Tripoli is the capital as well as the largest city of the Northern African country, Libya. Located on the lap of the nature of Mediterranean coastline, Tripoli houses around 1.7 million people of around 6.4 million total population of Libya. As capital, Tripoli holds a substantial number of prominent establishments of the country, including the University of Tripoli, the Port of Tripoli and the National Museum of Libya.

When comes to tourism, Tripoli is infallibly a paradise for visitors with a number of historic masterpiece structures, skyscraping towers and elegant cultural centres. Lying around 80 meters above sea level, Tripoli covers a total area of 400 sq. km, whilst its geographical coordinates measure 32°54′8″ N 13°11′9″ E.

History of Tripoli:

Tripoli owns strong and grand historical background, which starts with its foundation made by the Phoenicians in the 7th century BC with name Oea. The current name Tripoli is a Greek origin, meaning ‘Three Cities’ and it might have come during the Greek rule in Libya.

Following the Greek reign, Tripoli fell under the Roman rule and then it contiguously changed the hands of many Muslim empires, notably under the Ottomans rule between the 16th and 19th centuries. The Italians took the control of Tripoli in the early 20^th century that ended with Libya’s independence on 10 February 1947.

Getting Tripoli:

Tripoli hosts the most important airport of Libya, the Tripoli International Airport. The airport is situated around 35 km south of the central business district of Tripoli. Including global cities London, Istanbul, Rome, Dubai and Madrid, it covers many African, Asian and European cities.

Tripoli has no railway transportation but bus transportation caters the need of travelers effectively for intercity travel. Taxis are usually a safer and comfortable option to get around Tripoli.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Tripoli:

The University of Tripoli is the focal point of Tripoli’s culture, which is a public university offering free education to the residents of Tripoli and is also famous for organizing cultural concerts.

Tripoli is relatively a costlier city with products price is nearly equal to UK. Clothes and woodcarvings are generally affordable in Tripoli. Good food at mid range hotels of Tripoli costs around US$20.

Things to do in Tripoli:

• City tours
• Diving
• Shopping

Tourist Attractions in Tripoli:

Tripoli Cathedral:

The Tripoli Cathedral is an iconic structure with historic importance, situated on Algeria/Elgazayer Square in Tripoli. This former magnificent Roman Catholic cathedral (now mosque) was built in 1928 during the Roman colonial period. It shouldn’t be missed when in Tripoli.

Tarabulus Zoo Park:

Situated towards the south of the city centre of Tripoli, the Tarabulus Zoo Park is home to the country’s biggest zoo, Tripoli Zoo, with abundant of animals, plants and trees as well as eye-catching grass settings.  The Bab al-Azizia complex belonged to Colonel Gaddafi adjoins Tarabulus.

Red Castle Museum:

The Red Castle Museum is one of the first preferences of tourists in Tripoli. It is Libya’s national museum, covering the country’s grand history and culture beginning from the pre-historic period to till Italian colonial rule. This is the place where visitors surely engage.

June 11 Stadium:

The June 11 Stadium is a landmark site with a capacity of holding around 65,000 spectators. Opened in 1970, it is a multiuse stadium, mainly used for football matches. It is considered as Africa’s 17^th largest stadium.

Gurgi Mosque:

The Gurgi Mosque is a beautiful mosque located in the historic part of Tripoli. It was constructed in 1834 by the edict of the naval captain Mustafa Gurgi during the Ottoman rule, whose tombs can also be seen at the antechamber near the mosque.

List of other places of interest in Tripoli include:

• People Palace
• Martyrs’ Square
• Karamanli Mosque
• Jamahiriya Museum

When to visit Tripoli?

The climate of Tripoli is classified as hot subtropical semi-arid, influenced by the Mediterranean Sea. Probably the best time to visit Tripoli is from December to May.

Where to stay in Tripoli?

