Things to Do in Adulis

Archaeological ruins walk

The ancient port's foundations emerge from coastal scrub like broken teeth, limestone blocks warm against your palms as you trace the outlines of Byzantine churches and Aksumite warehouses. You'll crunch across pottery fragments, some Roman, some local, while the sea breeze carries that particular Red Sea smell of salt and diesel. The site keeper usually appears from the shade of an acacia tree, keys jangling, ready to unlock the small museum housed in a former colonial building.

Fishing harbor at sunset

The working port comes alive around 4pm when painted dhows return with their catch, decks slippery with silver fish that catch the dying light. You'll hear the rhythmic thwack of fish being cleaned, smell the sharp tang of fresh catches mixed with boat fuel, watch pelicans stalking the jetty for scraps. Local women sort sardines into plastic baskets while exchanging rapid Tigrinya banter that echoes off the concrete pier.

Coral reef snorkeling

The reef sits just 50 meters offshore, accessible by wading through warm shallows where your feet might disturb clouds of tiny silver fish. Underwater, you'll float above brain coral the size of truck tires while parrotfish nibble algae with audible crunching sounds. The visibility tends to be clearest before noon when sunlight penetrates the blue-green water, illuminating sea anemones that sway like underwater flowers.

Market morning walk

Friday mornings transform the main street into a sensory assault of charcoal smoke, overripe mango sweetness, and the metallic clang of knife sharpeners. You'll navigate between piles of red onions and bundles of fresh khat while vendors call prices in a musical mix of Tigrinya and Arabic. The spice section hits hardest - cumin, cardamom, and berbere creating an almost visible haze that makes your eyes water pleasantly.

Coastal dune hiking

The sand dunes north of town offer thigh-burning climbs through powder-fine sand that squeaks underfoot. From the crest, you'll see the coastline stretch endlessly in both directions, the ancient port ruins visible as a brown smudge against green coastal plain. The descent sends sand streaming into your shoes while the wind carries that particular dry-earth smell of the Eritrean interior mixing with salt air.

The area around the old Italian customs building tends to have the cleaner guesthouses, with sea views from second-floor balconies

Budget options cluster near the bus stop - basic but usually with functioning fans

Mid-range places sit uphill toward the archaeological site, catching sea breezes that make nights more bearable

A couple family-run spots near the harbor offer early morning fish market access

Newer construction north of town promises air conditioning but check if generators run at night

The old colonial building conversion offers character but thin walls and shared bathrooms