Eritrea

An addictive combination of sleepy African vibes, suberb coffee and an Italian colonial past also showcases cubist, expressionist and futurist architecture in the Eritrean capital of Asmara. In nearby Massawa, centuries old Islamic buildings linger in narrow, labyrinthine streets, and the port is the departure point to diving amid Red Sea corals in the Dahlak Archipelago. Tensions are still rife between Eritrea and Ethiopia, so be sure to check current travel advisories carefully.