| Page Views: 2,802 Last Visit to Massawa: - | Massawa: Eritrea's Historic Red Sea Port by hunwagner - last update: Jun 24, 2006 |
Massawa has a completely different feel from other towns in Eritrea. This port town is split in three distinct parts. The sprawling new part on the mainland is of little interest. Across a causeway is Talaud Island, home to the best hotels in town. Yet another causeway takes one on to the old part of the city, situated on Massawa Island. This part of Massawa is a typical Arab trading port like others along the north-eastern coastline of Africa or around the Arabian Peninsula. It is full of cream-colored buildings built of coral stone, some still sporting intricately carved wooden doors and balconies.
Unfortunately, Massawa suffered heavy destruction during the wars with Ethiopia, and the old town now has a sadly run-down feel to it. Being a major port, it does have a thriving (and decidely seedy) nightlife scene though. For tourists however, its main attraction could be its role as a gateway to the enticing Dahlak Archipelago, Eritrea's prime spot for diving and snorkelling. Sadly, the islands are expensive to reach. |
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 Comments for hunwagner about Massawa | | | | |
pepples46 Mon Sep 18, 2006 21:49 UTC
interesting place, very good infos and pix. thanx for sharing | leonik Mon Nov 21, 2005 21:42 UTC
would love to dive in dahlak! | Groverdean Mon Nov 7, 2005 07:41 UTC
Still looks like a place worthwhile visiting. | sachara Fri Apr 1, 2005 12:28 UTC
Your Eritrean pages convince me to go there ! Laszlo, thank you for all your information ! |
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