Things To Do
in Bēylul
Bēylul is a small, remote Red Sea coastal settlement in southern Eritrea known for its stark desert coastline, traditional fishing culture, and access to pristine coral and island environments. The town feels timeless — a mix of low-lying salt flats, simple stone and thatch buildings, and clusters of colorful fishing boats lining the shore. Visitors come for day trips to nearby islands, quiet sunsets, and encounters with Afar coastal communities whose livelihoods revolve around the sea.
Infrastructure is minimal, so travel here is for adventurous visitors who value isolation and natural scenery over tourist comforts.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Upon arrival in Bēylul, take a moment to absorb the ambiance of this serene town nestled in the highlands. After checking into your accommodation, enjoy a traditional Eritrean breakfast at a local café, featuring bread and rich coffee. Spend some time walking through the charming streets to get acquainted with the lush landscape and hospitable locals.
Explore the majestic surrounding hills, perhaps hiking through lush trails or visiting nearby villages to learn about local cultures. Engage with artisans and discover traditional crafts, such as weaving and pottery. Treat yourself to a leisurely lunch at a local eatery, savoring the regional specialties.
As dusk approaches, find a cozy spot to unwind as the sun sets over the horizon, painting the sky in stunning hues. Indulge in a traditional dinner at your accommodation or a nearby restaurant, enjoying local dishes like injera and zighni. Conclude your day with a stroll under the stars, soaking in the tranquility of Bēylul.
Begin your day with a visit to local markets, where the vibrant stalls overflow with fresh produce and handmade goods. Interact with vendors and learn about the local farming practices, enriching your understanding of the community's lifestyle. Enjoy a light breakfast at a bustling café, sampling local pastries.
Immerse yourself in Bēylul's rich cultural heritage by visiting museums and art galleries showcasing Eritrean history and indigenous art forms. Participate in a cooking class to create traditional dishes, gaining firsthand experience of the culinary culture. Share a meal with new friends, exchanging stories and laughter over the table.
As night falls, head to a local venue for a traditional music performance or dance show, where you'll be captivated by the rhythm and passion of Eritrean art. Rejuvenate your spirits with a warm drink and synch your heartbeat with the ambiance. Reflect on your day as you retire early, inspired by the beauty of Bēylul's culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| 🏨Basic guesthouse room | $20-60 |
| 🛶Half-day boat trip (shared) | $30-80 |
| 🚌Local transport / short trip | $1-5 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.50-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unspoiled Red Sea coastline and low tourist numbers for solitude and authentic experiences.
- Excellent opportunities for photography, snorkeling and observing traditional fishing culture.
- Warm local hospitality and cultural encounters with Afar coastal communities.
- Easy access to nearby islands and reef environments for day trips.
- Very limited infrastructure and tourist services; accommodation and medical care are basic.
- Remote location requires careful planning, permits and supplies; travel advisories may apply.
- Extreme heat and high humidity in warmer months can make travel uncomfortable.
- Limited dining variety and language barriers outside major towns.
- "Selam / Selam Aleykum" - Hello / Peace be upon you (common greeting)
- "Yekenyeley?" - How are you? (Tigrinya)
- "Ba’ada" - Thank you (Afar/Arabic-influenced usage — context dependent)
- "Edi eyu?" - How much is this? (Afar)
- "Amasegnallo" - Thank you (Tigrinya)
- "Ma’arifa / ʿafwan" - Excuse me / You're welcome (Arabic phrases commonly understood)
Places to Visit in Bēylul
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful wooden fishing boats, net-mending scenes and coastal life that offer candid cultural photography — always ask permission before photographing people closely.
Wide, open beaches and low horizons provide dramatic sunset and silhouette opportunities with vivid colors reflecting off shallow water.
Textured salt pans and reflective tidal pools near the shore make striking abstract and landscape compositions at low tide.
Underwater photography opportunities around nearby reefs and islets — best with a guide and proper snorkeling/diving equipment.
Intimate street scenes of local architecture, woven mats, and daily activities offering portrait and documentary-style shots with permission.
Food in Bēylul
Bēylul Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly caught Red Sea fish grilled over charcoal with local spices; commonly available in beachside villages and an essential coastal dish.
Must-Try!
A tomato- and berbere-based stew made with fish, garlic and aromatic spices — often served with flatbread or rice at home-style meals.
