Murina
Ben Ashor next to Swiss ambassador's residence, Tripoli, Libya
Libya Travel Guide 2026: Top Cities, Places to Visit & Itineraries | Trip.com
Libya
Popular destinations
Surman
Green Land Park, Alfurkan Mosque, Sidi Zekri mosque
Kabaw
Kabaw Qaser
Tripoli
Old City, Martyr's Square, Arc of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus
Benghazi
Benghazi Zoo, Al-Jalaa Park | حديقة الجلاء, Al-Keesh Square
Zuara
City Park, مسجد باب السلام, منتزه النافورة
Al Qubah
Baranes Stadium, Qudis Mosque, Roaf Ansari Mosque
Ghat
Fortress of Ghat, Issawiya corner, The ancient mosque
Taknis
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Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Libya dishes and foodie spots.
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Traveller photos and experiences
Ancient Roman Theater Facing the Mediterranean
[Attraction] Sabratha Archaeological Site · Located on the Mediterranean coast, about sixty kilometers from Tripoli, the capital of Libya, there is a 47-hectare ancient city site of Sabratha (also known as Sabrata), built by the Phoenicians in the 5th century BC. During the Roman Empire, Sabratha flourished as a transshipment port between the African interior and the Roman mainland, but it was destroyed by Arabs in the 7th century. It was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1982, and Sabratha's location is clearly marked on maps. · Highlights: Home to Africa's largest Roman amphitheater (Sabratha Ancient Theatre), as well as a complex of temples from the Trajanic period, blending Greek and Roman architectural styles. Conservation Value: It also preserves Byzantine-era ruins, showcasing a transition of diverse cultures. The Sabratha Ancient Theater, built in the 2nd century AD, could accommodate up to 5,000 spectators. The theater faces away from the Mediterranean, with a three-story stage building (scaenae frons), pink marble columns supporting the platform of the stage building, and marble reliefs depicting dancers, figures, and mythological themes on the marble base of the stage front. · Here lie 3,000-year-old Phoenician ruins and 1,900-year-old ancient Roman structures, bearing witness to the passage of time. · The Phoenician memorial tower is supported by three columns and built with two layers of stone blocks. Not far along the Mediterranean coast are ancient Roman columns transported from Italy, Turkey, and Jordan. · The intricate carvings on the marble blocks and the lifelike patterns are astonishing. The scattered stone blocks and columns seem to tell tales of past glory. · The circular arches on the stone columns indicate that there were once six temples dedicated to Jupiter here. Mr. Liu, a Libyan boss, sits on a stone block, squinting and contemplating life. From the side, the grand open-air ancient Roman musical theater is magnificent, and it's the first time I've seen a venue with space for a band to play.
Zhuhai's Top SPA｜A Healing and Relaxing Spot Hidden Inside a Hotel
Discovered a super healing SPA in Gongbei, finally recharging myself after a busy week✨ The moment I walked in, I was struck by the elegant and luxurious environment💓 The rooms are clean and private, with a faint aroma of essential oils that instantly calms the mind, melting away all fatigue~ I experienced the "Classic Aromatherapy 60-Minute Body Massage" 💆♀️ The therapist’s technique was professional and gentle, perfectly working from shoulders and neck down to the waist and back. The essential oils absorbed quickly, leaving me feeling light and floating after the massage, and my sleep quality improved! In the latter part of the treatment, there was a singing bowl meditation session. The lighting was adjusted to a soft warm tone, and the space was so quiet you could only hear your breath. The singing bowl is handcrafted from seven metals, producing a steady and long-lasting tone with gentle low-frequency resonance that envelops the whole body. This