Eritrea is rich in its historical and natural scenery. Its fascinating historical sites, its extended coastline with recreational facilities like uncontaminated beaches of the northern coast namely Gurgusum, Buri peninsula and Zula Bay, Mersa Gulbub, Mewa Ibrahim, Ras-Kubaa and the southern coasts- Marsa Fatma, Tio, Idi, and Beilul. There are also beaches in the offshore islands in Pissei Island and Dahlak archipelago. Besides to these, there are other recreational facilities like marine parks, spot fishing, sailing, scuba diving and mountain hiking. Eritrea’s topographic diversity is what makes it attractive.

Eritreas strategic location makes it valuable in historical importance and researches. Some of its alluring archeological sites are Dahlak, Sembel (Asmara), Metera and Kohaito, Belew Kelew, Tekonda, Keskese, Orota and others which remain unexcavated with many mysteries yet to be unraveled. Most of these archeological sites are found in the southern region of the highlands. Among these, the ruins of Metera and Kohaito have a great deal of significance. More interestingly, there can be found pre-historic cave paintings and etchings in the villages called Himbirti and Hismile. The remains of the ancient port of Adulis that was a trading post and through which Greco-Roman influence penetrated, unexcavated is a major tourist attraction

The devastating war for liberation has also left exciting sites. The Eritrean People Liberation Front’s base-Nakfa with its extended trenches, underground commanding posts, a hospital, and other mini-workshops are some of the interesting sites for visiting. The historic railway, which was built by the Italians and then rebuilt by the government of Eritrea after independence, is also fascinating. It is one of the oldest railways in Africa and riding through it and viewing the special landscapes of the highlands and the lowlands is such a pleasurable experience.

Eritrea has five distinct ecosystems- Sahel, Savanna, maritime, mountain and desert where one can appreciate ‘Three Seasons in Two Hours’. It is rich in adventurous mountain ecosystems that are suitable for trekking and mountaineering. The Denkalia depression is one of the unique features. It is here where the Great Rift Valley passes through, the world greatest depression and the remains of early human species are found. There are also hot springs with medicinal value in places called Akwaan, Mai Wuui’, Gahtelai and Irafaile, Dongolo, Foha

     

The Fauna and Flora of Eritrea, though affected by the war is one of the most interesting features. Eritrea is one of the blessed countries in the biodiversity. To name some of the wild lives habitat in the Gash-Setit-elephants, lion, greater kudu, Tara hartebeest, velvet monkey, olive baboon, Soemmerings gazelle, ostrich, and others and in the green belt of north and southern Red Sea there can be found leopards, bushbuck, klipspringer, duiker and warthog. Beside these, there are also a wide variety of birds such as Erkels’ francolins, chestnut napped, francolins and so many others.

More importantly, Eritrea’s religious sites are marvelous features to be visited. Eritrea being not far from the Middle East is among the first countries to accept Christianity and Islam. So that it owns the oldest established churches, monasteries and mosques. The Debre Sina monastery the oldest and the first one was established in 1482. Located east of Keren is well known by its Syrian architecture. The Debre Libanos monastery was also the oldest that was established in 4th AD. It comprises an important library, rock paintings, and an astonishing number of mummified bodies. The third and equally interesting monastery, which was established in 1361 and called Debre Bizen has a good collection of ancient manuscripts. All in all the monasteries do have good collection of manuscripts, historical relics, parchments and holy pictures. For the Islamic culture, important and ancient mosques are found in Keren and Agordat.