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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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Excursions in Libya: Apollonia & Ras Hilal Excursion

Apollonia, located next to the modern town of Susah, was the harbour for Cyrene and was therefore of prime importance for the Pentapolis of Cyrenaica.

Apollonia
Byzantine Church, Ras Al-HilalApolloniaCyreneRas Al-Hilal, ApolloniaApolloniaTemple of Zeus, CyreneTemple of Zeus, CyreneQasr Libya, Cyrenaica

Apollonia & Ras Hilal Excursion

Apollonia, Libya
  • Culture & History

Apollonia, located next to the modern town of Susah, was the harbour for Cyrene and was therefore of prime importance for the Pentapolis of Cyrenaica. Dating from the 7th Century BC, the city continued to be important in the Roman and Byzantine eras.

Most of the ruins in evidence today were built during the Byzantine period (5th and 6th centuries AD). At the time Apollonia was known as the city of churches, as it had five basilicas. Excavations are continuing and recent discoveries include a small villa with beautiful mosaics and oil wells. Ras Hilal was once the second port of Cyrenaica after Apollonia, but whilst nothing remains to suggest this, the scenery is still rugged, mountainous and stunning.

In the area you will find the Ras Hilal waterfall, a fairly rare sight in an arid country, and the remains of a Byzantine church with some attractive mosaics and a great view over the coast. On this stretch of coast the Axis powers built a port complete with tunnel to land supplies and protect them from Allied air attacks.

More about Apollonia, Libya

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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