After years of international isolation, Libya is slowly opening its fascinating towns and old ruins to visitors, but only to those with no Israeli stamps in their passports mind you. Better known for sponsoring plane bombings and terrorism, it has been off the tourist map for years following the military coup led by Muammar al-Gadhafi in 1969.
What is it?: Libya is a country located in North Africa, known for its ancient ruins, Mediterranean coastline, and vast desert landscapes. While the country has faced political instability in recent years, it is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Leptis Magna and Sabratha, which showcase its rich Roman and Islamic history. For those willing to travel off the beaten path, Libya offers a unique cultural and historical experience, as well as vast natural beauty, including the Sahara Desert.
Affordability: Libya is generally affordable for travelers, with local food and transportation being relatively inexpensive. However, due to the political instability and limited tourism infrastructure, international travel to Libya can be challenging. The cost of flights and securing the necessary permits can be high, but once in the country, accommodations and local services tend to be reasonably priced.
Safety: Libya remains a high-risk destination due to ongoing political conflict, violence, and instability. Many regions of the country are not considered safe for tourists, especially those near active conflict zones. While the historical sites in cities like Tripoli and Benghazi may attract some visitors, traveling to Libya is generally not advised unless through organized tours with strict security protocols. Travelers should stay updated on security advisories and avoid all but essential travel to the country.
Popularity: Libya is not a popular tourist destination due to its security concerns and lack of tourism infrastructure. However, it has a rich historical and archaeological heritage that could appeal to niche travelers, such as those interested in ancient ruins, desert landscapes, and the culture of the Mediterranean. The country’s low profile in global tourism makes it less crowded but also more difficult to visit.
Tourist Infrastructure: Libya’s tourist infrastructure is limited, particularly outside of major cities like Tripoli and Benghazi. While historical sites such as Leptis Magna and Sabratha are accessible with permits, the lack of modern accommodations, transport options, and security makes independent travel in the country difficult. Most visitors would need to rely on guided tours and assistance from local operators familiar with the region’s security landscape.
Weather: Libya has a desert climate, with hot and dry conditions year-round. The best time to visit is during the cooler months from November to February when temperatures are more manageable for outdoor exploration. Summer temperatures, especially in the desert areas, can be extremely high and uncomfortable, making it less ideal for sightseeing or trekking.
Best Time to Go: November–February for cooler, more pleasant weather, ideal for exploring the country’s archaeological sites and desert landscapes. The summer months (June–September) bring extreme heat, making travel in the desert difficult and potentially unsafe.
Known For: Tripoli, Leptis Magna, Sabratha, Roman ruins, desert landscapes, Mediterranean coastline, ancient history, and Islamic culture.
Top Destinations: Tripoli • Leptis Magna • Sabratha • Benghazi • Cyrene • Ghadames • Tadrart Acacus
- Capital: Tripoli
- Population: ~7 million (Density: ~4 people per km², ~10 per mi²)
- Area: 1,759,540 km² (679,362 mi²)
- Official Language: Arabic
- Common Languages: Italian, English (limited use)
- Currency: Libyan Dinar (LYD)
- Time Zone: UTC+2
- Electricity: Plug Type C, L (230V, 50Hz)
- Emergency Contacts: Police 1515, Ambulance 193, Fire 190
- Drives On: Right
- Religions: Islam ~97% (Sunni), Christianity and Other ~3%
- Government: Provisional Unity Government (ongoing conflict and political transition)
- Map Links: Google Maps | Apple Maps
- Coordinates (for GPS): 26.3351, 17.2283
Libya is a country of vast deserts, ancient ruins, and a long Mediterranean coastline. Tripoli, the capital, mixes Ottoman and Italian architecture with lively souks and historic mosques. Along the coast, the Roman cities of Leptis Magna and Sabratha are some of the best-preserved ruins in North Africa, showcasing grand theaters and temples. Inland, the Sahara dominates, with landscapes of sand seas, rocky plateaus, and the striking rock art of the Acacus Mountains. Libyan culture blends Arab, Berber, and Mediterranean influences, seen in its cuisine and traditions. Though travel is currently difficult, Libya holds deep history and stark natural beauty.
Libya is a country of sweeping deserts, ancient ruins, and a long, layered history. Most travelers are drawn by its incredible archaeological sites, especially Leptis Magna and Sabratha, which are among the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. The Sahara Desert covers much of the country, offering vast sand seas, oases, and rock art dating back thousands of years. Libya also boasts a beautiful coastline with white-sand beaches and clear waters, though tourism here is minimal due to political instability.
