Libya is a country that’s often overlooked by travelers, but it’s full of rich history, friendly locals, and incredible landscapes. With ancient ruins, stunning deserts, and a Mediterranean coastline, it’s the perfect destination for a well-rounded adventure. This 10-day itinerary will help you make the most of your trip and balance your days with sightseeing and cultural exploration, as well as some relaxation. Ready to go?
Day 1: Arrival in Tripoli
Arrive in Tripoli, Libya’s capital, which sits along the Mediterranean Sea. Start your trip by getting settled in your accommodation. There are a mix of modern hotels and boutique options in the city center.
Once you’re ready, take a leisurely walk through Martyrs’ Square, the central hub of the city, to soak in the atmosphere. Get lost in the winding streets of Tripoli’s Old Town and explore its busy souk. It’s a great way to kick off your trip and get a feel for Libyan culture.
In the evening, enjoy some local cuisine for a casual dinner. Sampling some Libyan dishes like couscous or bazeen is a great way to start your trip.
Day 2: Exploring Tripoli
Spend your second day exploring Tripoli’s famous landmarks. Start by visiting the Red Castle (Assaraya Alhamra), a massive structure dating back to the Ottoman Empire. It houses one of the most impressive museums in Libya, offering a look into the country’s history and culture.
From there, head over to Gurgi Mosque. It’s a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture and a peaceful place for reflection. Afterward, take a casual stroll along the corniche for views of the Mediterranean coastline.
End your day by finding a small café and trying some local tea. It’s a good way to experience Libyan hospitality.
Day 3: Day Trip to Leptis Magna
Today, take a day trip from Tripoli to Leptis Magna, an ancient city that’s one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and will easily be one of the highlights of your trip.
Spend a few hours walking through the ruins at your own pace. Highlights include the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Hadrianic Baths, and the Theater. This place will blow your mind with its sprawling size and intricate details. Bring water and a hat as it gets pretty sunny.
Return to Tripoli in the late afternoon, and if you still have energy, take a quiet walk through Tripoli’s old souk before dinner.
Day 4: Drive to Gharyan
Pack your bags and head out of the city to spend the day in Gharyan, located a couple of hours away by car. Gharyan is famous for its underground homes, called troglodyte dwellings. These homes are literally carved into the ground, a tradition that dates back centuries. Many are still in use today, and you might be able to experience some local hospitality by visiting one or even staying in a guesthouse.
Explore the town, talk to locals, and if you’re lucky, even join in for a traditional meal. In the evening, head back to your accommodation or choose to camp out in one of the guesthouses for a more authentic experience.
Day 5: Journey to Nalut and Ghadames
Today you’ll drive west towards Nalut and Ghadames. Nalut is a small mountain town famous for its granaries. You can take a short break to check out these centuries-old Berber storage facilities. It’s a quick stop but worth it for the unique architecture.
Then, continue to Ghadames, an ancient oasis town on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Arrive in the late afternoon and explore the old city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The architecture is completely unique, and the white-washed mud homes are designed to keep the interiors cool.
As evening sets in, find a local guesthouse to settle in or take some time to relax and enjoy the cool desert breeze.
Day 6: Discover Ghadames
Take the full day to explore Ghadames. The town is known as “the pearl of the desert” for a reason. Spend a few hours exploring the old quarter. Most of the streets are covered, giving it a maze-like feel full of hidden corners and alleyways.
Stop by one of the city’s many old wells, where locals have drawn water for centuries. If you’re visiting during the right time of year, you may even catch a local festival or event. This is your chance to really unwind and soak in the slower pace of life in the desert.
As the day winds down, you can try a camel ride across the surrounding desert dunes or head back into town for a relaxing meal. You’ll likely find traditional Ghadames food such as couscous with lamb, which is hearty and flavorful.
Day 7: Desert Adventure in the Sahara
Prepare yourself for a desert adventure. Organize a day trip deeper into the Sahara for some off-the-beaten-path exploration. Take a desert tour by 4×4, or if you’re feeling adventurous, go on camelback. This is the perfect way to really experience the isolation and beauty of the desert.
Enjoy the vast empty landscape, with sand dunes rolling on for miles. If you booked a tour with a local operator, they’ll likely introduce you to desert survival techniques and even offer a cooked meal out in the desert.
After a full day in the desert, head back to Ghadames for another relaxing evening.
Day 8: Journey to Sabha
Start the journey to Sabha, a city further south and deep in the heart of the desert. It’s a long drive, but it’s worth the trek to experience what lies beyond the main tourist trail.
Once there, spend some time relaxing. Sabha is typically a refueling stop for those heading further into the desert, but this town has a lot of charm. Grab some street food or visit the local market and watch people go about their daily lives. It’s a simple day but a much-needed break in between sightseeing.
Day 9: Desert Exploration in Akakus Mountains
For your second-to-last day, head deeper into the desert, this time to explore the Akakus Mountains. These stunning rock formations rise out of the sand and are home to prehistoric rock art, some of which date back thousands of years.
Take a walk through the area with a guide, learning about the early civilizations that once lived here. The rock art tells stories of human life from a different era. Keep an eye out for the unique landscape that shifts from sand dunes to rocky mountains.
By the late afternoon, return to Sabha for one last night before heading back to civilization.
Day 10: Return to Tripoli
Today, you’ll make your way back to Tripoli, either by driving or taking a quick flight from Sabha. Depending on your energy levels, you can spend a lazy afternoon by the sea or revisit some of the sights you may have missed on day 2.
For your final evening, treat yourself to a nice meal at one of the many restaurants in town. It’s the perfect way to reflect on what an incredible adventure you’ve had in Libya, from Roman ruins to desert dunes.
Libya’s not a country that makes it onto everyone’s travel list, but after this 10-day journey, you’ll be among the few who can say they’ve uncovered its hidden gems. Whether you’re leaving itching for the next adventure or a little tired from all the desert sun, you’ll walk away knowing you’ve just experienced something truly off-the-beaten-path.
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