• Eritrea’s capital, Asmara, was a cluster of four villages at the beginning of the 19th century. In 1897, the Italian colonial government moved the administration there from Massawa. Today, it is under Eritrean control yet Italian architecture prevails in the city. The magnificent Cathedral (1922), built in the Lombardian style, is not far from a bustling market. There are a number of churches and mosques which can be visited. Marble from the Italian Carrara quarry was used to build the largest mosque, Al Khulafa Al Rashiudin. The National Avenue is the major thoroughfare of the city; an ideal place to meet people and enjoy the numerous cafes and bars. The Avenue is also the address for the Government Administrative Centre, the Asmara Theatre (built in 1918), the Nda Mariam Catholic Cathedral and the Town Hall. The former residence of the colonial rulers, the Ghibi or palace, is used today as the National Museum.

• Massawa was an important centre in ancient times and remains the largest natural deep-water port on the Red Sea. If Asmara is an Italianate city, Massawa is Turko-Egyptian style, reflecting the periods of Ottoman and Egyptian rule from the 16th century to the late 19th century. The city is made up of three parts: two islands (Batse and Tualud) and the mainland part of Massawa. The port and old town of Batse were damaged during the civil war but are still impressive. The Iman Hanbeli Mosque escaped damage. Batse Island is a good area for restaurants, cafes and bars; visitors can take a small boat to Sheikh Said Island (also known as Isola Verde), a favourite picnic spot. Tualud has fine examples of Italian architecture, including St Mariam's Cathedral. There is also a badly damaged Ghibi , or palace. It was originally built in the 15th century, but has been much altered and restored since then, though was damaged again in the civil war. The Port Club has a restaurant, a museum, a small library and sporting facilities.

• Emberemi is famous for the mausoleums of Sheikh el Amin and Muhammad Ibn Ali. It is an important pilgrimage site.

• Visit the religious sites of the Tomb of Said Abu Bakr el Mirgani and the Mariam de Arit. Debre Sina, near Elabered on the Asmara–Keren road, is also a noteworthy monastery.

• Go to the beach: the modern city of Asseb in the southeasterly Province of Denkalia has many pleasant beaches. Wide sandy beaches and calm seas along the Red Sea coast, such as Gugussum, Buri Peninsula, Zula Bay, Mersa Gulbub, Mersa Ibrahim and Ras Kuba, are ideal locations for swimming and sunbathing. The Dahlak Archipelago has been given national park status and consists of more than 200 islands with flat reef gardens and a variety of fish; therefore, offering abundant opportunities for snorkelling and scuba-diving. However, travellers cannot go alone or without permission.

• The Turkish and Egyptian colonial periods left numerous interesting buildings and sites in Akordat (Barka Province) including the tomb of Said Mustafa wad Hasan. Qohaito, Metera and Rora Habab are also important archaeological sites.

• Although cycling is one of the country's popular sports, it is unusual for bicycles to be rented out to tourists. However, each year Eritrea hosts one of the toughest races along the Asmara-Keren road. Regular meetings are organised by the Cycling Federation (PO Box 1500, Asmara, Eritrea; tel: (1) 117 280 or 120 933).

• Journey the spectacular road from Asmara to Massawa, 105km (65 miles). It descends from 2,438m (8,000ft) to sea level, with hairpin bends on the escarpment, and magnificent views over the coastal desert strip. It passes the famous Orthodox Monastery of Debre Bizen.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.