In better times Libya would be famous for its Greek and Roman ruins and epic desert landscapes rather than its geopolitics and conflict. The coastline is littered with Greek and Roman sites, with Sabratha and especially Leptis Magna amongst the most complete roman ruins anywhere in the world. The majority of Libya is made up of desert. Within this barren landscape, pockets of life can be found. Ghadarmis, formerly a key trading centre in the middle of the desert it now stands as an illustration of a Berber town of old Islamic architecture. Even further into the Sahara, in the most southwestern corner of the country are the Acacus Mountains. A UNESCO world heritage site due to the ancient rock art found in the massif, it’s a natural monument in the midst of a deserted wasteland. Since 2023 Untamed Borders has also organised trips to Eastern Libya, which has many other fascinating UNESCO listed ancient Roman & Greek sites, including Cyrene and Apollonia. Contact us for more details.
A Greek word meaning “three cities”, Triopli is the capital and largest city in Libya. A sixth of Libya’s entire population resides in the city. The city is known as the Mermaid of the Mediterranean for its turquoise waters and whitewashed buildings. The old town, Medina, still retains much of its old world charm. The Red Castle, an ancient government palace, is located on the outskirts of Old Medina. The palace complex with its numerous courtyards is well preserved and nearly intact.
The Arch of Marcus Aurelius is a Roman arch outside the entrance to the Medina. The monument is dated to 165 A.D and is made entirely of marble. The arch was erected to commemorate the victories Lucius Verus (adoptive brother of Emperor Marcus Aurelius) over the Parthians in the Roman-Parthian War.
The ruins of Leptis Magna are considered the most complete Roman city in the world. Sites to visit include the Triumphal Arch of Septimius Severus, the Hippodrome, the Hadrianic Baths, the Amphitheatre, the Basilica, the Temples of Hercules and Roma, the Severn Forum.
In 2005 archeologists uncovered a 30ft long collection of mosaics created in the 1st or 2nd century representing a warrior in combat with a deer, men wrestling a bull to the ground, a gladiator resting after battle. The gladiator mosaic has nee noted as one of the finest examples of mosaic art ever seen.
One of the old three cities that made up the Tri-polis region, Sabratha is famed for its spectacular theatre and ancient Roman ruins. A Phoenician trading-post that served as an outlet for the products of the African hinterland, Sabratha was part of the short-lived Numidian Kingdom of Massinissa before being Romanized and re-built in the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D.
The World Heritage town of Ghadarmes, formerly a key trading centre in the middle of the desert, now stands as an illustration of a Berber town of old Islamic architecture. Situated within a natural oasis, Ghadarmes if known as “The Pearl of the Desert, and is one of the oldest pre-Saharan cities to still stand, making it a rare example of a traditional settlement.
For more than a decade, Eastern Libya was extremely hard to visit, but in 2023, we organised what we believe to be the first trip, arranged by an international travel company, since 2011. The area has a huge wealth of UNESCO sites, incuding the Ancient City of Apollonia, with its incredibly well-preserved Ancient Greek and later Roman ruins. Meanwhile, at Cyrene, more than 2,000-3,000 years of history lies across a vast archaeological site, which was once one of the most important cities in the old Hellenic world. There are further Greek ruins at Tolmeita, plus a Mediterranean coastline to enjoy and the city of Benghazi.
The South of Libya offers immense Saharan experiences, in a region which has been hard to reach for decades, but Untamed Borders began taking guests in 2025. There are ancient pyramid tombs, historic desert caravan town, such as - Ghat, vast dune landscapes and huge rock formations in the Jebel Acacus. The region has UNESCO Status and is one of the great sets of mountains in the middle of the Sahara. The Oases of the Ubari is also a must visit - large natural water-pools, surrounded by towering dunes.
One of the most important things to understand before travelling to Libya is that, while Libya is internationally recognised as a single country, it is effectively administered by two different authorities.
Western Libya, including Tripoli, Misrata, Leptis Magna, Sabratha and Ghadames, is governed by institutions based in Tripoli.
Eastern Libya, including Benghazi, Cyrene, Apollonia, Al Bayda and much of the Jebel Akhdar region, is administered by authorities aligned with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and the Libyan National Army (LNA).
For travellers, this means permits, permissions and logistics can differ significantly between eastern and western Libya. Internal flights between Tripoli and Benghazi are often the most practical way of combining both regions during a single trip.
The good news is that travel has become significantly easier in recent years. Untamed Borders now operates tours in both eastern and western Libya, allowing travellers to experience the country's Roman cities, Ottoman architecture, Mediterranean coastline and vast Saharan landscapes in one journey.
The vast majority of foreign nationals require a visa to enter Libya.
The process has become easier in recent years following the introduction of Libya's e-visa system, although obtaining a Libyan visa still requires careful planning and supporting documentation.
Visitors need to submit their plans and passport to a registered travel company, such as Untamed Borders, who will then submit the relevant documentation to the authorities in Tripoli and arrange the necessary approvals.
