Flights to Tripoli

From the airport

The drive from Mitiga to the centre takes 15 to 25 minutes, depending on checkpoints and traffic. Most visitors are met by their sponsor, family or a pre-booked driver. Change money at banks or official exchange offices, and carry dinars in cash for taxis, markets and cafés.

The medina and the Red Castle

The walled medina sits beside the harbour, with souks, Ottoman-era mosques such as the Gurgi Mosque, and old consulate buildings. At its edge stands the Arch of Marcus Aurelius, built in the 2nd century, the last standing monument of Roman Oea. The Red Castle, a fortress overlooking Martyrs' Square, houses the national museum, with Roman statues and mosaics from Leptis Magna and Sabratha.

Day trips along the coast

Sabratha lies about an hour west, with a Roman theatre and temples beside the sea. Leptis Magna is around two hours east, near Khoms, and needs most of a day to explore. Both trips are normally made with a local driver or guide, and permits may be needed to visit.

Food, customs and weather

Try sharba, a spiced lamb and orzo soup, couscous with lamb, or bazeen, a firm barley dough served with stew. Mint tea and strong coffee are drunk throughout the day, and the seafront cafés along the corniche fill up in the evening as the heat fades. Fish restaurants near the harbour grill the day's catch. Alcohol is banned, and modest dress is expected for both men and women. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are mild with occasional rain. Tripoli is two hours ahead of the UK in winter. Check current UK government travel advice and your insurance before you go.

Want to fly to Tripoli? Call 020 7871 4545 and we'll check the connections for your dates.