Things to do in Libya

25 things to do in Libya

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Explore the vast Roman city of Leptis Magna

  Wander the remarkably preserved streets, forums, and amphitheatre of Emperor Septimius Severus' birthplace on the Mediterranean shore.

  Al Khums

• Admire the Sabratha Theatre's breathtaking sea backdrop

  Stand before the majestic three-storey Roman theatre, still used for performances, with the turquoise sea just beyond the stage.

  Sabratha

• Climb the ruins of Cyrene, the ancient Greek city in the mountains

  Stroll among the Temple of Zeus, Apollo Sanctuary, and the necropolis, all overlooking the fertile Green Mountain slopes.

  Shahhat

• Get lost in the covered alleyways of Ghadames Old Town

  Discover the mudbrick desert oasis with its distinctive rooftop passages and intricate Berber architecture, a UNESCO wonder.

  Ghadames

• Trace prehistoric rock art in the Tadrart Acacus

  See thousands of cave paintings and carvings of giraffes, elephants, and chariots spread across wind-carved sandstones.

  Ghat District

• Marvel at the Red Castle Museum (Assaraya Alhamra) in Tripoli

  Walk inside the vast fortress complex on Tripoli's waterfront, housing mosaics, traditional crafts, and Libya's historical narrative.

  Tripoli

• Wander the Ottoman-era charm of Tripoli Medina

  Lose yourself in the narrow souks, past carved doorways, minarets, and the Arch of Marcus Aurelius, the old city's heart.

  Tripoli

• Admire the intricate tiles of Gurgi Mosque

  Step inside this elegant 19th-century Ottoman mosque known for its colourful ceramic tiles and calm courtyard.

  Tripoli

• Walk the Corniche and absorb Benghazi's seafront spirit

  Stroll the breezy Mediterranean promenade, watch fishermen, and sample fresh juice at a waterfront café in Libya's second city.

  Benghazi

• Visit the atmospheric ruins of Apollonia (Susa)

  Explore the ancient port city of Cyrene with its Byzantine churches, theatre, and bathhouses right beside the glittering sea.

  Al Bayda

• Study the late-Roman mosaics of Qasr Libya

  Examine fifty exquisite mosaic panels in situ at this small museum, depicting animals, mythological scenes, and geometric designs.

  Qasr Libya

• Trek a camel caravan through the Ubari Sand Sea

  Ride a camel across golden ergs to reach the hidden lakes among the dunes, a true Sahara desert adventure.

  Ubari

• Enter the circular Berber granary of Gasr Al-Hajj

  Climb inside this perfectly preserved fortified storehouse, once used by local tribes to safeguard grain, oil, and vegetables.

  Jefara

• Walk the column-lined streets of Ptolemais

  Explore the lesser-visited Hellenistic city with its standing columns, cisterns, and remains of a once-grand gymnasium near the coast.

  Tolmeitha

• Pay respects at the Knightsbridge War Cemetery near Tobruk

  Reflect among the immaculate graves of Commonwealth soldiers who fell in the North African desert campaigns of WWII.

  Acroma

• Swim in the impossibly salty waters of Lake Umm Al-Maa

  Float effortlessly in this beautiful, turquoise oasis lake surrounded by tall sand dunes, a surreal Libyan natural wonder.

  Ubari

• Hike into the silent valleys of the Acacus Mountains

  Trek through a moonscape of ochre rock arches, narrow canyons, and wind-sculpted boulders deep in the Sahara.

  Ghat District

• Photograph sunset over the ergs of Awbari from a dune crest

  Watch the sun sink behind endless waves of golden sand, painting them in deep red and purple hues.

  Ubari

• Explore the abandoned oasis settlement of Awjila

  Visit the 12th-century Fatimid mosque and palm-fringed houses of a desert crossroads steeped in Saharan caravan history.

  Awjila

• Sip mint tea on a Ghadames rooftop at sunset

  Climb to the raised rooftop world of the old town and enjoy a glass of sweet tea as the call to prayer echoes over the oasis.

  Ghadames

• Scuba dive the WWII shipwrecks off Tobruk

  Descend into the clear Mediterranean to explore sunken British merchant ships and war relics now encrusted with corals.

  Tobruk

• Trek through the juniper woods of the Jebel Akhdar

  Hike the lush Green Mountain slopes, past ancient Greek monasteries and dramatic coastal viewpoints high above the sea.

  Al Bayda

• Spot ancient petroglyphs in the Messak Settafet

  Search for carvings of extinct wildlife and mysterious figures on smooth sandstone slabs in this remote plateau.

  Messak

• Tour the Ottoman Karamanli House Museum

  Step into an opulent 18th-century residence in Tripoli's medina, filled with period furniture, clothes, and Andalusian-style tiles.

  Tripoli

• Savour sfenz (Libyan doughnuts) in Tripoli’s old souk

  Pull apart a hot, chewy doughnut drizzled with date syrup or honey from your favourite street vendor.

  Tripoli