Tripoli is a tourist favor city with numerous world class hotels spread up all around the city with amazing amenities like indoor pool, Turkish bath, sauna, AC, internet and ice room. Some recommended hotels in Tripoli include:

• JW Marriott Hotel Tripoli
• Burj Almadina Hotel
• Hotel Al Mehari
• Corinthia Hotel Tripoli
• Al Mahary Radisson Blu Hotel
• Al Waddan Hotel
• Sahara Libya Hotel
• Four Seasons Hotel
• Bab Al Bahr Hotel
• Al Andalus Hotel
• Bauabet Africa Hotel
• Sara Guardian Hotel
• Janzour Tourist Village
• Rixos Al Nasr Tripoli
• Bustan Urban Retreat

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Sert, also written Surt, Sert, Syrte and Sirt, is a Libyan coastal city, situated midway between the country’s capital and largest Tripoli and second largest city Benghazi. Sert is especially noted as the birthplace of the late Muammar Gaddafi, who was killed on 20 October 2011 by rebel forces, and before this, he ruled Libya more than 40 years as a dictator. Lying around 28 meters above sea level, Sert is geographically positioned between 31°12′19.13″ N latitude and 16°35′20.17″ E longitude.

History of Sirte:

Sert got its name from the Gulf of Sidra, which was earlier called Syrtis Major, on its south coast Sert is located. Sert originated as a fort constructed by the Ottomans at the end of the 19^th century and was founded as a settlement in the beginning of the twentieth century by the Italians. Sert once gained international attention when the dictator and Libya’s former premiere Muammar Gaddafi was captured and killed here.

How to reach Sirte?

There is an airport in Sert with name Gardabya Airport with scheduled flights from the national capital Tripoli, served by Air Libya Tibesti and Libyan Airlines. The distance of 20 km from the airport to the centre of Sirte can be crossed by bus or rental car.

Due to its position on the country’s most important highway between Tripoli and Benghazi, Sirte can be reached by bus or rental car from any point of the country.

Food and Shopping in Sirte:

Although the city was relatively devastated during the Libyan civil war in 2011, Sirte has been recovering from earlier disasters, which has resulted in the establishment of modernized shops and restaurants.

Things to do in Sirte:

• City tours
• Visiting historical sites
• Shopping

Tourist Attractions in Sirte:

Beaches of Sirte:

Due it geographical location on the Gulf of Sidra, Sirte features some striking beaches that are frequented by both locals and visitors on all days of the week to catch a natural beauty.

Ghardabiya Air Base:

Ghardabiya Air Base is used for both military and public operations, located around 20 km south of the midpoint of Sirte city. Visitors can use rental car or taxi to get Ghardabiya Air Base from the city centre.

Misrata:

Misrata is the third largest city of Libya, situated around 240 km northwest of Sirte. It is one of the few upgraded cities of Libya, housing many renowned sites including Misrata Central Park, Misrata University and Tripoli Street. Misrata is also famous for its mosques.

List of other places of interest near Sirte include:

• Misrata University
• Misrata Central Park
• Tadrart Acacus
• 23rd July Lake
• Tripoli Zoo
• Gurgi Mosque
• Museum of Libya
• Stoa Of Hermes
• Temple of Apollo
• St John’s Church
• House of Jason Magnus
• Burtasiyat Madrassa Mosque
• Nine Muses
• Red Castle Museum

Best time to visit Sirte:

The tour of Sirte can be enjoyed best between the months of November and May, when the weather is supportive for city tours.

Hotels in and around Sirte:

Upgraded hotels are limited in number in Sirte, so it is advised for visitors if they don’t find hotels in Sirte to reach the commercial capital Misrata and national capital Tripoli. Buses are generally regularly plying between these cities. The below list includes hotels in Tripoli (around 450 km from Sirte):

• Four Seasons Hotel
• JW Marriott Hotel Tripoli
• Ben Yedder
• Corinthia Hotel Tripoli
• Haroon Hotel
• Attawfeek Hotel
• Sara Guardian Hotel
• Al Waddan Hotel
• Alkhaleej Hotel
• Sahara Libya Hotel
• Villa Otman Hashaishe
• Kafila Hotel
• Dar Ghadames Hotel
• Al Waha Hotel
• Al Mahary Radisson Blu Hotel

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Derna is a Libyan city, situated in the eastern part of the country, around 1300 km east of the national capital, Tripoli. It belongs to the Derna district in the Cyrenaica region. Derna is a city with diverse geographical features like beaches, desert and mountainous areas. Derna geographically coordinates with 32°46′ N latitude and 22°38′ E longitude. Derna is a popular tourist destination with numerous manmade and natural attractions like Byzantine Church, Ras Tin Beach, Derna Waterfall and Jewish Synagogue.

