Treasures of Libya

Geographically speaking, Libya is the African gate through which early human civilisations found their way to Egypt, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Libya's strategic location was equally responsible for the successive waves of invasions throughout history, from the arrival of the Phoenicians down to Hitler's attack on Tobruk.

Libya is the fourth largest country in Africa (1.759.540 sq. km), and its coastline is the longest in any Mediterranean country: about 1900 kilometres of sand beaches, like those of Zwara and Janzur, clear water, and pure hot sunshine. Libya has a great deal to offer to the world of tourism and exploration.

Well preserved prehistoric archaeological sites, the best preserved Roman architecture outside Italy, Greek remains, the largest desert in the world: the Great Sahara, the largest collection of prehistoric paintings and engravings in the world, remains of unseen prehistoric civilizations, spectacular Berber granaries and culture, diving sites and underwater archaeological treasures, the least spoiled beaches in the whole of the Mediterranean world, beautiful oases, kaleidoscopic salt lakes and sand seas, and awesome chains of mountains and valleys. Hence tourism is Libya's fastest growing sector, and several of the newly established Libyan tour operators have successfully attracted foreign tourists, mainly from Germany, Holland, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and Japan. Overall, Libya possesses a unique treasure not only the world is eager to explore, but also the Libyan people are desperate to see and enjoy.

The climate

If you are a sun lover then the weather in Libya is normally good for most of the year; although we do have a winter as well. The highest temperature in the world was recorded in Libya on the 13th of September 1922, in el-Azizia, close to Tripoli: a staggering 136.4 degree Fahrenheit.

During the period between May and October the coastal temperature can rise to 38 C (100F), while in the southern parts of the country it can reach 50C.

In our view, we recommend that the best time to visit Libya is between late October and late April, when the temperature is generally mellow. However, be prepared as winter temperatures, especially at night, can drop to below 0C. Snow does fall sometimes in Libya, but only in the mountains. If you visit Libya in the spring, then you may encounter the massive Gibli winds – a dry, hot, sand-blasting wind and blizzards and dizzying at times. Another bizarre feature of the Sahara is the sand seas, or formation of shifting sand dunes, some of which are several hundred meters high. It is common to find archaeological artifacts, like flints, stone tools, pottery shreds and bones, scattered across the surface of the Sahara.. By the beaches of Libya, especially those west and east of Zuwara city, one can expect a friendly cool breeze, breaking from the sea.

When to visit Libya

* Coastal Libya: you can visit the coastal areas across the whole year.
* Western Libya: the best time is between September and May.
* Eastern Libya: ideal time to visit is between September and June.
* Sahara desert region: October - March: temperature drops below zero at night.
* Best time to visit Libya: October to November: not hot nor cold; just warm & clear sky.
* Sun lovers: for beach holiday and serious tanning: May to August.
* Definitely no for desert tours: May - August.