Eritrea

Massawa

Massawa is Eritrea's second-largest city, set on the Red Sea coast and linked to Asmara by rail. It's a great place to enjoy a train journey between the two cities.

Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Gateway airport: Asmara International Airport (ASM)
Best season: Jan–Feb
Time zone: Africa/Asmara
Sights covered: 1 place

Sights worth seeing Find a place to stay

Sights worth seeing

Temples & religious sites

Mosque of the Companions, Massawa

A roofless, open-air mosque on a small island off the Red Sea coast. Said to have been built in the early 7th century, it's regarded as one of Africa's first mosques and continues to draw visitors.

Average temperature by month

5-year average

26° Jan

25° Feb

27° Mar

30° Apr

32° May

34° Jun

36° Jul

35° Aug

34° Sep

32° Oct

29° Nov

27° Dec

Getting there

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Getting around the city

Book transport

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Fares and timetables change often, so we don't list them here. Check the operator or the booking site for current prices and schedules.

Massawa Tours & Experiences Booking

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Local data

Get an eSIM for Eritrea before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

Yesim

Saily

Drimsim

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Where to stay

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Guides by theme

Best value

Where to Stay in Massawa for the Best Value

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5-star & luxury

Where to Stay in Massawa for a High-End Coastal Trip

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Pool villas & resorts

Where to Stay in Massawa for Pool Resorts and Beachfront Accommodation

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Family travel

Where to stay in Massawa when traveling with family

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Couples & honeymoon

Where to stay in Massawa for a romantic trip or honeymoon

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Central & near stations

Where to stay in Massawa for central access and the railway station

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Best time to visit

When is the best time to visit Massawa, Eritrea?

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First-time guide

How to plan your first visit to Massawa, Eritrea

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Getting around

How to get around Massawa and travel from Asmara Airport

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