History of Derna:

Derna is called by different names in different languages, Darnis and Darne in Greek, Darnis and Derna in Roman and Derneh and Terneh in Arabic languages. In its long and grand history, Derna came under the rule of many European powers, including the French and the Greek.

Connectivity to Derna:

The closest major airport to Derna is Al Abraq International Airport in Bayda. The airport is located around 90 km west of Derna and operates flights from Tripoli, Tunis, Istanbul, Alexandria and Jeddah.

There is a direct road link from Derna to Bayda, which is served by regular buses and minibuses. Derna’s road connectivity also extends to the national capital, Tripoli.

The local transportation of Derna is catered by buses, taxis, rental vehicles like cars and taxis.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Derna:

Derna is a perfect example of genuine Islamic Architecture with many renowned historic mosques and squares. The city is also home to many prominent football clubs, including Al Afriqi and Al Shallal.

Derna is home to an old market, where handicraft products are colorful and cheap. Derna also houses many traditional and modernized restaurants.

Things to do in Derna:

• Exploring beaches
• City tours
• Visiting churches

Tourist Attractions in Derna:

Mosques in Derna:

As a Muslim dominated city, Derna houses numerous historical and modern mosques that are spread up all around the city. Al-masjeed al-ateeq is the oldest mosque in Derna and another notable mosque in the city is Masjeed AZ-zawiyah.

Churches in Derna:

Like the rest of Libya, Derna also witnessed the rule of many European powers in the past. There are many churches in the city dating from that period that are still good condition and most important of them are Byzantine Church and Catholic Church.

Maydan Assahabah:

Maydan Assahabah is the most important square of three major squares in Derna. This square is mainly used for demonstrations and is also one of the most important landmarks as well as tourist attractions of Derna.

Ras Tin Beach:

Ras Tin Beach is one of the recommended places to visit in Derna. It is a spectacular beach on the Mediterranean coastline offering a wide range of water sport activities, including swimming. There are also many restaurants and cafes serving beach.

List of other places of interest in and around Derna include:

• Sahhaba Graveyard
• Old Medina
• Souq al Kharraza
• Dark Souq
• Attiq Mosque
• Souq al Farda and Khidra
• Piazza Derna
• Jewish Synagogue
• Piazza Hamra
• Ibrahim Istaa Omar
• Derna Valley
• Omar Faiek Shennib Street
• Piazza Attair

Best time to visit Derna:

Generally during the months between December and May is best to enjoy the tour of Derna in Libya.

Hotels in and around Derna:

There are hotels limited in number in Derna, so below is provided hotels in Al Bayda (around 90 km) and Benghazi (around 280 km). Visitors are advised to hire a car to travel between these cities as buses are irregular.

• Marhaba Hotel in Al Bayda
• Al Manara Hotel in Al Bayda
• Loalot Alkalig Hotel in Al Bayda
• Alnoran Hotel in Benghazi
• El Fadeel Hotel in Benghazi
• Juliana Hotel in Benghazi
• Tibesti in Benghazi
• Alraha Inn in Benghazi
• Uzu Hotel in Benghazi
• Al-Wahat Hotel in Benghazi
• Alraha Inn in Benghazi

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Libya is an African country on the Mediterranean coastline in the northern part of the continent. It shares land borders with Egypt towards the east, Tunisia and Algeria to the east, Niger and Chad towards the south and Sudan to the southeast. Libya is the 17^th largest country in the world by area (1,759,541 sq. km), while its people strength of 6,244,174 (as of the 2014 census) makes it the 108^th largest country in the global population list.

