Sightseeing in Libya: Places of Interest
By LiveLibya.com
Contrary to popular belief Libya is not just one big desert, and expats will find that with a little effort and ingenuity there’s certainly some options to see and do many things of interest.
Throughout its history Libya has been selected by many great and ancient empires as a centre of trade across the north of Africa, consequently the nation is home to a large collection of not-to-be-missed Greek, Roman and other classically inspired ancient ruins.
This rich historical influence paired with thousands of miles of untouched Mediterranean coast and the endless poetry of sea siding up against the Sahara desert makes Libya a destination ripe with the potential for expat sightseeing and exciting weekend breaks.
Cyrene
Second in significance only to Leptis Magna, Cyrene is a necessity to see. It ranks as the best preserved of the Greek cities of Cyrenaica, with its temples, tombs, agora, gymnasium and theatre originally modelled on those at Delphi. Apart from the fabulous Greek ruins, its high location overlooking the sea is mesmerising.
Sabratha
In the Zawia region in the north-western corner of current Libya, Sabratha was the westernmost of the "three cities" of Tripolis. It lies on the Mediterranean coast about 65km (40 miles) west of Tripoli (ancient Oea). The archaeological site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
Leptis Magna
If you only see one archaeological site in Libya, make it Leptis Magna. Regarded as the best Roman site in the Mediterranean, Leptis Magna's magnificent architecture and enormous scale will amaze even the most ruin-weary traveller.
Ghadames
Is one of Libya's most popular tourist attractions. As a matter of fact, it is considered by some as the best part of the whole of Sahara, often referred to as “the jewel of the Sahara", and was in 1982 added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, as one of 5 places in Libya.
Jebel Acacus
The Jebel Acacus is an astonishing landscape of shadowy basalt monoliths rising up from the sands of the central Sahara. This World Heritage-listed area is home to unique natural rock formations, as well as prehistoric rock paintings and carvings, some of which date back 12,000 years. You can only visit the region with a guide, who can be organised in Ghat.
Southern Borders
Regions adjoining Chad, Niger and Sudan are areas subject to crime and military activity and should definitely be avoided.
►Expat Arrivals Libya Country Guide
Contrary to popular belief Libya is not just one big desert, and expats will find that with a little effort and ingenuity there’s certainly some options to see and do many things of interest.
Throughout its history Libya has been selected by many great and ancient empires as a centre of trade across the north of Africa, consequently the nation is home to a large collection of not-to-be-missed Greek, Roman and other classically inspired ancient ruins.
This rich historical influence paired with thousands of miles of untouched Mediterranean coast and the endless poetry of sea siding up against the Sahara desert makes Libya a destination ripe with the potential for expat sightseeing and exciting weekend breaks.
Recommended sightseeing in Libya
Cyrene
Second in significance only to Leptis Magna, Cyrene is a necessity to see. It ranks as the best preserved of the Greek cities of Cyrenaica, with its temples, tombs, agora, gymnasium and theatre originally modelled on those at Delphi. Apart from the fabulous Greek ruins, its high location overlooking the sea is mesmerising.
Sabratha
In the Zawia region in the north-western corner of current Libya, Sabratha was the westernmost of the "three cities" of Tripolis. It lies on the Mediterranean coast about 65km (40 miles) west of Tripoli (ancient Oea). The archaeological site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
Leptis Magna
If you only see one archaeological site in Libya, make it Leptis Magna. Regarded as the best Roman site in the Mediterranean, Leptis Magna's magnificent architecture and enormous scale will amaze even the most ruin-weary traveller.
Ghadames
Is one of Libya's most popular tourist attractions. As a matter of fact, it is considered by some as the best part of the whole of Sahara, often referred to as “the jewel of the Sahara", and was in 1982 added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, as one of 5 places in Libya.
Jebel Acacus
The Jebel Acacus is an astonishing landscape of shadowy basalt monoliths rising up from the sands of the central Sahara. This World Heritage-listed area is home to unique natural rock formations, as well as prehistoric rock paintings and carvings, some of which date back 12,000 years. You can only visit the region with a guide, who can be organised in Ghat.
Southern Borders
Regions adjoining Chad, Niger and Sudan are areas subject to crime and military activity and should definitely be avoided.
►Expat Arrivals Libya Country Guide
