Overview

Libya has not been a very popular vacation destination over the past several decades due to its obvious links with terrorism. However, despite all those factors, the country is very safe for tourists. The land is 90 percent desert and you will be captivated by the rolling sand dunes. When you are not out in the desert, you can enjoy the quiet and quaint city life.

The revenue source for Libya is its oil industry, and although there are a few other sources of income, this remains the main bread and butter for most individuals. One important piece of information for potential travelers is that alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited by law everywhere in Libya. It is not served in restaurants or sold on the street, and you cannot bring any into the country.

Activities & Attractions

Libya has beautiful beaches, deserts and cities that every visitor falls in love with. Leptis Magna is where unrivaled Roman ruins are located and a great place to visit for history buffs. Sabratha, the splendid Roman city with the finest theater in existence, is also in Libya. Waw al-Namus houses black volcanic sands and multicolored lakes in the heart of Sahara and is quite a sight to behold. The Saharan lakes encircled by sand dunes and palm trees, Cyrene hill-top ruins of ancient Greece, and the Qasr byzantine mosaics are other places of interests in Libya.

Tripoli, the nation's capital, is a modern city that offers its inhabitants a comfortable lifestyle. Visitors can have a great time at its beautiful museums and art galleries. Benghazi, the second largest city in Libya, has striking beaches for those looking for some fun in the sun.

It is best to visit the country from February to April, and in November. Summer is generally very hot, with average temperatures on the coast around 30°C, often accompanied by high humidity. It is advised not to visit the deserts in Libya from mid-May until October as the day temperature can reach a scorching 55°C, while the night temperature can drop below freezing.

Lodging

Accommodations in Libya vary and include hotels, youth hostels, bed and breakfasts, and even holiday camps and caravans. Hotels can be easily found in the major cities and range from basic facilities to more luxurious establishments that have rooms equipped with air conditioning and TV. The government-run hotels are well situated but are known to have bad service. A few small privately run boutique hotels, particularly in Tripoli, offer more charm and friendly service. If you are on the lookout for really cheap accommodations, then head for the youth hostels found in the main tourist centers. Keep in mind the facilities are basic, with dormitories and shared bathrooms that often suffer from poor plumbing. Check out the links found below in the resources section for more information.

Transportation

With no railway networks or waterways in existence, the predominant mode of transportation in Libya is by road. A fairly efficient bus service operates along certain routes within and outside the country. The bus fares are low and the standard of comfort, particularly on international routes, is good with air-conditioned vehicles and good service.

Taxis are available in the larger towns and are usually hired on a shared basis, although you can negotiate for individual hire, too. Meters are rarely used and the driving skill of taxi drivers is not very reliable. Rental cars are not recommended in Libya due to the ill-maintenance of vehicles and a high rate of road accidents.