The relatively small tourist industry means that facilities are somewhat limited. The upshot to this means that traveling around the country is inexpensive. There is only one international hotel in Tripoli, although there are several four-star establishments and a host of run-down guesthouses. In the smaller villages, you may well be invited to stay at someone’s home. If you think you will only be eating traditional Libyan cuisine, think twice. Western fare is widely available thrown in with some Lebanese and Moroccan outlets as well as some comedy copies of multi-national fast-food outlets in Tripoli. And if you are desperate for a beer with your meal, be prepared to haggle on the black market, where all forms of alcohol are readily available.
Traveling in Libya is currently difficult and risky due to ongoing security concerns. In stable times, the country was mid-range in cost, with basic hotels and mid-range accommodations available in cities like Tripoli. Food is Mediterranean and North African in style: grilled meats, couscous, fresh bread, and strong coffee are staples. Western food options are limited outside major cities.
Getting around usually requires private transport or joining organized tours, especially to access desert regions. Arabic is the official language; Italian and English are sometimes spoken by older generations and those in the tourism sector. Libya remains unsafe for independent travel at present, with significant risks due to conflict and political instability, any travel plans should be made with extreme caution and up-to-date advice.
Families: Libya is not recommended for family tourism due to significant security concerns, lack of tourist infrastructure, and ongoing instability. Travel with children is strongly discouraged.
Couples: While Libya has beautiful Roman ruins and desert landscapes, the current situation makes it unsuitable for couples seeking leisure travel. Historic sites like Leptis Magna and Sabratha are incredible but risky to visit.
Backpackers: Libya is extremely difficult for backpackers , safety concerns, lack of visas, and minimal tourism services make independent travel nearly impossible at present. Historical routes once drew visitors but are now inaccessible.
Digital Nomads: Libya is not viable for digital nomads. Internet is unreliable, and the security situation is unstable, with no infrastructure to support remote work or expat life.
Luxury Travelers: Libya has no functioning luxury tourism sector. While a few upscale hotels exist in Tripoli, the current climate is not suitable for leisure luxury travel.
Foodies: Traditional Libyan cuisine features couscous, grilled meats, and Mediterranean flavors, but the restaurant scene is underdeveloped and focused on local clientele. Culinary tourism is not feasible at this time.
Beach Bunnies: Libya’s Mediterranean coast is long and beautiful but undeveloped for tourism. Security risks and a lack of facilities mean beach tourism is effectively nonexistent despite natural potential.
Nature Buffs: Libya’s desert landscapes, including the Sahara, Acacus Mountains, and Ubari Sand Sea, are breathtaking. However, accessing these regions is unsafe and requires specialized arrangements, which are mostly unavailable now.
History Buffs: Libya holds some of the world’s best-preserved Roman and Greek ruins , Leptis Magna, Sabratha, and Cyrene are archaeological treasures. Unfortunately, access is currently restricted due to instability.
Culture Vultures: Libya’s Berber, Arab, and Mediterranean heritage is rich, but cultural tourism is dormant. Traditional music, crafts, and markets exist but are not developed or accessible for visitors under current conditions.
Adventure Seekers: The Sahara offers epic adventure potential , dune trekking, desert camping, and exploring rock art. However, extreme security challenges make adventure tourism impossible for now.
Solo Travelers: Libya is not recommended for solo travelers. Security risks, logistical hurdles, and visa restrictions make independent travel unsafe and impractical at this time.
Party Animals: As a conservative Muslim country with alcohol bans and no formal nightlife scene, Libya offers no party opportunities.
Wildlife Watchers: Libya’s wildlife is limited, with desert species and some migratory birds in coastal areas. Wildlife tourism infrastructure is nonexistent.
LGBTQ+: Homosexuality is illegal, and LGBTQ+ travelers face significant legal and social risks. Libya is one of the least safe destinations for LGBTQ+ individuals, and discretion is essential.
Why Go to Libya?
- Leptis Magna: Wander one of the Roman Empire’s grandest cities, with its huge amphitheater, market, and monumental arches.
- Sabratha: Explore another coastal Roman city with well-preserved temples, forums, and a stunning theater.
- Tripoli’s Medina: Visit the old town’s maze of narrow streets, historic mosques, and bustling souks.
