Perched on the horn of Africa, Eritrea is a tiny country with a strong sense of identity. Torrid deserts, fertile highlands of its borders. its richness and beauty did not escape the attention of the outside world and the country became a colony of ltaly for more than fifty years. Evidence of ltaly’s imperial rule can still be seen in the magnificent architecture of the capital, Asmara. Modern Eritrea is a lively country with an exuberant and optimistic population.

October to May, when the mercury settles at an agreeable temperature

Strapping on a snorkel and marveling at the unspoilt underwater treasures around the Dahlak Archipelago Exploring Eritrea’s remarkable archaeological ruins in Qohaito Surveying war-torn Nakfa, once the heart of Eritrean resistance Discovering the lunar landscape of Dankalia, one of the most desolate on earth Hanging out one of Asmara’s ltalian-style cafes and enjoying a coffee or a pastry Climbing up to one of the isolated Orthodox monasteries, set amid spectacular scenery

Read Eritrea at a Glance , edited by Mary Houdek and Leonardo Oriolo, for fantastic introduction to the country, particularly the capital Asmara. For a gripping yarn of the stuggle for independence read Even the Stones Are Burnning by Roy Pateman Eat legamat, a deep-fried dough sold hot in newspaper cones by little boys in the lowlands. A popular dish in the west is sheia, lamb drizzled with oil and herbs then barbecued on very hot stones until it sizzles

Drink excellent espresso or macchiato coffee, fresh fruit juice or sweet black tea

Selam (hello)

Yellow Fiat taxis; politeness; excellent coffee; classic architecture; stark landscapes; relaxed attitudes

Legend credits Eritrea as the Dorado of Africa. The Egyptian pharaohs held the land comprising present-day Eritrea in awe, referring to it as The Land of Punt. From over its borders came a seemingly endless stream of gold, frankincense, myrrh, slaves, ostrich feathers, antelopes, ebony and ivory

The capital, Asmara, is like a film set from an early ltalian movie. Old chrome espresso machines churn out cups of macchiato, Cinquecento taxis putt-putt about and all over town you can see outstanding examples of Art Deco architecture. Asmara is without doubt one the safest, cleanest and most attractive capital cities in Africa.