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Assab
Eritrea's hot Red Sea port
- Best time to visit
- Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
- Currency
- ERN
- Time zone
- UTC+3
- Country
- Eritrea
Assab is Eritrea's second-largest port and the capital of the Southern Red Sea Region, sitting on the west coast of the Red Sea near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. It draws travellers for its Red Sea coastline, desert scenery and quiet, off-the-beaten-track atmosphere.
- Asmara
- Keren
- Massawa
- Assab
- Mendefera
Quick facts
- Country
- Eritrea
- Capital
- Asmara
- City population
- 74,405
- Population of Eritrea
- 3.5M
- Country area
- 117,600 km²
- Official language
- Tigrinya, Arabic, and English
- Currency
- Eritrean Nakfa (ERN) · 1 USD ≈ 15 ERN
- Time zone
- UTC+3
- Calling code
- +291
- Drives on the
- Right
- Elevation
- 20 m
- Plugs
- C · 230V
- Emergency numbers
- 112 · 113 · 127
- Best time to visit
- Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Temperatures through the year
Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.
Temperatures through the year
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 30° | 31° | 33° | 35° | 36° | 38° | 40° | 37° | 37° | 36° | 34° | 31° |
| Low | 23° | 23° | 25° | 27° | 28° | 30° | 32° | 30° | 30° | 27° | 25° | 23° |
Best time to visitOther months
Approximate daily cost
Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.
- ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$28
- HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$70
- LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$140
Top things to do
- Free
Old Port and waterfront walk
Stroll the working harbour and waterfront where fishing boats and cargo ships meet the Red Sea; go in the late afternoon for cooler air and sunset views.
- Half day
- Port area
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
- Free
Central market
Browse stalls selling dates, salt, fish and household goods while hearing Afar, Tigrinya and Arabic spoken; arrive in the morning for the fullest stalls.
- Half day
- Market quarter
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
- Free
Salt flats and coastal desert drive
Head out along the coast to see the salt pans and arid Danakil-style desert that once drove Assab's economy; a 4x4 and local guide are needed.
- Full day
- Coast road
- Free
Red Sea beach time
Swim and snorkel in the warm, clear Red Sea off the northern beach strip; bring shade, water and reef-safe sun protection as facilities are minimal.
- Half day
- Northern beach strip
- Good for kids
- Free
Old refinery viewpoint
See the disused oil refinery that opened in 1967 and closed in 1997, a striking relic of Assab's industrial past; view from a distance and do not enter the site.
- Half day
- Coast road
- Free
Colonial architecture walk
Walk the grid of streets to spot Italian-era buildings and the modest customs house area from Assab's colonial period; start early before the heat builds.
- Half day
- City centre
- Good for kids
- Free
Bab-el-Mandeb strait area day trip
Drive toward the strategic strait that made Assab important, passing desert and coastal scenery; check permit requirements and arrange a local guide in advance.
- Full day
- Coast road
- ≈ $12
Red Sea seafood dinner
Eat fresh fish from the Red Sea at a simple waterfront restaurant; portions are generous and the setting is best after sunset when the heat eases.
- Half day
- Port area
- Good for kids
- Indoors
- Good in the evening
Before you go
Entry and visas
Most visitors need a visa before travel; there is no general visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, and applications go through an Eritrean embassy or consulate in your home country. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival and have at least 2 blank consecutive pages. Rules vary by nationality, so check the official UK government entry-requirements page or your nearest Eritrean embassy before booking.
Official websiteFrom the airport
Assab is served by Assab International Airport, just outside the city; the transfer into town takes about 10–15 minutes by road. The port is also a gateway, but most visitors arrive by air.
Getting around
Local transport is limited; shared minibuses and taxis cover the main streets, and walking is practical in the compact centre.
Local tips
- Eritreans are known for being friendly, welcoming and hospitable to visitors; light, breathable clothing and sun protection are the practical choice in Assab's heat.
- Carry cash in Eritrean nakfa; card payments are rare and ATMs are unreliable, so change money in Asmara or at official exchanges.
- Expect extreme heat year-round, especially May to September; plan outdoor activity for early morning or late afternoon and drink plenty of water.
- Travel outside Assab may require permits, and some coastal and border areas are restricted; check current local advice before moving around.
Areas worth knowing
- Port area
- Coast road
- City centre
- Northern beach strip
- Market quarter
The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on October 9, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.
Read the advice on GOV.UKMore cities in Eritrea
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Sources: Wikipedia: Assab · Wikivoyage: Assab