Suakin is an old port, on the Red Sea, similar to Venice in that it is located on a lagoon. Its golden age was in the 15th and 16th centuries. At that time it was the most important African port on the Red Sea, on a par with Lisbon. In the 17th century the development of a sea route around Africa brought with it a first decline in the importance of the town. It enjoyed a revival in the 19th century, due to the growing influence of Egypt on the Upper Nile, especially through the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. In 1885 Suakin got its first railway connection.

The importance of tourism grew with increasing numbers of pilgrims crossing over to Jedda and then further on to Mecca. The coral reef made extension of the harbour impossible and for this reason it remained unsuitable for the large steam ships which were being built at the beginning of the last century. This is why the new port of Portsudan, which lies 40 km to the north, was extended between 1905 and 1909. After the first world war Suakin rapidly lost its importance and the island had already been deserted by 1930.

Today only a few families live in the old town and on the mainland, The Geyf about 20.000 inhabitants. Suakin lies in the tropical savannah belt.A few Nomads who raise cattle, live on the outskirts of it. The plain rises 20 km further inland to form a mountain range with heights up to 1000 metres which borders on the Nubian Desert.

In 1973 and 1993 UNESCO did a survey with the aim of preserving Suakin.