populous city of Eritrea, in the country's Central Region. It sits at an elevation of 2,325 metres (7,628 ft), making it the sixth-highest capital in the world by altitude and the second-highest capital in Africa. The city is located at the tip of an escarpment that is both the northwestern edge of the Eritrean Highlands and the Great Rift Valley in neighbouring Ethiopia. In 2017, the city was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved Italian colonial modernist architecture. According to local traditions, the city was founded after four separate villages unified to live together peacefully after long periods of conflict. Asmara existed as a major settlement for over half a millennium and enjoyed some importance as it stood on the trade route to Massawa. Asmara first rose to prominence during the 20th century, when it became capital of Italian Eritrea. Under Italian rule the city of Asmara experienced rapid urbanization and modernization, to the point that was called Piccola Roma.
Restaurants & places to go
58 more places in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition →
Airports
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 3 airlines, 7 direct destinations
- Nasair UE (A320, 737-300) · 5 routes: Aden, Jeddah, Juba, Khartoum, Nairobi
- Egyptair MS (A320) · 1 route: Cairo
- Yemenia IY (310) · 1 route: Sanaa
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 1 airline, 1 direct destination
- Nasair UE (737-300) · 1 route: Asmara
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
Where to stay
Where things are
Photographs
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page
When to go
The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.
Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.
Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.
Getting there & around
Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Massawa International Airport (MSW); 4 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: ASM has direct flights to 7 destinations on 3 airlines (incl. Aden, Cairo, Jeddah, Juba, Khartoum…).
Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Asmara (Africa). Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.