A Letter of Invitation (LOI) will then be provided by the Libyan government to support your application. Once this letter has been obtained, travellers can complete their visa application through the Libyan e-visa system, within 60 days of their intended arrival date.
Please note that your passport must have at least two blank pages and must not contain Israeli visas, entry stamps or evidence of travel to Israel.
Libyan visa regulations can change frequently and we strongly recommend seeking current advice before booking travel to Libya.
If you have any questions regarding Libya visas or travel to Libya, please contact the Untamed Borders team via - info@untamedborders.com.
The best time to visit Libya depends on which part of the country you plan to explore.
The Mediterranean coastline, Roman archaeological sites and historic cities of the north experience very different conditions to the vast Sahara Desert, the Acacus Mountains and the remote regions of southern Libya.
Spring (March – April)
Spring is widely considered one of the best times to travel to Libya.
Temperatures are comfortable across northern Libya, including Tripoli, Leptis Magna, Sabratha, Benghazi and Cyrene. Winter rains often leave parts of the coast and the Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountains) covered in greenery and wildflowers.
The pleasant weather makes spring ideal for exploring Libya's Roman cities, Ottoman medinas and archaeological sites. We often schedule our North and Western Libya cultural tours during this period, to take advantage of the comfortable temperatures and clear skies.
In the Sahara, temperatures remain manageable and conditions are excellent for visiting the Acacus Mountains, Ubari Lakes and desert landscapes.
Summer (May – September)
Although May and September are often described as shoulder-season months elsewhere, they should realistically be considered part of Libya's summer.
Temperatures across much of Libya regularly exceed 40°C and can become significantly hotter in the Sahara.
For travellers interested in archaeology, culture and sightseeing, summer is generally the least comfortable time to visit Libya and we usually recommend choosing another season where possible.
Autumn (October – November)
Autumn is another excellent season for travelling in Libya.
Temperatures become more comfortable across the country and conditions are ideal for visiting Leptis Magna, Sabratha, Cyrene, Tripoli and Benghazi. We time some of our Libya in 7-days cultural tours to run at this time of year.
The cooler weather also makes it an excellent time to travel into southern Libya, including the Acacus Mountains and the Ubari region. We take advantage of these more manageable temperatures and head into the South of Libya on group trips in November.
Winter (December – February)
Winter is one of the most underrated times to visit Libya.
The intense heat has disappeared and temperatures are ideal for exploring archaeological sites, historic cities and desert landscapes.
Rain occasionally affects the Mediterranean coast and Eastern Libya, while daylight hours are noticeably shorter. However, these months often provide some of the most pleasant conditions for exploring Tripoli, Leptis Magna, Sabratha, Benghazi and Cyrene. We organise cultural group trips in the north and west of the country in the first few months of the year.
In the Sahara, daytime temperatures are comfortable, although nights can become surprisingly cold.
Most visitors travelling to Libya arrive by air via Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli or Benina International Airport in Benghazi.
For many years following the 2011 revolution and subsequent conflict, Tripoli's main international airport remained closed and heavily damaged. During this period, Mitiga became Libya's primary international gateway and continues to handle the majority of international flights serving the capital today.
Tripoli is the main gateway for travellers exploring western Libya, including Leptis Magna, Sabratha, Ghadames and the Nafusa Mountains.
Benghazi serves as the gateway for eastern Libya, including Cyrene, Apollonia and the Jebel Akhdar region.
There are regular international flights from Istanbul, Cairo, Tunis, Amman and several cities across the Middle East and North Africa. Istanbul remains the most convenient transit hub for most international visitors travelling to Libya.
Many guests travelling with Untamed Borders choose to arrive in Tripoli, explore western Libya, before taking a domestic flight to Benghazi and continuing their journey in the east.
Overland Travel to Libya
Libya shares borders with Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Niger, Chad and Sudan.
However, despite these numerous frontiers, the Tunisia-Libya border at Ras Ajdir is currently the only land border routinely used by international tourists.
The Egypt-Libya crossing at Salloum occasionally permits foreign travellers, but procedures and access can change rapidly.
The borders with Algeria, Niger, Chad and Sudan are generally not open for international tourism and should not be considered practical entry points.
Historically, the route linking southern Libya with Chad was one of Africa's great overland adventures, used by explorers, traders and overlanders crossing between North and Central Africa. While legendary among expedition travellers, this route is currently not feasible for international tourism.
As border regulations and security conditions can change rapidly, travellers should always seek current advice before planning overland travel to Libya. For the latest details, please email - info@untamedborders.com .
While the security situation in Libya has improved dramatically compared with the height of the civil war, travel to Libya still requires planning, local knowledge and flexibility.
Untamed Borders has operated tours in Western Libya since 2017 and, in 2023, organised what we believe was the first commercial group tour to Eastern Libya by an international company since 2011.
Today we operate tours to Tripoli, Leptis Magna, Sabratha, Benghazi, Cyrene, Apollonia, plus to the South of Libya, to explore the Acacus Mountains and the Ubari region.
Travel conditions vary significantly between regions and regulations can change with little notice. Checkpoints are common and permits may be required for certain areas.