- Sahara Desert: Discover towering dunes, rocky plateaus, and prehistoric rock art in the Fezzan region.
- Ghadames Oasis: Experience traditional Berber architecture and cool underground homes in this desert oasis town.
- Coastal Beauty: Relax on Mediterranean beaches that remain largely undeveloped and unspoiled.
- Ancient Trade Routes: Learn about Libya’s place in trans-Saharan trade, linking Africa with the Mediterranean world.
Who Might Not Enjoy Libya?
Libya, home to vast deserts, Mediterranean coastlines, and ancient Roman ruins, has enormous tourism potential, but remains one of the most challenging destinations in the world for travelers today:
-
Safety-Conscious Travelers: Libya is currently considered unsafe due to political instability, armed conflict, terrorism, and high crime rates. Most governments strongly advise against all travel to the country.
-
Tourists Expecting Open and Easy Tourism: Libya’s tourism industry is largely non-functional. Tours, hotels, and visitor services are extremely limited, and spontaneous travel is nearly impossible.
-
Luxury Travelers: There are very few functioning luxury hotels, and even mid-range accommodations are scarce and unreliable, especially outside Tripoli and Benghazi.
-
Independent Travelers: Movement is highly restricted, and permits are often required. Foreigners are subject to tight government controls and may require local escorts or sponsors to travel between regions.
-
Strict Vegetarians or Vegans: Libyan cuisine is meat-heavy, featuring lamb, chicken, and fish as staples. Vegetarian or vegan meals are rare and usually require self-catering or special arrangements.
-
Visitors Wanting Vibrant Nightlife or Urban Entertainment: Alcohol is banned, nightlife is minimal, and entertainment options are scarce even in major cities.
-
Travelers Expecting Fully Restored Heritage Sites: Libya has incredible Roman and Greek ruins (like Leptis Magna), but some sites have been damaged, neglected, or are difficult to access safely due to the security situation.
-
Those Needing Reliable Internet and Medical Facilities: Infrastructure is fragile. Internet is slow or unreliable, and healthcare services, especially outside Tripoli, are limited and not up to international standards.
-
Tourists Uncomfortable with Visible Military Presence and Tension: Security forces, checkpoints, and armed groups are a constant presence, which can feel intimidating or stressful for visitors.
What’s Cool
Incredible ancient Roman and Greek ruins like Leptis Magna and Cyrene, stunning desert landscapes including the Sahara and Acacus Mountains, beautiful Mediterranean coastline with unspoiled beaches, rich Berber, Arab, and Ottoman heritage, unique blend of African and Middle Eastern cultures, traditional markets and old medinas, welcoming and hospitable locals in peaceful areas, fascinating Islamic architecture and historic mosques, authentic off-the-beaten-path travel experience, vibrant oral storytelling and poetry traditions.
What’s Not
Severe security concerns and ongoing conflict, strict travel advisories against visiting, limited and unreliable tourism infrastructure, difficult visa process and entry requirements, frequent checkpoints and bureaucratic delays, basic healthcare and emergency services outside Tripoli and Benghazi, language barriers (Arabic dominates), unreliable internet and power cuts, restricted movement and monitoring by authorities, limited flight connections and expensive travel, cultural restrictions and conservative norms, damaged or inaccessible historical sites, few international embassies or consular services.
Libya is located in North Africa, bordered by Tunisia and Algeria to the west, Niger and Chad to the south, Sudan to the southeast, and Egypt to the east. Its northern border is a long coastline along the Mediterranean Sea, making it a key historical bridge between Africa and Europe. Libya is rich in ancient history and desert landscapes, but ongoing conflict and instability have kept it off most travel itineraries in recent years.
The geography is dominated by the vast Sahara Desert, which covers about 90% of the country. Along the coast, you’ll find low-lying plains and fertile stretches, particularly near Tripolitania in the west and Cyrenaica in the east. The interior is arid and rugged, with sand seas, mountains like the Jebel Akhdar, and dramatic rock formations in places like the Acacus Mountains. Libya’s climate is Mediterranean along the coast and desert inland, with scorching summers and mild winters.
Most travelers used to arrive via Tripoli International Airport, though travel is extremely restricted today due to security concerns. Infrastructure in major cities was once well-developed, but conflict has disrupted much of it.
Tripolitania (Northwest Libya)
The most populous region, home to ancient ruins and the capital.
- Tripoli: The capital city with Ottoman-era architecture, old souks, and a Mediterranean seafront.