singing bowl meditation was personally guided by a meditation instructor from India. The teacher has many years of experience in yoga and sound therapy. The session was paced calmly and attentively, focusing on the present moment, using professionalism and compassion to help every participant fully relax and return to inner peace and balance through the sound. ✅ Highlights: · Free parking, great for self-driving visitors · No hidden charges, very reassuring experience · Customized care, adjusting techniques based on body condition · Ranked 6th in SPA massage sales in the Gongbei business district, with a solid reputation After the session, you can relax in the lounge area and enjoy a cup of hot tea to unwind slowly. Whether for weekday stress relief or weekend self-reward, it’s absolutely perfect! 📍 Location: 3rd Floor, Haiwan Hotel, 245 Shuiwan Road · Haiwan Wellness SPA
The Pearl of the Desert City
【Attraction】Ancient City of Ghadames · The ancient town of Ghadames in Libya is known as the "Pearl of the Desert." It is also called Ghadames and is located at the junction of Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria. · The ancient town of Ghadames is one of the oldest cities in the Sahara, an outstanding example of traditional folk architecture, and a model of traditional community gathering. Its architectural feature is that each floor has a different function. A typical residence has at least two floors, with living quarters above the second floor, storage rooms on the ground floor, and a basement maze-like underground level with winding passages. · The old town of Ghadames is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, making this "Pearl of the Desert" shine even brighter. This historic city attracts me with its unique architectural style. · Historical Era Ghadames is one of the oldest settlements in the Sahara, with history dating back to the Roman period or even earlier! This UNESCO World Heritage ancient city was an important hub for trans-Saharan trade, witnessing countless caravans and civilizations intersecting. · City Divisions and Social System The old city is divided into multiple family quarters, forming a unique "multi-clan co-governance" tradition. Interestingly, there is also a "rooftop council" system—men discuss affairs on rooftop platforms, while women move freely through underground passages, protecting privacy and maintaining order. · Landmark on Libya’s 20 Dinar Banknote Ghadames is so significant that its traditional architecture is printed on Libya’s 20 dinar banknote! If you visit Libya, be sure to look for it. · Architectural Wisdom: The Desert Maze 1. Exterior: Houses built with mud bricks and palm wood are closely connected, forming maze-like alleys that provide shade and protect against sandstorms. 2. Interior: Exquisite murals, cool courtyards, and hidden lofts not only offer summer relief but also store grain and prevent theft. · Foggara Water Channel System: The Lifeline of the Desert In an extremely water-scarce environment, the people of Ghadames developed a precise and fair underground water channel system. The channels lead into the city, and water usage is allocated by family or district to ensure everyone has access. This system has been passed down for hundreds of years, influencing oasis cultures across North Africa and representing the pinnacle of desert civilization wisdom! · Hand of Fatima In Ghadames, many doors and walls display this protective amulet symbolizing protection and blessings. Locals believe it wards off evil, prevents disasters, and brings good luck. · Muslim Cemetery Outside the Old City The simple cemetery on the city’s edge, though silent, carries the echoes of millennia of history in the desert winds. · The former cemetery groups of Ghadames appear much more modest compared to those in China. Ancient City of Ghadames · Travel Tip: This place is very sunny, so be sure to take sun protection measures.
