Massawa Tour

2 days and 1-night itinerary of Massawa

Exploring Massawa’s Historic Sites and Local Culture

  • Old Town Massawa (Massawa Island) - Begin your day by making your way to Massawa from Asmara and going to Old Town. This area is filled with Ottoman, Egyptian, and Italian colonial architecture, much of it dating back centuries.

  • Sheikh Hanafi Mosque - This beautiful 15th-century mosque is one of the oldest in Eritrea where you can appreciate the influence of Islam in Eritrean culture.

  • Lunch at a hotel or local restaurant - Stop for lunch at one of Massawa’s popular hotels. Both the Dahlak and Red Sea hotels offer fresh seafood and traditional Eritrean dishes, with stunning views of the sea.

  • Massawa War Memorial and Martyrs’ Square and Museum - After lunch, visit the Massawa War Memorial, which commemorates Eritrean fighters who died during the struggle for independence. The Martyrs’ Square nearby is another important landmark dedicated to the country’s independence.

  • Bank Di Roma - This colonial-era building was once an important institution during the Italian occupation. It reflects the Italian architectural influence on the city.

  • Sheikh Derbush Tomb - A significant historical site for Muslims, the tomb honours a revered Islamic figure, showcasing the city’s Islamic heritage.

  • Al Sehaba Mosque - One of the oldest mosques in Massawa, it highlights the city's long history of Islamic influence.

  • The Emperor's Palace - Built during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie, this palace reflects the imperial history of Eritrea.

  • The Tank Cemetery - A memorial site where remnants of tanks from the Eritrean War of Independence are preserved, serving as a powerful symbol of the struggles faced during the fight for Eritrean independence.

  • Dinner at a Local Restaurant - End the day with a stroll along Massawa port and choose a local restaurant for dinner, where you can enjoy seafood and traditional Eritrean cuisine.

  • Breakfast at a Local Café or Hotel - Start the day with breakfast at a café or hotel. Enjoy some Eritrean coffee or tea.

  • Excursion to Green Island - Take a boat trip to Green Island, a small coral island located just off the coast of Massawa. It’s a popular spot for snorkelling, swimming, and relaxing on the beach.

  • Lunch and Relaxation at Gurgusum Beach - After returning from Green Island, head to Gurgusum Beach. Nearby restaurants and resorts offer food and drinks, so you can enjoy lunch by the sea.

  • Dinner at Local Restaurant or Beachfront Café - For your final meal in Massawa, dine at a restaurant near the waterfront or beach area, where you can enjoy the relaxing coastal atmosphere.

  • Return to Asmara - We will make our return to Asmara in the morning and conclude our tour for Massawa.

Included

  • Tour guide fees

  • Boat transport

  • Entry fees

  • Scuba or snorkelling equipment

Not included

  • Meals and drinks

  • Hotel (This can be included within the tour, let us know if you would like us to book this for you on the contact us form)

  • Tipping

Tour Price

Prices depend on the number of participants and the duration of the trip. The tours are organised in partnership with Barantu Travel Agency in Eritrea. Pricing may vary according to the specific tour chosen, as we offer the flexibility to customise your itinerary. For more information, please contact us via email, social media, or by completing our contact form to receive detailed pricing.

 FAQs

  • The tour lasts 2 days and 1 night in total.

    It is available year-round - just let us know your preferred dates when filling out the contact us form.


  • To confirm your trip, please complete the contact us form. Once we receive your request and verify availability for your chosen dates, we’ll send you an email with a confirmation and a secure Stripe payment link for the tour fee or deposit.

    After receiving the payment, we’ll send a final confirmation with your tour details and next steps.

    Please note: Reservations must be made at least two months in advance due to limited transportation options in Eritrea. Booking early ensures a smooth experience. Tours are organised by Barantu Travel Agency, our partners in Eritrea.

  • Once your dates are confirmed, we’ll email you a secure Stripe payment link for the deposit. After payment is processed, you will receive an invoice or receipt for your records.

    The remaining balance can be paid in cash upon arrival in Eritrea or settled in full before your tour begins. We accept GBP, USD, EUR, or Nakfa.

    Refund Policy:

    Deposits are non-refundable as they cover advance vehicle reservations.

    However, if you have paid the tour fee in full and Barantu Travel & Tours cancels the tour or is unable to provide a service listed in your tour program, we will refund the value of the service not provided, excluding the deposit.

  • Partnering with Barantu Travel Agency allows us to provide reliable transportation for a seamless travel experience in Eritrea.

    Available transport options include:

    • Small Minibus → Up to 10 people

    • Medium Bus → Up to 26 people

    • Large Bus → Up to 31 people

    Private transportation (including private cars or Land Cruisers) is available for smaller groups upon request.

  • You must be 18 or older to book a tour. If you or anyone else in the group is under 18, you must be accompanied by someone who is 18 or older throughout the tour.