Tripoli is the capital of Libya and also the largest city with over one million people inhabiting it. The best travel time to visit Libya is October to May when the temperature is warmer, it’s easier to avoid unpleasant sand storms and major festivals are held in the country. Usually spring and autumn in Libya bring along with it, dry hot winds during the periods of June to October.
Libya’s culture has a perfect blend of many influences by its various ethnic groups and due to its exposure to many historical eras. Its culture is deeply rooted in Berber, African, Turkish and Arab cultures. Majority of the people in Libya are Muslims and the main and also official language spoken is Arabic. Libyan Berbers speak Tamazight; Tuaregs speak Tamahaq, while English and Italian is often spoken in the big cities of Libya. Libya’s cuisine is famous for its unique flavor rich with a variety of seafood, vegetables and cereals. Meals popularly eaten include the Libyan soup, Bazeen, Aish, batata mubattana and pasta. However, the eating of pork is illegal in the country.
There are various top international and domestic airlines in Libya with two being the major airports in the country. While the roads are of great quality to travel by car, it is much more convenient to travel by air. Getting around the major cities is quite easy; there are taxis available and reasonably priced too. You will also find car rentals, bikes and buses. A large part of Libya is unsafe to travel to due to the unrest caused by the Civil war, if you decide to visit, Tripoli is safer and a better option but it is advised to avoid night driving or walking in rural areas.
Libya is a great tourist attraction with its amazing architectural sights, palm- fringed lakes, fascinating prehistoric rock art and exquisite cuisines. When in Tripoli, you can explore the fortress at Assai al-Hamra, the Jamahiriyya Museum with its magnificent antiquities, or the ancient Greek city of Cyrene at the Jebel Akdar mountains. A variety of festivals to attend is always the top of the list of any tourist to Libya. These major festivals include; Independence Day, Acacus Festival, Nalut Spring Festival, Islamic New Year, Ghat Festival and Ghadames Festival, a three-day Festival of feasting, dancing, musical performances, horse and camel races and other traditional contests.
On a first time visit to Libya, one wouldn’t be in lack of exciting places to see. There are so many places of interest in the country. Some of the most amazing attractions of Libya include;
The Libyan Sahara Desert is a one in a lifetime must visit. While exploring it, you can indulge in exciting camel safaris,hot air balloon safaris, river cruises,desert safaris, cultural interactions, wildlife viewing and a lot more fun activities.
The Old Town of Ghadames, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the oldest pre-Saharan cities, is situated in an oasis and called the ‘The Pearl of the Desert’.
The Tripoli's Red Castle, once a major seat of power with a maze of alleys, courtyards, and houses. High walls surround the citadel, which encompasses about 13,000 sq m and includes an informative museum packed with interesting archaeological artifacts.
Acacus Mountains, a landscape of bizarrely shaped desert mountains and innumerable rock carvings. The rock cliffs hide some of the Sahara’s finest prehistoric rock art.
In Libya, the common thing to wear for most girls are brightly colored dresses, and for boys, jeans and shirts. Young men and women wear predominantly modern clothes, but most women still cover their hair in line with Islamic tradition. The traditional wear for men is a long, white gown worn over a shirt and pants.
Whenever you are in Libya, you can opt to stay in budget or luxury hotels, beachside accommodations, Bed and Breakfasts or any apartment in Downtown Tripoli, which offers great accommodation options.
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