- Leptis Magna: One of the best-preserved Roman archaeological sites in the world.
- Sabratha: Another ancient Roman city with a well-preserved theater and mosaics.
- Ghadames: An oasis town and UNESCO site with mud-brick architecture, near the Algerian border.
- Nalut: A Berber town with a traditional granary and desert views.
Cyrenaica (Northeast Libya)
A region of mountains and ancient Greek and Roman history.
- Benghazi: Libya’s second-largest city and a key economic center.
- Shahhat (Cyrene): An ancient Greek city with temples and a large necropolis.
- Apollonia: The former port of Cyrene, with Roman baths and a theater.
- Jebel Akhdar: A green mountain range with forested plateaus and hiking.
- Tocra: A small town with remnants of Greek and Roman ruins.
Fezzan (Southern Libya)
A remote and sparsely populated region of oases, sand seas, and rock art.
- Sabha: The main town in the south, once a hub for trans-Saharan trade.
- Murzuq: A desert town with an old fort and sand dunes.
- Tadrart Acacus: A UNESCO-listed area with prehistoric rock art and sandstone formations.
- Ubari Sand Sea: Stunning dunes and desert lakes like Gaberoun and Umm al-Maa.
- Ghat: A historic oasis town near the Algerian border, surrounded by mountains.
Highlights
Leptis Magna: a spectacular old Roman city that was once the second largest town of the Empire, after Rome. The huge scale and exquisite architecture make it one of the top attractions in the country.
Cyrene: one of the best-preserved Greek cities, formerly known as Cyrenaica. Visitors can explore the many temples, tombs and theater that were originally based on those at Delphi. Don’t miss the wonderful views overlooking the sea.
Ghadhames: a desert town with unique architecture comprising of white-washed mud walls and covered walkways lit by overhead skylights and open squares. Highlights include the D’jmaa al-Kabir mosque and Mulberry Square.
Tripoli: the capital city has a rich heritage and numerous sites worth visiting. The architecture has many foreign influences and shoppers will love the bustling markets (souks).
Assai al-Hamra (Red Castle): a dominant fortress located on a promontory overlooking Tripoli with a maze of courtyards and alleyways which are fun to explore.
Libya’s weather is dominated by the vast Sahara Desert.
Winter is the best time to visit as temperatures are cooler, although some rain can be expected in the Mediterranean coastal areas.
Summer brings scorching temperatures and very little rain, especially inland.
Beaches: both Tripoli and Benghazi have a choice of good beaches nearby which make them ideal for a city and beach break. Ras Alteen has pristine white sands and is the location of the recent archaeological discovery of an underwater city. Don’t bother showing up in your bikini, you’ll get arrested for life.
Walking and trekking: the Green Mountains have some wonderfully lush forests which are ideal for walking, and they provide some protection from the high temperatures.
Salt-lake bathing: the Zallaf Sand Dunes are located near to the desert town of Ghadames, and have saline lakes surrounded by palm trees, perfect for a sand bath and spot of bathing. Great for sand boarding and ‘desert photos’.
Shopping: the lack of tourists make the markets in the medinas ideal for browsing and finding unique handicrafts. There is far less hassle from touts here compared to places like Morocco.
Tripoli International Airport is 22 miles south of the city and has regular flights to many European countries. Libyan Airlines has domestic air routes, with flying being the best way of getting around the country. A car ferry sails regularly from Tripoli to Malta and several Italian ports. Libya doesn’t have a train service, but there is a fairly good bus network linking all of the major towns, with plenty of all-important tea-drinking stops on the way. Shared taxis are a quicker way to travel if you can stomach the crazy antics of the drivers. If you really want a challenge, you can try driving across the country, and with gasoline typically cheaper than bottled water, it won’t leave a dent in your pocket.
Despite its turbulent and well-publicized past, Libya is safer than many other African countries and most visitors shouldn’t encounter any problems. Be aware that dangers do exist and take necessary precautions. The areas bordering Chad, Niger and Sudan are known for banditry and military activity and should be avoided, but you’re unlikely to be going that far south and make it back alive. Be careful when buying bottled water as some of the brands are not very safe. Enquire at your hotel or look out for international brand names. A pass is required if you plan on visiting some of the desert areas and this can be obtained from the Libyan authorities, usually via a tour operator. Unless you want to crash into a roaming camel, avoid driving at night, which is in fact illegal.