Best known for oil, Libya actually has so much more to offer. Shop in
the old souk markets in Tripoli. Compare the calm of Roman ruins at
Leptis Magna with the bustle of Libya's second city,
Benghazi. Explore the vast Sahara Desert, stopping at lush oases along the
way or swim at deserted Mediterranean beaches. There's prehistoric rock art to
see in the desert mountains.
Background
Recent years have seen this long-isolated oil-rich country, independent since 1951,
begin to open up to visitors. In Libya, attractions don't come much bigger
than the Sahara Desert. A range of surprisingly green mountains separates the
desert from the Mediterranean coastal strip. In the west, dense groves of
orange and olive trees line coastal valleys. Be among the first to come and enjoy
the contrasts. The beaches and grand Italian colonial streets of Tripoli seem
a world away from the simple mountain Berber villages.
Urban
Start on the Mediterranean coast in historic Tripoli, Libya's
capital. Further to the east, Benghazi is the country's second
largest city. This bustling port is an important commercial centre. Base yourself
here to visit the Greek ruins in Cyrene, or venture into the desert at
Kufra. On the edge of the Nafusa Mountains, Nalut offers ancient
desert architecture and expansive Sahara views. Don't miss the desert oasis
town of Ghadames, with its covered streets and mud-brick buildings.
Rural
With the exception of Libya's coastal strip, the Sahara Desert covers
most of the country. Climb huge sand dunes and explore fertile green oases. Gaze in
awe at 10,000-year-old rock paintings in Jebel Acacus. You'll be
amazed to see water in the desert - the Dawada Lakes are no mirage. The famed
Roman ruins at Leptis Magna are well worth a visit. With 1100 miles of
Mediterranean coastline, there are plenty of sandy beaches to choose from - the
region between Sabratha and Abu-Kammash is a good place to start.
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