Libya — Where to Go
Top Things to See
Assai al-Hamra (Red Castle)
Tripoli's spectacular fortress houses a maze of courtyards and buildings, situated on a promontory above the city. Particularly worthwile is the Jamahiriya Museum, designed in conjunction with UNESCO, next to the castle on the Green Square.
Leptis Magna
The incredible well-preserved ancient remains of a Roman settlement, highlights of which are the Severan Arch (erected in honor of Emperor Septimus Severus), the marble- and granite-lined Hadrianic Baths, the detailed basilica and the large amphitheater.
The Pentapolis
Of the five ancient and powerful Greek city states in Libya Cyrene, Sussa (Apollonia) and Tolmitha (Ptolemaeis) have the most atmospheric remains. The setting of Cyrenaica is particularly impressive in the Jebel al Akhdar overlooking the sea, and its museum is spectacular.
Ghadames
The unique desert oasis town, known as the ‘Pearl of the Desert', is in the western region, 800km (500 miles) southwest of Tripoli. The UNESCO-protected old town's unique architecture consists of whitewashed mud-brick walls, covered labyrinthine walkways and elaborate orchard gardens with date palms, pomegranate and orange trees and vegetables.
Ubari sand dunes & lakes
In Ubari, majestic sand dunes run down to picturesque salt lakes that are surrounded by palm trees. Locals, not that there are many around here, come to these lakes for salt-lake bathing, where a microscopic shrimp is believed to clean the skin, and rejuvenating mighty hot sand baths in an exotic setting.
Berber architecture
Berber villages are scattered throughout the more remote mountain area of the Jebel Nafousa, but the unusual mud-brick architecture of the Berber grain storage houses in Nalut, Kabaou and Kasr Elhaj is particularly interesting.
Akakus Mountains
The mountain scenery on the border with Algeria is spectacular but, as if that wasn't enough, these rock cliffs hide some of the Sahara's finest prehistoric rock art, particularly at Wadi Metkandoush and Wadi Tashwinat.
Top Things to Do
Beaches
With 2,000km (1,243 miles) of Mediterranean coastline, there is plenty of choice when it comes to splendid beaches, including Neqezzah (112km east of Tripoli), Ras al-Hammamah, Sabratha and the splendid beaches from Zuara to Ras al-Jadir.
Souk shopping
The old souks and winding lanes of the capital, Tripoli, with its traditional mosques and khans (inns/warehouses), have particular streets given to spices, gold, bridal fabrics made from a desert plant and animal skins.
Desert driving
It takes a particular skill to slide in a 4WD down a steep 80m- (262ft-) high sand dune, in the Idehan Merzuq Sand Sea - a stunning infinity of sand dunes - or to drive over black rocks for several hours to go and see the amazing pre-historic rock carvings in Wadi Metkandoush, but you can always cool off with a swim in the palm-fringed salty Ubari Lakes.
Camel riding
Several tour operators organize camel treks through the Akakus mountains or other parts of the Sahara. This is the true way to discover the quiet solitude, slowness and unique beauty of the desert.
Dune-surfing
The dunes near the Ubari lakes are seriously high and a few snowboards are available nearby to surf down them. Beware it can be dangerous.
Roman Libya
Roman cities are well-preserved in Libya but nowhere can you imagine just how good the Romans had it as in Villa Sileen. Come to the house late afternoon, after visiting Leptis Magna, and feel the sea breeze on the wonderful terrace.
Trekking
The gorgeous scenery and cooler climate of the Jebel al-Akhdar (Green Mountains) or the Jebel Nafusa in the west are ideal for trekking but you will have to work out your own routes as few tour companies organize walking trips.
Snorkeling
The pristine beaches are ideal for snorkeling and there is plenty to look at, particularly near the ancient sights. There are plenty of sunken remains near Apollonia, but the authorities may not be so keen if you get too close. Bring your own equipment.
