The coastal city of Berbera

The city of Berbera is situated along the Indian Ocean's coasts. The Ottomans developed and erected the colorful medieval architecture of this old city. Berbera has long served as Somalia's commercial hub due to its strategic location as a port city. The city of Berbera, once trodden by Ottoman imperialists and reigning as a focal point for traders from all over the Indian Ocean basin – from as close as Arabia to as far afield as Mumbai and Goa – is deeply entwined with its mercantile heritage. During the Middle Ages, many traders from other countries came to Berbera and contributed essential features to Somali culture.

Spices, musical instruments, manuscripts, books, and other valuable cultural items were brought to Berbera by traders from different empires and towns. It's a history made possible by the presence of one of the few deep-water ocean ports on this stretch of the African Horn, and the city is still known as the region's main harbor today. Berbera's beautiful desert-like wilderness, as well as the sun-kissed beaches of Batalale and Bathela that line the Gulf of Aden adjacent to the town, will be championed by locals. Berbera, because to its colorful medieval homes built with antique dyed bricks, is one of Somalia's most Instagrammable destinations. During your time in Somalia, wandering the intriguing alleyways of Berbera will be an unforgettable experience.

Location: the capital of the Sahil region of Somaliland