The ubiquitous flat, fermented teff or sorghum bread served with lentil stews (shiro), vegetable mixes and occasionally seafood-based stews in coastal areas.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small morning market where fishermen sell the day's catch; try grilled or sun-dried fish and buy fresh fruit. Markets are informal and times vary with fishing schedules.
Simple communal tea spots offering strong tea or coffee, light snacks, and a place to sit with locals — good for sampling local hospitality and sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees out of respect for conservative coastal communities — women should consider a scarf for additional privacy.
Always request permission before photographing people, particularly women, and accept refusals politely.
Use the right hand for eating, giving and receiving items; using the left may be considered impolite in many local communities.
Show deference to elders, remove shoes when entering private homes if invited, and accept hospitality with gratitude.
Be mindful during religious holidays and prayer times; public displays of affection should be avoided.
Safety
Tipping in Bēylul
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest and occasional — small tips for guides, boat crews or helpful hosts are appreciated but not mandatory. In tiny settlements a direct small cash gift (local currency) is the norm rather than formal percentage-based tipping.
Cash (Eritrean nakfa) is king; ATMs and credit-card acceptance are rare in remote areas like Bēylul. Carry sufficient cash from larger towns and bring USD if possible for exchange. Plan ahead for limited banking services.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Extremely hot and humid along the coast with temperatures often very high; mid-day outdoor activity can be strenuous. Plan early-morning and late-afternoon outings, stay hydrated and avoid extended sun exposure.
Milder, more comfortable daytime temperatures with cooler nights — often the best time for travel and outdoor activities. Sea conditions can still be calm or breezy; mornings are pleasant for boat trips.
Gradual warming with low rainfall; spring can be pleasant but heat builds toward summer. Breezes off the sea moderate temperatures at times.
Temperatures begin to drop from summer peaks; a good shoulder season for visiting with fewer extreme heat days and generally stable weather.
Bēylul at Night
Hiking in Bēylul
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy-to-moderate walking route along low coastal cliffs and tidal pools — offers great views of the sea and photographic vantage points. Bring water and sun protection.
Short hikes across salt pans and tidal lagoons that reveal unique textures and birdlife; best at low tide and during cooler hours.
Guided shoreline walks on nearby islets reached by boat; discover coral outcrops, rocky coves and opportunities for snorkeling stops.
A more challenging route inland from the coast across low desert plateaus and sparse scrub — offers isolation and vantage points over the coastline but requires a guide and planning.
Airports
How to reach Bēylul by plane.
Closest regional airport to southern Eritrean Red Sea communities — limited scheduled flights but the nearest point for larger-scale connections; ground transport required to reach Bēylul.
Located north along the coast; offers regional connections and access to Massawa, from where boat travel and road transport can reach coastal settlements.
The main international gateway to Eritrea (inland). Travel from Asmara to Bēylul requires a long overland journey or domestic arrangements — useful for international arrivals and better air connectivity.
International airport in neighboring Djibouti — sometimes used by travelers combining Red Sea itineraries in the region; border crossing and overland travel logistics required.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A major ethnic group along the southern Red Sea coast, traditionally pastoralist and maritime-oriented with distinctive language and cultural practices.
Local families whose livelihoods center on fishing, boat-building and sea trade; they form the social backbone of small settlements like Bēylul.
A mix of ethnicities including some Tigrinya speakers and Arabic-influenced groups in coastal towns; languages and customs may blend in daily life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Eritrea, played informally in villages and watched with enthusiasm in towns.
A vital economic and cultural activity along the Red Sea coast; both a livelihood and a community practice rather than a recreational sport.
In Afar-influenced coastal and desert communities, camels remain important and occasional community events or races may occur in nearby areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bēylul.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (lentil stews, vegetables, injera) but choices are limited in small coastal villages — communicate clearly and be ready for simple meals. Carry snacks if you rely on varied vegetarian fare.
Vegan travelers can find injera with vegetable stews or beans, but dairy or ghee may be used in home cooking; ask or specify 'no butter/animal products'.
Injera is usually made from teff or sorghum which can be naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination and local variations exist; bring necessities if highly sensitive.
Drink bottled water, avoid raw salads unless you trust the source, and eat fish that’s freshly prepared to minimize stomach issues. Carry basic rehydration salts.