Libya
Tripoli
Tripoli began as a commercial center named Oea by the Phoenicians in the 7th century. Sea was then occupied by the Romans, the Vandals, the Byzantines, the Arabs, the Spaniards, and then the Turks. The modern and largest city in Libya was controlled by Italy between 1911 and 1943, after which the British occupied it until 1951 when Libya gained independence. The contemporary city of Tripoli is an economic hub, with industries ranging from food processing, textiles, tobacco products, construction products, and woven goods. The city is also the primary seaport in Libya. Most of Tripoli’s inhabitants are Berber and Arabs and a small population of immigrants from countries such as Egypt, Tunisia, Greece, India, and Pakistan.
Benghazi
Benghazi is Libya’s second-major city in Libya having an estimated population of 650,629. The city was established by the Greeks, and it was known as Euesperides. Benghazi was then occupied by the Romans and heavily destroyed by the Vandals and Ottoman Pirates. The city was devastated during the Second World War, and it ultimately fell into British hands. Today, Benghazi is an administrative as well as an economic and cultural center. The industrial sector of this best city in Libya is dominated by the fishing, processing of food, oil refining, processing of salt, cement and construction products, textiles, and tanning. The city’s population is majorly made up of Arabs and small numbers of immigrants from Egypt, Greece, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, and other African nations.
Misrata
In the 7th century, this top city in Libya began as a trade center known as Tubaktwhen Libya was under Caliphate rule. After occupation by the Ottoman Empire from 1551, the city was captured by the Italians. The modern city of Misrata was an important rebel zone during the Libyan Civil War which overthrew Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The city’s tax-free zone has significantly contributed to the country’s economy by attracting entrepreneurs and investors. The city has an excellent transport infrastructure including Misrata Airport.
Bayda
Having a population of 250,000 Bayda is considered in one of the cities to visit in Libya. Began as a city named Balagrae, and Bayda was renamed AZ Zawiya Al Bayda in the 19th century. The contemporary city was constructed in the 1950s, and it was intended to be an administrative center. The city’s economy mainly relies on agriculture with products including grapes and apples. The tombs of Sari and Rawayfa are located in the city. These tow eminent personalities are known as companions of Prophet Muhammad. Bayda is situated near the Akdar Mountains. These mountains are renowned for their unique flora and fauna.
Ghadames City
At the node between Libya, Algeria, and Tunisia, Ghadames City is situated on it. The streets of this famous city in Libya are all roofed to protect them from extreme temperatures. Although there are light wells every few meters to allow diffuse sunlight to enter, one quickly gets lost in the maze of streets because there is nothing to help the traveler with orientation. Now largely uninhabited, about a dozen houses are open to visitors. There are also a few shops and mosques to visit (just before prayers is the best time). The houses are made of sun-dried brick, whitewashed and beautifully decorated on the inside.
Dirj
If want to see and experience the traditional Libyan culture then the city of Dirj in Libya is a great place for it. This little and one of the best cities to visit in Libya reflects the traditional Libyan culture way more accurately than many other old and ancient cities in Libya. For tourists, it is known as a little paradise right in the heart of the unforgiving desert. There is an abandoned old village of Old Dirj, within the city of Dirj. Traditionally built houses constructed many years ago can be found in this beautiful village. It is one of the lesser-known tourist places in Libya.