![[Attraction] Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna — traveler post in Libya](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/1mi3012000rmcuxjr707B_C_480_270_R5.jpg_.avif?proc=source/trip)
[Attraction] Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna
[Attraction] Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna (World Heritage Site) · Starting from Tripoli, the capital of Libya, Google Maps shows it takes less than 2 hours, but the actual driving time is just under 2 hours and 15 minutes. Upon arrival at the entrance, security guards and police will ask some questions. · What truly amazed me about Libya was not the cityscape of Tripoli, but the ancient Roman ruins scattered across the wilderness. Leptis Magna, often called the "Pompeii of Africa," was once a famous African city rivaling Rome itself, still standing by the Mediterranean coast today. Walking through its grand plaza, touching the intricately carved triumphal arch, and looking up at the amphitheater that could hold 15,000 people, I was almost breathless. Its vast scale and excellent preservation far exceeded my expectations. What shocked me even more was the near absence of tourists. During the four hours I spent there, the entire large archaeological park was almost deserted—apart from our group of six and a few gatekeepers, we saw no one else. Being able to see it with my own eyes felt like a great fortune, as there are very few ancient Roman city ruins of such large scale and excellent preservation. Beneath my feet were the stone roads once walked by Roman emperors, the wind from the Mediterranean whispered in my ears, and before me stretched a two-thousand-year-old stone epic. This exclusive experience of a world cultural heritage site felt luxuriously unreal. I couldn’t help but think, if this were in Italy or Greece, it would surely be packed with crowds by now. · As you walk through this ancient city ruin in Libya, which has stood for over a thousand years, and see the fallen stones everywhere, this site considered the largest ancient Roman Empire ruin in Africa, do you think about Libya’s fate? · Must-see attractions: 1. Severan Arch. 2. Baths: The most luxurious Roman baths in North Africa! Divided into cold, warm, and hot water sections, with ancient steam saunas. 3. Judicial Center: Locked and inaccessible, but exquisitely carved. 4. Theater: Facing the Mediterranean, you can watch performances while enjoying the sea breeze. 5. Amphitheater: Located 2 kilometers away, very large.
Ash Sharqiyah, Oman: Breaking into a Forgotten Millennial Ancient Town, Opening a "Time Blind Box" After the Desert
Originally just a stop on the way from the desert to the Green Mountain, but because of an ancient town guarded by wind and sand for thousands of years, this day unexpectedly gained a bit of "time to steal away." 📍 Al Mudhayrib A millennial trade town on the edge of the desert, quietly preserved by wind and water until today Woke up in the morning surrounded by a group of round-eyed goats while making breakfast. On the way to Jabal Akhdar (Green Mountain), we made a detour to Al Mudhayrib. What we thought was just an ordinary ancient village turned out to be the oldest and most authentic historical snapshot of Oman. 🏺 Quick Look at the Ancient Town | The "Golden Post Station" on the Caravan Route ✔ Core node on the ancient trade route Al Mudhayrib was once one of the most active daily markets in the Sharqiyah region, with goods ranging from dates, fabrics to livestock and spices. It was an important stop for tribal exchanges and caravan supplies. The 2,700-year-old Falaj Water Channel (a World Heritage site) runs through the town, still nourishing vast date palm groves today. The town is not quiet but gently "frozen" by time. ✔ East African-style old houses and Sablas The town preserves traditional "Sablas" — wealthy merchant residences that also served as tribal council halls. Carvings on the doors often originate from Zanzibar, the most direct clue left by Oman’s trade history with East Africa. ✔ So off the beaten path it’s unbelievable After wandering for two to three hours, we only met three tourists; mostly it was just the sound of wind blowing through palm leaves. ☕ Small Joy at the Town Entrance: Local Version of a "Morning Tea Supply Station" Right at the town entrance, we saw two local coffee shops, gathering spots for Omani uncles to have morning tea. Crispy on the outside, soft inside roasted chickpea cakes Date yogurt / Karak milk tea, sweet and refreshing About 2.5 riyals per person to eat and drink to satisfaction The shop owner asks with hand gestures, "Is it good?" No tourist filters, just sincerity and warmth. 