Romantic Getaways Lalibela

Travel advisory, as of October 2026. Lalibela is in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, where the UK FCDO advises against all travel and the US government tells its citizens not to travel. Fighting has resumed across northern Ethiopia, flights to Lalibela have been suspended since 24 September 2026 with no restart date announced, and there is no safe overland route. Nothing described here can be booked now; this page describes the town for a future visit once advisories change. Read the FCDO advice and the US State Department before making any plans.

Romantic Getaways: Not in Lalibela

The churches are holy places, not romantic, wedding or couple-photo settings, and public displays of affection are offensive here. There is no lake, spa or boat trip either.

What is true

• The eleven rock-hewn churches are carved from pink volcanic tuff. They are consecrated Orthodox churches in daily use, not a museum.
• Take shoes off at every church, cover shoulders and knees, and keep voices low. Women cover their heads. Ask before taking any photo, use no flash during prayer, and do not touch the carvings.