Ghadames
The North African country of Libya is renowned for its history, culture, and mystery, and has visitors flocking to it in their droves particularly after the UN dropped sanctions against it in 2003. Boasting a wonderful cosmopolitan society as well as a delicate combination between the spectacles of the desert and beaches of the Mediterranean Sea, Libya also has a fantastic location as it shares a border with countries including Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Chad, Algeria, and Niger.
While most travellers would be familiar with the capital city of Tripoli, Ghadames – just 300 miles south west of Tripoli – has become a popular destination for many visitors on vacation in the country. Ghadames is an oasis town situated in the Sahara desert that had been an important trade route for merchants from the time of the Phoenicians to the 19th century traveling from Tripoli to the Niger River and Timbuktu. It is essentially its historical origins as well as its unique Libyan architectural designs that make it popular with foreigners. Many of the most sought-after haunts include the ruins of an ancient castle as well as the fascinating remains of many tombs, dwellings, and towers.
The layout of the city is interesting for many visitors too as it has an unusual two-tiered setting, which has traditional mud houses on the top level and a maze-like underground section where the covered streets provide shelter from the scorching heat of the sun and winds. Visitors to Ghadames will enjoy its palm-lined streets and tranquil ambience, which is a nice refuge away from the happenings of Libya’s busier centres.