🏚️ Strolling the Old Alleys: Watchtowers and Fragments of the Old Era Walking deeper along the stone-paved alleys, you will encounter: 18th-century watchtowers (4–5 still standing in town) Half-closed wooden doors, cracked stone walls Old houses with wild grass sprouting from window frames Following the path "upwards," you can always find clusters of towers. Standing on the tower bases overlooking the ancient town and date palm groves, the sound of wind and sand seems to echo the caravan era. 💦 Must Experience | Walk Along the Falaj Water Channel About 15 minutes in total, but very rewarding. The water channel winds around old houses and flows along stone walls, a wise heritage of Omanis living in harmony with the desert for a long time. It is the simplest yet most touching "open-air museum." 🧺 Friday Only: Souq Al-Mudhayrib Market If you happen to visit on a Friday morning (the market is only open for 2 hours): Elderly men selling handmade grass baskets Spices, weaving, small traditional furniture You can take home a "ancient town exclusive" item for 21–5 riyals This is the most vibrant moment of the ancient town. 🎉 Festival Only: Habtah (Habta) Traditional Grand Market (A cultural highlight travelers often miss) Before Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, the town holds the Habtah market: More lively than the Friday market, every household comes to buy festival supplies, from spices, livestock to festive decorations. It’s a great opportunity to experience the traditional lifestyle of Oman. 🍃 Small Joy of Travel: A Cup of Mint Tea Before leaving the ancient town, we recommend sitting for a while at the old tea house at the town entrance: A cup of mint tea for 1 riyal Old men chatting about "stories from the past" Even if you don’t understand, the atmosphere is enough to make you pause The beauty of Oman is hidden in these "unintentional daily moments." 🚗 Practical Information | Self-driving & Route Wadi Bani Khalid → Ancient Town: about 1 hour Muscat → Ancient Town: about 2.5 hours The ancient town is located 20 km south of Ibra It’s not large; it’s recommended to reserve 2.5–3 hours for visiting The rhythm of the ancient town is: slow down and wait for the wind to blow through the date palm groves. 🏞️ On the Way Relay: From the Ancient Town to Jabal Akhdar (Green Mountain) A perfect connection of desert colors and mountain mist Continuing from the ancient town to Jabal Akhdar, the air gets cooler. Upon reaching the mountain top, we switched cars with the pre-booked driver—from a mid-size SUV to a smaller SUV more suitable for the narrow roads of the Green Mountain. Sitting on the Green Mountain top, eating dates, watching the clouds roll, suddenly you understand Oman: It won’t package the attractions for you, but will fill one surprise blind box after another at the stops along the way.
Ghadames — Libya's Hidden Desert Jewel.
Can you imagine an ancient town filled with narrow alleys, sun-kissed sand walls, and labyrinthine pathways hidden deep within the Sahara? 🌴 Ghadames is a historic oasis town in western Libya, famous for its unique white and earthen mud-brick houses. Its shaded walkways and traditional architecture were masterfully designed to combat the scorching desert heat, earning it a spot as a UNESCO World Heritage site. 📸 The true magic of this place is found in the way sunlight dances across the sandy walls, the deep shadows beneath its arches, and the date palms peeking over rooftops—a scene that feels like stepping back through centuries. For those who love exotic ancient cities and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Ghadames is a place you need to discover. 🌍 💬 Given the chance, would you want to wander through this labyrinth in the heart of the desert?
Mazara del Vallo fishing-boat harbor walk
#planitorwingit Mazara del Vallo’s harbor is not on most tourist itineraries, which is exactly why I loved it. I “winged it” here, following the smell of salt and diesel to a waterfront packed with fishing boats, some painted in bright colors, others looking like they’d seen better decades. I walked the length of the harbor, past a few fish markets and a statue of a tuna fisherman. A local offered me a piece of fresh swordfish from a styrofoam tray—free, and delicious. I later learned that Mazara’s fleet fishes as far as Libya, which explains the mix of Arabic and Italian I kept hearing. My tip: if you see a boat unloading, hang around. That’s where the best seafood ends up, often sold by the crate for a few euros. Cash only, naturally.
Crossing the Libyan Desert to Kufra Oasis — plan it or wing it?
