Things To Do
in Assab
Assab is a small port city on Eritrea’s southern Red Sea coast known for its humid heat, wide seafront and working harbor. Once a regional trading hub with traces of Italian colonial architecture, it remains a practical gateway to coastal fishing communities and nearby salt flats. The town feels remote and low-key—daily life revolves around the port, markets and cafes rather than tourism infrastructure.
Visitors come for dramatic Red Sea seascapes, raw coastal scenery and a glimpse of local coastal Eritrean life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic center of Assab, where you can admire the unique colonial architecture that reflects its Italian past. Stroll through the streets lined with vintage buildings, and stop by local cafes for a traditional Eritrean breakfast of fuul and injera. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture as you interact with friendly residents who are eager to share their stories.
After lunch, visit the Assab Museum to delve into the city's rich history, showcasing artifacts from the time of Italian colonial rule and the struggle for independence. Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the Red Sea and watch local fishermen at work. As the sun begins to set, find a cozy spot to enjoy a refreshing drink while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
As night falls, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor dishes like grilled fish, lentil stew, and fresh salads. Consider taking a stroll near the waterfront, where you can enjoy the cool sea breeze and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. End your day by mingling with locals at a nearby bar, enjoying live music or traditional performances.
Kick off your day at the beautiful beaches of Assab, where you can soak up the sun on the soft sand while enjoying the tranquil surroundings. Engage in some early morning beach activities like beach volleyball or a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the Red Sea. Take time to relax and appreciate the natural beauty around you, perhaps even spotting some colorful fish as you snorkel near the shore.
After a morning of fun, grab lunch at a beachside café, savoring fresh seafood and local dishes while overlooking the sea. Spend your afternoon participating in thrilling water sports, such as jet skiing, windsurfing, or paddleboarding, with equipment available for rent along the beach. Allow the adrenaline to rush through you as you navigate the gentle waves and enjoy the warm sun on your skin.
As the day winds down, witness a breathtaking sunset over the water, painting the sky with vibrant hues of orange and pink. Enjoy a beach bonfire with fellow travelers, sharing stories and laughter as you roast marshmallows and listen to music. For dinner, indulge in a beach barbecue, where fresh seafood is grilled to perfection and served with local sides, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-10 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $0.50-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-90 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.50-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Raw, off-the-beaten-path coastal scenery with authentic local life
- Excellent opportunities for Red Sea photography and seafood
- Low tourist numbers and an intimate, unpolished atmosphere
- Proximity to unique coastal landscapes and salt flats
- Limited tourist infrastructure, services and accommodation options
- Very hot and humid for much of the year
- Restricted payment options and limited ATMs or card acceptance
- Need to stay mindful of local restrictions and security sensitivities
- "Selam" - Hello / Peace (common greeting in Tigrinya and Arabic contexts)
- "Kemey alekha? / Kemey aleki?" - How are you? (male/female)
- "Yekenyeley" - Thank you (Tigrinya)
- "Shukran" - Thank you (Arabic, widely understood)
- "Min fadlak / Min fadlik" - Please (Arabic, polite request male/female)
- "Bekam?" - How much? (useful in markets)
Places to Visit in Assab
Visit one of these nice places.
Vivid scenes of fishermen, colorful boats, and daily commerce—best early morning when activity peaks and light is soft.
Coastal vistas, the lone lighthouse and rocky headlands provide dramatic Red Sea panoramas, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Expansive salt-encrusted flats and flat coastal landscapes offer minimalist compositions and unique textures under strong light.
Street scenes, traditional boats and informal ship repairs create authentic portrait and documentary opportunities—ask before photographing people.
Low light pollution near the coast makes for excellent star photography on clear nights, particularly if you travel just outside town.
Food in Assab
Assab Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly caught fish grilled with simple spices and lemon; widely available at the port and local eateries—best tried at a waterfront stall or hotel restaurant.
Must-Try!
A tomato-based stew featuring shrimp, fish or squid, often served with flatbread; comforting and common in coastal homes and small restaurants.
Beans (foul) or tomato-egg dishes influenced by regional Arabic cuisine; found at local cafés, particularly for breakfast or a light meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively morning market on the waterfront where fishermen sell the day’s catch; perfect for photography and sampling grilled or fried fish prepared nearby.
Small street vendors and cafés that sell tea, coffee, simple egg dishes and grilled snacks—ideal for quick, inexpensive local flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress conservatively, especially for women—cover shoulders and knees in public and avoid revealing clothing to respect local norms.
Greetings are important—use a polite ‘hello’ and shake hands when offered, but be mindful of same-sex contact norms and accept a reluctance to shake hands across genders in conservative settings.
Local hospitality is warm—accepting tea or an invitation is a sign of respect; remove shoes when entering private homes.
Always ask before photographing people, private property or military and port facilities; some areas are sensitive or restricted.
Safety
Tipping in Assab
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest and appreciated for good service—small tips to waitstaff, guides and drivers are common. In local markets tipping is not expected but a small token for exceptional help is welcome.
Cash (Eritrean Nakfa and often US dollars) is the primary accepted payment; ATMs and card acceptance are limited in Assab—carry enough cash and small notes for market purchases and transport.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very hot and humid with temperatures often high; daytime outdoor activity can be exhausting—plan early morning or late afternoon outings and stay hydrated.
Rain is infrequent but occasional storms and higher humidity can occur; the sea may be rougher and some boat trips are weather-dependent.
Temperatures begin to ease slightly; still warm but more comfortable for excursions and boat trips, with clearer skies and calmer seas.
The mildest and most pleasant season with cooler evenings—best time for exploring outdoors and enjoying seaside walks without extreme heat.
Assab at Night
Hiking in Assab
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short hikes along the rocky headlands offering panoramic views of the Red Sea and opportunities for sunrise/sunset photography; trails are informal and best done with a local guide or companion.
Flat, open walks across salt-encrusted plains and coastal scrubland provide stark landscape scenery—take sun protection and sturdy footwear and avoid midday heat.
Boat trips to nearby small islands allow exploration of shoreline trails, tidepools and coral-fringed beaches; access is seasonal and dependent on sea conditions.
Airports
How to reach Assab by plane.
The nearest airport serving Assab—limited commercial services and mostly regional flights; check schedules in advance and arrange ground transport from the airfield into town.
Eritrea’s primary international airport located far inland near the capital Asmara; travel from Asmara to Assab is a long domestic journey by road or occasional internal flights and requires planning.
International airport in Djibouti (neighboring country) that can be a practical alternative for some itineraries; overland travel or transfers from Djibouti require border procedures and additional arrangements.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Ethnic Tigre and Tigrinya speakers are present in the region, reflecting Eritrea’s broader ethnic mix.
Coastal-dwelling communities with cultural ties to Red Sea fishing traditions and Arabic influences are prominent in Assab.
Port-related workers, traders and a small number of expatriates or international staff may be present due to the harbor’s economic role.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport across Eritrea and local pickup games and community matches are common in Assab.
While not a competitive sport in the conventional sense, fishing is a daily livelihood and recreational activity with community events tied to the sea.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Assab.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited—look for bean dishes, salads, and egg preparations; communicate dietary needs clearly as many places center meals around fish or meat.
Most food in Assab follows Muslim dietary norms or is seafood-based; halal concerns are generally straightforward but ask if in doubt.
Cross-contamination is possible and flour-based flatbreads are common; bring essentials if you have serious allergies and learn key local phrases to explain restrictions.