12 Most Instagrammable Places in Eritrea in 2025: A Photographer's Guide - Xplrverse

The Beauty of Eritrea Through My Lens

The first time I stepped off the plane at Asmara International Airport back in 2017, I had no idea how profoundly Eritrea would change my perspective on East Africa. As someone who has visited this remarkable country six times since then, I’ve filled my camera roll with thousands of images that tell the story of a nation still largely undiscovered by mainstream tourism. On my most recent visit in late 2024, I found myself standing on the rooftop of the Albergo Italia Hotel at sunset, watching the golden light wash over Asmara’s Italian modernist buildings, and I literally had tears in my eyes at the beauty that so few travelers ever witness.

Eritrea is a photographer’s paradise that delivers a visual feast: from UNESCO-listed Art Deco architecture to pristine Red Sea coastlines, from dramatic highland plateaus to culturally rich villages. Having made countless mistakes in my early visits (like that time I forgot to bring extra memory cards to the ancient monastery of Debre Bizen—still haunts me!), I’ve learned how to capture the most striking images in this photogenic country.

This guide shares my carefully curated list of the most Instagrammable places in Eritrea for 2025, complete with the exact locations, best times to visit, and photography tips you won’t find in standard travel guides. As one local friend told me in Tigrinya, “ኣብ ኤርትራ፣ ኩሉ ነገር ስእሊ ክኸውን ይኽእል’ዩ” (“In Eritrea, everything can be a picture”) — and I couldn’t agree more.

Asmara: Modernist Architecture Frozen in Time

Nicknamed “Little Rome in Africa,” Asmara became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2017 for its outstanding modernist architecture. The city is an open-air museum of Italian architectural influences from the 1930s.

Cinema Impero: Art Deco Masterpiece

The Cinema Impero on Harnet Avenue stands as perhaps the most photogenic building in the entire country. Built in 1937, this perfectly preserved Art Deco theater remains virtually unchanged since the Italian colonial period. I’ve found that early morning (around 7:30 AM) offers the best light for exterior shots when the rising sun hits the façade at just the right angle.

For just 15 Nakfa (about $1), you can enter and photograph the stunning interior with its original seats and fixtures. The staff are surprisingly accommodating to photographers if you ask politely and say “Kemey aleka?” (“How are you?” in Tigrinya) to break the ice.

Fiat Tagliero Building: A Futurist Icon

This former service station shaped like an airplane might be Eritrea’s most dramatic building. Designed by Italian engineer Giuseppe Pettazzi in 1938, the Fiat Tagliero Building features massive concrete wings that extend 15 meters on each side without visible support—an engineering marvel.

The best photos are taken from across the street at the corner of Independence Avenue and Mai Jah Jah Street. Visit around 5 PM when the afternoon light creates dramatic shadows beneath those gravity-defying wings. The building is currently not open to the public, but exterior photos are permitted.

Photographer’s Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full span of the wings. If using a smartphone, back up as far as possible and use panorama mode.

Asmara Cathedral: Gothic-Lombard Beauty

The Asmara Catholic Cathedral with its tall bell tower offers both stunning exterior and interior photography opportunities. I arrived just before 9 AM on a Sunday when the light streams through the stained glass windows, creating rainbow patterns across the stone floors.

When photographing the interior, remember that this is an active place of worship, so dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), and maintain respectful silence. The priests are generally welcoming to photographers outside of service times if you make a small donation of 50 Nakfa to the church.

Massawa: Photogenic Port City

A two-hour drive east of Asmara brings you to Massawa, Eritrea’s main port city on the Red Sea coast. The dramatic change in scenery and climate (from the cool highlands to the tropical coast) makes for compelling visual storytelling.

Ottoman Quarter: Crumbling Elegance

The old town of Massawa showcases an architectural style completely different from Asmara. The Ottoman and Egyptian influences create a visually rich environment of coral-block buildings, wooden balconies, and ornate doorways—many still bearing the scars of the independence war.

Wander through the narrow streets early in the morning (before 9 AM) when the fishermen return with their catch and before the midday heat becomes overwhelming. The area around the old customhouse offers particularly striking compositions, especially when photographed with locals going about their daily business.

