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Libya

6

Reasons To
Visit Libya

  • Ancient Ruins

    Whether admiring some of the best-preserved ruins anywhere in the former Roman or Greek worlds, wandering through ancient Saharan trading posts, or pondering on the fate of the Garamantian civilisation that died out almost overnight, Libya's ancient ruins will be a major reason for your visit to the country.

    Ancient Ruins

  • Classical History

    The Greeks and Romans had a heavy presence in North Africa, largely confined to the fertile coastal strip. In the east, the Greeks had a strong presence in the cities of Cyrene, Apollonia and Ptolemais, whilst in the west the Roman cities of Leptis Magna and Sabratha are some of the most impressive found anywhere.

    Classical History

  • Desert Safaris

    With the fantastic rock art of the Sahara and the dunes and oases of the Ubari Sand Sea, the only way to get around is in a self-supported 4WD expedition. The solitude is a major draw, and because it's so far from any towns or cities, the night sky is brilliant with stars.

    Desert Safaris

  • Oases

    In the Ubari Sand Sea lie a series of lakes that fulfil every childhood fantasy of a desert oasis. Hidden deep amongst sand dunes, palm trees fringe limpid pools that perfectly reflect the clear blue skies.

    Oases

  • Rock art

    The oldest rock art in Libya dates back 12,000 years, through to more recent pieces about 2,000 years old. The older pieces tell of a more fertile time when giraffe, elephants, hippos and fighting cats roamed the landscape: a bizarre contrast with the stunning desert scenery that now surrounds the area.

    Rock art

  • Saharan Cities

    Although relatively accessible today, Ghadames was once a watchword for hostile cities on the fringe of the Sahara that traded in gold and slaves arriving from across the desert.

    Saharan Cities

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Visit Cyrenaica, Libya

Old Roman cities are fairly well represented all over North Africa, but nowhere is there a site of Greek ruins more impressive than Cyrene. Not only does it have a fantastic setting overlooking the Mediterranean, but the site is only partly excavated.

The Symbol of Cyrene
The Symbol of CyreneCyrene, LibyaThe Agora, CyreneView from Cyrene, LibyaView from Cyrene, LibyaFunerary Statues, Cyrene

Cyrenaica

Libya

Cyrene, the ancient Greek city, was the oldest and most important of the five Greek cities in the region and gave eastern Libya the classical name Cyrenaica that it has retained to modern times.

Old Roman cities are fairly well represented all over North Africa, but nowhere is there a site of Greek ruins more impressive than Cyrene. Not only does it have a fantastic setting overlooking the Mediterranean, but the site is deliciously only partly excavated.

Exploring Cyrene

Of main interest is the Temple of Apollo, first built as early as 7th century BC.

Around Cyrene, the Necropolis has grown to an unbelievable size (an estimated 10 square kilometres) and there are still hundreds of tombs cut into the hills. Other notable archaeological sites in the region include the Greek cities of Ptolemais and Apollonia.

Further reading:
LibyaWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout LibyaCountry Guides

Other countries in North Africa & the Middle East:
EgyptIranJordanLebanonMoroccoOmanSyriaTunisia

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