Independent tourism remains uncommon and most foreign visitors travel with experienced operators.
However, visitor numbers are increasing every year and many guests are surprised by the warmth, curiosity and hospitality they encounter throughout the country.
For travellers seeking world-class Roman ruins, spectacular Saharan landscapes and one of North Africa's least-visited destinations, Libya offers extraordinary rewards.
Libya is a conservative Muslim country and visitors should dress modestly throughout their trip.
Women are not generally expected to wear a headscarf in everyday settings, particularly in larger cities such as Tripoli and Benghazi. However, it is advisable to carry one when visiting mosques, religious sites and more conservative communities.
Long trousers, loose-fitting dresses or skirts, and tops that cover the shoulders and upper arms are recommended. Clothing should not be tight-fitting or revealing.
At important religious sites and shrines, visitors may be asked to wear additional coverings. Female guests visiting religious sites with Untamed Borders are often provided with additional clothing where required.
Men should wear long trousers and shirts. Shorts are generally best avoided outside hotels and private settings.
In the Sahara Desert, lightweight clothing is essential during the day, while warm layers are recommended for cold desert nights.
Libya remains a predominantly cash-based society.
International bank cards are rarely accepted and ATMs can be unreliable, particularly for foreign cards. Visitors should bring sufficient cash for their trip, usually in Euros or US Dollars.
The local currency is the Libyan Dinar (LYD). Money can be exchanged locally and the Untamed Borders team can assist guests with exchanging currency safely upon arrival.
Travellers should not expect to rely on credit cards and should carry enough cash for daily expenses throughout their journey.
Arabic is the official language of Libya and is spoken throughout the country.
Most Libyans speak Libyan Arabic in daily life, although regional variations exist between Tripolitania in the west, Cyrenaica in the east and the Fezzan region in the south.
Libya is also home to several minority languages. Tamazight (Berber/Amazigh) is spoken in parts of the Nafusa Mountains and around Zuwara. Tuareg languages remain important in the south-west, while Tebu languages are spoken across parts of Southern Libya.
English is increasingly common among younger Libyans, tourism professionals and those working in international business, although basic Arabic phrases are always appreciated.
Internet access in Libya has improved considerably in recent years.
In major cities such as Tripoli, Benghazi and Misrata, 4G mobile coverage is widely available and often provides the most reliable method of getting online.
Hotels, cafés and some restaurants offer Wi-Fi, although speeds can vary significantly.
Outside major urban centres, particularly in the Sahara Desert, the Acacus Mountains and remote regions of Fezzan, internet access can be limited or unavailable.
Travellers heading into Southern Libya should download maps, travel documents and important contact details before departure.
Libyan cuisine reflects the country's position between North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Sahara. Influences from Arab, Berber, Ottoman and Italian cooking can all be found throughout the country.
Bread accompanies almost every meal and dishes tend to focus on lamb, chicken, seafood, vegetables, olive oil and aromatic spices.
Some dishes visitors should try include:
Along the Mediterranean coast, seafood is common, while desert communities maintain strong Bedouin culinary traditions.
Tea plays a hugely important role in Libyan hospitality. Visitors will quickly become familiar with traditional Libyan tea, often served extremely sweet and poured several times to create its distinctive foam.
Islam is the predominant religion in Libya and the overwhelming majority of Libyans are Sunni Muslims.
The influence of Islam is visible throughout daily life, from the call to prayer echoing across cities and villages to the observance of Ramadan and the major Islamic festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Visitors travelling through Libya will encounter mosques in virtually every town and city, while traditional values continue to play an important role in society.
Although Libya is overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim, there are small communities of Christians and other religious minorities, largely consisting of expatriates and migrant communities.
Religion is an important part of Libyan identity and travellers should always behave respectfully around religious sites and customs.
The Return – Hisham Matar
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, this remarkable memoir explores family, exile and modern Libya through the story of the author's search for his missing father.
In the Country of Men – Hisham Matar
An acclaimed novel set in Tripoli during the Gaddafi era, offering a powerful insight into life under dictatorship.
The Modern History of Libya – Dirk Vandewalle
The definitive introduction to Libya's modern political history and essential reading before visiting the country.
Libyan Sands – Ralph Bagnold
A classic account of exploration in the Libyan Sahara by one of the twentieth century's greatest desert explorers.
Lion of the Desert (1981)
The classic film depicting the resistance of Omar Mukhtar against Italian colonial rule. Essential viewing before travelling to Libya.
Freedom Fields (2018)
A powerful documentary following Libya's first post-revolution women's football team.
Sahara with Michael Palin
Includes memorable journeys through Libya before the country largely closed to tourism.
Lost Worlds: Leptis Magna
An excellent documentary exploring one of the finest Roman cities ever built.
Mad Dog: Inside the Secret World of Muammar Gaddafi
A detailed examination of Libya's former ruler and the system he created.
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown – Libya
Although difficult to find today, Bourdain's observations provide valuable insight into Libyan society and culture.
Ancient Invisible Cities: Libya
A fascinating look at the archaeological wonders of Leptis Magna and Cyrene through modern technology.