Dahlak Archipelago: Pristine Island Paradise

For truly unique Instagram content, arrange a boat trip to the Dahlak Islands from Massawa’s harbor. These 126 islands offer some of the most pristine beaches and coral reefs in the world. I spent three unforgettable days island-hopping here in 2023, and the photos generated more engagement than anything else I’ve ever posted from East Africa.

A full-day boat excursion costs around 3500 Nakfa (approximately $230) for up to six people. Book through Massawa Travel Services near the port, and be prepared to show your travel permit. Bring underwater photography equipment if possible—the visibility is often 30+ meters.

Money-Saving Insider Tip: Instead of booking through hotels or tour agencies in Asmara, wait until you reach Massawa and negotiate directly with local boat captains near the fish market. I saved almost 40% on the price by doing this and sharing the cost with other travelers I met at my hotel.

Keren: Cultural Heritage in the Highlands

Keren, Eritrea’s third-largest city, sits in a valley surrounded by mountains about 91 kilometers northwest of Asmara. The journey itself is highly photogenic, with the road winding through dramatic mountain passes.

Monday Camel Market: Living Culture

Timing is everything here—the Monday camel market is not only the largest in Eritrea but one of the most visually spectacular in East Africa. Hundreds of camels, goats, and cattle arrive with their Bilen and Tigre herders, creating a scene that feels unchanged for centuries.

Arrive early (around 7:30 AM) when the light is softer and the activity at its peak. The market occurs in an open field on the eastern edge of town, easily walkable from the center. Ask permission before photographing people (a friendly gesture and a few words in Tigrinya go a long way), and consider offering 10-20 Nakfa if you take multiple portraits.

Italian War Cemetery: Somber Reflections

Perhaps an unexpected Instagram spot, but the Italian War Cemetery in Keren offers hauntingly beautiful photographic opportunities. Set against mountain backdrops, the cemetery’s white crosses create powerful geometric patterns, especially when photographed in the late afternoon light.

This site tells an important historical story about Eritrea’s colonial past and the Battle of Keren (1941), one of the most significant engagements in East Africa during World War II. Entrance is free, but a small donation for maintenance is appreciated.

Unexpected Photographic Gems

Beyond the well-known locations, my repeated visits to Eritrea have revealed several lesser-documented spots that make for stunning Instagram content.

Filfil Rainforest: Green Oasis

Most visitors to Eritrea never discover that just 20 kilometers northeast of Asmara lies a verdant rainforest with hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The Filfil area creates a striking visual contrast to the arid images typically associated with Eritrea.

You’ll need transportation to reach the trailhead—I arranged a taxi for 800 Nakfa ($53) for a half-day round trip from Asmara. The driver waited while I hiked for three hours. The main trail is well-marked but bring plenty of water and insect repellent. The small waterfall about 40 minutes into the hike is particularly photogenic during the rainy season (June-August).

Train Journey to Nefasit: Vintage Transportation

When operational (check the schedule at the Asmara railway station), the restored Italian-era steam train running between Asmara and Nefasit offers incredible photography opportunities both on the train itself and of the spectacular highland landscapes.

The vintage carriages dating from the 1930s, the wood-burning locomotive, and the dramatic viaducts along the route create a photographer’s paradise. The train typically runs only on weekends and special occasions, with tickets costing 200 Nakfa ($13). The complete journey takes about two hours each way.

Location	Best Time for Photos	Permit Required?	Difficulty Rating
Asmara Modernist Buildings	Early morning or late afternoon	No	Easy
Massawa Ottoman Quarter	Early morning (before 9 AM)	No	Easy
Dahlak Archipelago	10 AM – 2 PM for underwater	Yes (travel permit)	Moderate
Keren Camel Market	Monday mornings only	No	Easy
Filfil Rainforest	Midday for less shadow	No	Moderate
Vintage Train Journey	Weekend mornings	No	Easy

Monastery of Debre Bizen: Spiritual Heights

Perched at 2,450 meters above sea level, this 15th-century monastery offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and distant Red Sea. The 2-hour hike from the village of Nefasit is challenging but rewards photographers with incredible landscape opportunities.

Note that women are not permitted to enter the monastery itself, but anyone can hike to the viewpoint below it. I recommend starting the hike by 7 AM to reach the top with good light and before the midday heat. Bring at least 2 liters of water and proper hiking shoes.

