For a country that's been all but swallowed by the Sahara, you'll be surprised to see how pleasantly Mediterranean it can be along its northern coast. Tripoli is as urbane as any place in Africa, while the Jebel Akhdar region to the east is reminiscent of verdant Crete.
From ancient Greek and Roman ruins to modern art and oil money, Libya's a world unto itself.

The Libyan people enjoy a well-earned reputation for kindness and hospitality toward visitors, and its streets and souqs are free of the hassles of touts and their hard sell.