Although traveling to Libya is not recommended at the moment, this exotic country boasts ancient cities, historical monuments of great archaeological importance and newly prosperous Mediterranean coastal cities where skyscrapers create a modern contradiction to historical Old Towns, and where wonderful beaches bring a fresh touch to otherwise urban atmosphere. Not to forget the extremely dry and hot Sahara desert with its scenic forms and interesting Bedouin culture. As soon as the current violence of the Libyan revolution calms down, Libya will offer interesting possibilities for independent tourists.
Travel destinations. The most popular travel destination in Libya has been its capital city, Tripoli, with its historical Old Town and impressive seaside promenade. Another Libyan must-see is the ancient town of Leptis Magna, which once was one of the most beautiful cities of the Roman Empire. Today, it is an archaeological site of major interest and a popular travel sight easily reachable from Tripoli. While visiting Libya, you might also want to visit Saharan desert oases to see traditional Bedouin culture, or enjoy the unspoiled beaches of the Mediterranean coast of Libya.
Libya's attractions from ancient towns to Sahara desert landscapes
From the ancient times of the Phoenicians and Carthaginians through Islamic, Ottoman and Italian periods to independence and to modern times with oil findings and with the recently ended 40-year dictatorship of Muammar al-Gaddafi, Libya has a turbulent history full of interesting periods. in the near future, due to recent fast economic growth and promising future with doors opening to many directions, this North African country will be a challenging but intriguing place to visit.Travel destinations. The most popular travel destination in Libya has been its capital city, Tripoli, with its historical Old Town and impressive seaside promenade. Another Libyan must-see is the ancient town of Leptis Magna, which once was one of the most beautiful cities of the Roman Empire. Today, it is an archaeological site of major interest and a popular travel sight easily reachable from Tripoli. While visiting Libya, you might also want to visit Saharan desert oases to see traditional Bedouin culture, or enjoy the unspoiled beaches of the Mediterranean coast of Libya.
Practical information for your trip to Libya
There are two different types of climates found in Libya. The Mediterranean coast enjoys warm and sunny summers and mild winters with some rain. More extreme weather is often found in Libya’s inland areas, which have extremely hot and dry desert climate with occasional sand storms. This extreme climate type dominates in Sahara desert, which covers southern parts of Libya. Regardless of where you are heading in Libya, it might be wise to avoid the hottest summer months of June, July, and August, when the heat is unbearable for those who are not used to hot conditions. Otherwise, Libya will be worth a visit anytime of the year.
Photo: Capitan Giona, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
Travel connections to Libya are good, with a busy international airport near Tripoli and with good road connections from Tunisia and Egypt. However, getting to Libya may not be a wise idea right now, as the current political situation in the country remains volatile. Visas can be hard to get, and except for group visas which are easier to obtain, usually demand an invitation from someone living in the country. There are also orders for the minimum sum of money you should carry with you when entering Libya.
Safety. Libya is currently an unsafe travel destination due to the ongoing aftermath of the Arab Spring revolution, so you might want to wait for some time before visiting there. When traveling in this devoted Muslim country, you should always respect local habits and culture, having restrictions for things like women's dress and alcohol use. Photographing military installations can get you into a big trouble. Road traffic in Libya is chaotic and except for main roads, which are in good condition, roads are most often unpaved and bumpy. Although much of local people prefer to speak Arabic, English is widely understood especially in big cities like Tripoli. Price level in Libya is quite high compared to other North African countries.