Tripoli is the capital and largest city of Libya, situated in the northwestern part of the country with a population of 1.7 million. Libya is a desert country with its around 90% of land area is covered by desert. The geographical coordinates of Libya are 27° N 17° E.

History of Libya:

The history of Libya dates back to 8000 BC, when it was probably settled by the Neolithic peoples. Colonization started in Libya 630 BC by the Ancient Greeks, who founded a city under name Cyrene. Later Libya came under the reign of many Islamic and European powers, including Persians, Ottomans and Romans. Italy took the control of Libya in 1911 following the outcome of the Italo-Turkish War and finally Libya gained independence from Italy on 10 February 1947.

Getting Libya:

Tripoli International Airport is the gateway to Libya, situated in the town of Ben Ghashir, around 35 south of the midpoint of the national capital Tripoli. The airport handles flights from Rome, London, Dubai, Istanbul, Casablanca, Madrid and many other global destinations.

Libya has no railway transportation but bus services are generally available between major Northern Libyan cities. Taxis are comfortable and reliable travel options to get around Libyan cities.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Libya:

Libya is predominantly a Muslim country with around 97% Muslim population, particularly Sunnis are in large number. Arabic is a widely spoken and official language of Libya.

The cuisine of Libya is the blended form of Italian, Bedouin and traditional Arabian cuisine systems. Pasta and rice are popular among Libyans as staple food. Electronics, furniture and cloth products are purchasable in Libya.

Must see in Libya:

Red Castle Museum:

The Red Castle Museum is the national museum of Libya, situated in the Old City of Tripoli. The museum exhibits a large number of artifacts, sculptures and other objects covering from the prehistory of Libya until the independence of the country in the middle of the 20^th century. It is also called the Assaraya Alhamra Museum and Archaeological Museum of Tripoli. It is worth a visit.

Gurgi Mosque:

The Gurgi Mosque is an iconic mosque situated in the historic part of Tripoli. It was built during the Ottoman rule in Libya by the order of the naval captain Mustafa Gurgi in 1834. Visitors can also see the tombs of Gurgi and his family at the antechamber close to the mosque.

Tripoli Zoo:

The Tripoli Zoo is the biggest zoo in Libya and is also famous as a botanical garden with abundant of indigenous and exotic plants, and trees. The zoo is situated to the south of the Tripoli city centre and adjoins Tarabulus Zoo Park.

23rd July Lake:

The 23rd July Lake is a beautiful lake situated amidst of the port of Benghazi and the city centre of Benghazi. Covering a surface area of 100 hectares, the lake is frequented by a substantial number of tourists for its amazing beauty, lovely environment and for different water sport activities.

Tadrart Acacus:

The Tadrart Acacus is a mountain range in the Ghat District of Libya. Lying in a desert region, the Tadrart Acacus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its distinct prehistoric rock paintings and engravings of animals and humans.

List of other important places to see in Libya include:

• Museum of Libya
• Stoa Of Hermes
• House of Jason Magnus
• Burtasiyat Madrassa Mosque
• Nine Muses
• Temple of Apollo
• St John’s Church

When to visit Libya?

The climate of Libya is influenced by the Mediterranean Sea in the north and the Sahara Desert in the south. Probably the best time to visit Libya is from November to May.

Where to stay in Libya?

Libya owns a vibrant hospitality industry that is concentrated in the national capital Tripoli. Most splurge hotels in Tripoli have adapted additional amenities like restaurants, cafeterias, and shops. Here are some popular hotels in Libya (Tripoli):

• Corinthia Hotel Tripoli
• Al Mahary Radisson Blu Hotel
• Al Waddan Hotel
• Sahara Libya Hotel
• Four Seasons Hotel
• JW Marriott Hotel Tripoli
• Burj Almadina Hotel
• Hotel Al Mehari
• Bab Al Bahr Hotel
• Janzour Tourist Village
• Rixos Al Nasr Tripoli
• Bustan Urban Retreat
• Al Andalus Hotel
• Bauabet Africa Hotel
• Sara Guardian Hotel

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