Nobody should fully wing Kufra. I planned it like a expedition: spare tires, 200 L fuel, satphone loaned from a friend, and a letter from a Libyan contact in Al-Jawf. The drive from Ghat/Sebha direction is days of hamada—black volcanic flat, white chalk, nothing. Then Kufra appears: palm groves, Italian colonial ruins, the beautiful cylindrical mosque of Germa nearby. Reality check: permits, tribal clearance, and fuel coupons matter more than itinerary. Foreigners are rare; suspicion is normal. Pay in cash, tip the tea maker 2–3 LYD, don’t photograph military things even if they look abandoned. My guide said: “The desert forgives nothing.” Plan the survival, wing the philosophy. Would you attempt a crossing where the nearest help is 600 km away? #travelersvoice #chinatravelcircle
Visiting the rock art of Wadi Mathendous in Libya — plan it or wing it?
I almost missed Wadi Mathendous because I “winged” the gas stop. The rock art—giraffes, elephants, herds—is thousands of years old and sits in open desert southwest of Ghat. No fence, no ticket office, no guard. That’s the magic and the danger. Plan: carry 10+ liters of water per person, paper maps (Google Maps lies here), and a guide who can read the terrain. We paid our Ghat guide extra 80 LYD to detour from Acacus; worth it. The engravings are weathered—go before 10 AM when side-light makes the lines pop. Don’t touch the panels; one influencer I met tried chalk tracing “for the photo” and locals were furious. Winging works for timing, not logistics. Would you visit a site with zero protection, or does that make it more sacred? #travelersvoice #chinatravelcircle
🇱🇾 Discover Tripoli, Libya – A Mediterranean City Full of History
Tripoli, the capital of Libya, is a historic coastal city overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its ancient landmarks, traditional markets, beautiful mosques, and charming old streets, Tripoli offers a fascinating glimpse into North African history and Libyan culture. 🏛️ The Red Castle – Assaraya Al Hamra The Red Castle is one of Tripoli’s most famous historical landmarks. Located near the waterfront, this impressive fortress has played an important role in the city’s history and is a recognizable symbol of Libya’s heritage. 🏘️ The Old Medina of Tripoli Explore the historic Medina, where narrow streets, traditional houses, old courtyards, and bustling shops reveal the city’s authentic character. Walking through the Medina is a wonderful way to discover Tripoli’s cultural traditions. 🕌 Gurgi Mosque Gurgi Mosque is a beautiful historic mosque in the old city, admired for its elegant Ottoman-inspired architecture, decorative details, and traditional interior. 🛍️ The Traditional Souks Discover Tripoli’s lively markets, where local merchants sell spices, traditional clothing, handmade crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. These colorful souks offer an authentic experience of everyday Libyan life. 🌊 Tripoli’s Mediterranean Waterfront Enjoy the coastal atmosphere along Tripoli’s waterfront, where the Mediterranean Sea provides a beautiful backdrop for relaxing walks and photographs. The city’s seaside setting has shaped its history as an important Mediterranean port. 🏛️ Arch of Marcus Aurelius Visit the Arch of Marcus Aurelius, a remarkable Roman monument dating back to the second century AD. Situated in the old city, it reflects Tripoli’s ancient past and its importance during the Roman period. 🍲 Taste Traditional Libyan Cuisine Tripoli offers a delicious introduction to Libyan food. Try bazin, couscous, traditional soups, grilled meats, and flavorful dishes prepared with local spices. Libyan sweets and traditional tea are also part of the region’s hospitality. 🌅 Discover Tripoli’s Local Life From historic streets and traditional cafés to lively markets and seaside views, Tripoli offers visitors opportunities to experience the warmth of Libyan culture and the city’s Mediterranean character. ✨ Why Visit Tripoli? Tripoli combines ancient history, traditional architecture, rich cuisine, and beautiful coastal scenery. Whether you are exploring Roman monuments, discovering the old Medina, or enjoying the Mediterranean atmosphere, Libya’s capital offers a unique cultural experience. ✈️ Discover Tripoli and explore the historic beauty of Libya! 🇱🇾 #Tripoli #Libya #VisitLibya #Travel #LibyanCulture #Mediterranean #NorthAfrica #History #TravelDestinations
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