Insider Tip: You can hire a mule from the village of Nefasit for about 300 Nakfa ($20) to carry your equipment up the steep path, saving your energy for photography.

Coastal Escapes Beyond Massawa

While Massawa gets most of the attention, Eritrea’s 1,000+ kilometer coastline offers several other photogenic locations that few international visitors ever see.

Adulis Archaeological Site: Ancient Ruins

Located 40 kilometers south of Massawa, Adulis was once the port city of the ancient Axumite Kingdom. The ongoing excavations reveal columns, building foundations, and artifacts dating back to the 1st century CE. The contrast of ancient stones against the barren landscape creates compelling compositions, especially in early morning light.

You’ll need to hire a driver from Massawa (approximately 600 Nakfa/$40 round trip), and it’s best to visit with a guide who can explain the historical significance of the ruins (150 Nakfa/$10). I found the site completely empty of other visitors when I arrived at 8 AM on a Tuesday.

Ghinda: Highland-Lowland Transition

Halfway between Asmara and Massawa lies Ghinda, where the highland plateau dramatically gives way to the coastal plains. The change in vegetation, architecture, and people’s dress creates a visual story of Eritrea’s ecological diversity.

The view from the road itself is spectacular, but for the best photos, ask your driver to stop at the hairpin turn just outside town. Early morning is magical when mist often fills the valley below. The small coffee shops in Ghinda also make for authentic cultural photography opportunities as locals gather for the traditional coffee ceremony.

Money-Saving Sustainability Tip: Instead of hiring a private car for the Asmara-Massawa journey (1500+ Nakfa), use the public buses that depart from Asmara’s main bus station daily at 6 AM. For just 50 Nakfa ($3.30), you’ll not only save money but reduce your carbon footprint while getting authentic interaction opportunities with locals. Ask the driver to make a brief photo stop at the Ghinda viewpoint.

Planning Your Photography Trip to Eritrea

Capturing Eritrea’s most Instagrammable places requires some practical planning beyond just knowing the locations.

Essential Photography Gear

Camera equipment: Bring a versatile zoom lens (24-70mm worked perfectly for me) and a wide-angle lens for architecture. Eritrea’s clear air and strong contrasts reward those who shoot in RAW format.
Storage & power: Extra memory cards are essential as they’re difficult to find locally. I learned this the hard way on my first trip! Power banks are also crucial as electricity can be intermittent outside Asmara.
Cleaning kit: The combination of dust in the highlands and salt air near the coast makes a good sensor cleaning kit essential.
ND filters: Helpful for the extremely bright midday conditions, especially along the coast.

Permits and Photography Considerations

Eritrea has specific regulations about photography that have relaxed somewhat in 2024-2025 but still require attention:

All foreign visitors need a travel permit to leave Asmara, obtainable through your hotel or a local travel agency for 50 Nakfa ($3.30).
Photography of military installations, bridges, airports, and some government buildings remains prohibited. When in doubt, ask a local guide.
Drone photography requires special permission from the Ministry of Information and is rarely granted to tourists. I don’t recommend bringing a drone unless you have pre-arranged professional permissions.

Best Times for Photography in Eritrea

The quality of light varies dramatically by season:

October-February: My favorite time for photography with crystal-clear skies, comfortable temperatures in Asmara (15-25°C), and the most predictable light conditions.
March-May: The hottest period, especially on the coast where temperatures can exceed 40°C, making extended outdoor photography challenging.
June-September: The rainy season brings dramatic cloud formations and green landscapes in the highlands but can limit photography opportunities with unpredictable afternoon downpours.

Cultural Sensitivity in Photography

My most meaningful images from Eritrea came after establishing rapport with local people:

Always ask permission before photographing people, using the Tigrinya phrase “Surat mewsad yikhalani’do?” (“May I take your photo?”).
Show people the images you’ve taken of them on your camera’s LCD screen—this simple gesture typically generates smiles and more authentic subsequent photos.
Consider bringing a portable printer (like the Instax Mini) to give physical copies to people you photograph extensively. When I did this in a small village outside Keren, it created incredible goodwill and opened doors to more intimate photography opportunities.

