Filfil

Set in the heart of the Northern Red Sea Region, Filfil represents a stark and beautiful contrast to the arid landscapes found elsewhere in Eritrea. Visitors journey here to immerse themselves in the remnants of the country's tropical highland forests, making it a prime destination for eco-tourism, birdwatching, and finding tranquility among ancient trees. The area is renowned for its verdant canopy, coffee plantations, and abundant wildlife, including vervet monkeys and leopards. The local cuisine reflects the rich agricultural surroundings, with meals often featuring freshly picked highland coffee, honey, and traditional stews accompanied by injera. Reaching Filfil is an adventure in itself, involving a scenic drive along the spectacularly engineered Asmara-Massawa road via the Green Belt route. The optimum time to experience the lushness of Filfil is during the wet season and shortly after, between June and September, when the forest is bustling and fully alive.

Nearby cities

Keren

Eritrea's second-largest city is an important agricultural center.

History & landmarks

Keren Railway Station

The historical railway station in Keren, which was once an important hub on the line to Agordat.

More places

Keren Textile Works

Another center of the clothing industry in the country's second largest city.

Habab Mountains

A mountainous region in the north.

Keren sorghum fields

Traditional fields for sorghum cultivation.

Keren Highlands

Mountainous highlands in the Anseba region.

Keren War Cemetery

The Keren War Cemetery honors the fallen of the Battle of Keren during World War II.

Mariam Dearit Shrine

The Shrine of Mariam Dearit in Keren is a unique Catholic pilgrimage site integrated into the hollow trunk of a massive baobab tree.

Anseba Valley

A deeply incised river valley.

Halhal Granite Works

An industrial site for the extraction and processing of hard granite stone.