Conclusion: Your Eritrean Photography Journey

After six visits to Eritrea spanning seven years, I’ve come to appreciate that this country offers a uniquely authentic photographic experience in a world increasingly homogenized by overtourism. The challenge of capturing Eritrea’s beauty lies not in finding photogenic locations—they’re everywhere—but in doing justice to their historical and cultural context.

Each time I return home and share my images, friends invariably ask, “Where IS that place?” which perfectly illustrates Eritrea’s status as one of Africa’s least photographed yet most visually compelling destinations.

Your 5-Step Action Plan for Photographing Eritrea in 2025

Prepare administratively: Apply for your visa through the Eritrean embassy at least 6 weeks before travel, and budget for the travel permits you’ll need for locations outside Asmara.
Research comprehensively: Beyond this guide, connect with the small but dedicated community of Eritrea photographers on Instagram (search the hashtags #EritreaAsks and #AsmaraModernism) to see recent images and conditions.
Pack strategically: Bring ALL necessary photography equipment, including extras of everything (batteries, cards, cleaning supplies) as specialized photography gear is virtually impossible to find locally.
Arrange local assistance: Book a local guide through reputable agencies like Asmara Grande Tour who understand photographers’ needs (optimal timing, angles, access).
Plan to disconnect: Internet access is limited and unpredictable throughout Eritrea, so download offline maps, translation tools, and photography reference materials before arrival.

The Eritrea I’ve come to know through my lens is a place of extraordinary visual contrasts: Italian futurist architecture against African landscapes, ancient traditions alongside modernist design, and the stark beauty of desert meeting sea. When you visit with camera in hand, you’re not just creating content for social media; you’re documenting a unique moment in a country still writing its contemporary story.

Final Money-Saving Insider Tip: Currency exchange rates in banks are significantly better than hotels or the airport. In 2024, I received about 15% more Nakfa by exchanging at the Commercial Bank of Eritrea on Harnet Avenue in Asmara rather than at my hotel. Bring crisp, newer USD notes (2009 series or later) for the best rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Eritrea safe for photographers?

Yes, Eritrea is one of the safest countries for travelers in Africa, with very low crime rates. As a solo female photographer on my last two trips, I never once felt unsafe walking around with camera equipment, even in remote areas. The main concerns are not security-related but rather navigating photography permissions for certain locations and structures.

Do I need special photography permits in Eritrea?

For typical tourist photography, no special permits are needed beyond your standard travel permit for leaving Asmara. However, professional photography projects with commercial intent require permission from the Ministry of Information. The rules have relaxed significantly since 2023, but it’s still best to avoid photographing infrastructure like bridges and military installations.

What’s the best way to get to these Instagrammable locations?

For locations within Asmara, walking is the best option as the city is compact and pedestrian-friendly. For destinations outside the capital, you have several options:

Hire a driver through your hotel (most expensive but most flexible)
Use public buses for main routes like Asmara-Massawa and Asmara-Keren (cheapest but limited schedule)
Join small group tours organized by local travel agencies in Asmara (good middle option)

For remote locations like the Dahlak Archipelago, specialized arrangements through a travel agency are necessary.

When is the best time of year to photograph Eritrea?

The period from October to February offers the most reliable photography conditions with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. December and January provide the clearest atmospheric conditions for landscape photography. Avoid March-May if possible, as extreme heat on the coast makes extended outdoor photography sessions challenging.

Can I post my Eritrea photos on social media while there?

Internet access in Eritrea is limited and slow. As of 2025, mobile data is generally not available to tourists, and WiFi is found mainly in upscale hotels in Asmara, with speeds that make uploading large image files difficult. I recommend selecting and editing your daily favorites but waiting until you leave the country to upload them, or using the paid business center internet at the Asmara Palace Hotel, which offers the fastest connection in the country.

Are there any cultural sensitivities I should be aware of when photographing people?

Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in rural areas. Eritrean people are generally friendly but may be reserved initially. Women in traditional Muslim areas like parts of Massawa may not wish to be photographed. When photographing religious ceremonies or sites, maintain respectful distance and dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees).

12 Most Instagrammable Places in Eritrea in 2025: A Photographer’s Guide