Home Search by budget Destinations Beaches Interactive map Services Booking Collections Ratings Personal account
Home / Destinations / Benghazi

Benghazi

Libya · Coast · LYD · 32.116700, 20.066700
Family friendly 7/10 · Rank 786 of 2 709
Best season: April-June, September-October

Best for

History, city breaks, beach holidays and authentic culture lovers

Best season

April-June, September-October

Daily budget
$64.00 (≈ 5 760 ₽)
For 7 days
$448.00 (≈ 40 320 ₽)
Benghazi is Libya's second-largest city and the cultural heart of the eastern Cyrenaica region, located on the Mediterranean coast. This port city is famous for its intellectual and commercial history, as well as its beautiful corniche where locals enjoy sunsets over the sea. From here, a path opens to the ancient Greek ruins of Cyrene and Apollonia, as well as the green hills of Jebel Akhdar. Benghazi is the gateway to eastern Libya with its rich cultural heritage.
Summer
35.0°C
Winter
8.3°C
Sea
28.0°C
Search by budget Atmosphere Pros and cons Climate Sea and beach Hazards Attractions Excursions Prices FAQ
Search by budget
Enter an amount — we'll show destinations within your reach
Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Benghazi residents are friendly, open and proud of their city. They value culture and always welcome guests

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Golden sand beach
  • Historic centre
  • Affordable prices
  • Authentic Libyan culture
  • Vibrant city life

Cons

  • Limited nightlife
  • Limited infrastructure
  • Hot summer
  • Political instability
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
27.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
35.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
13.7°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
16.7°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
8.3°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
25.1°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
28.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
November-March
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Benghazi Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
Present
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Mediterranean coast, jellyfish possible during warm season

Sea urchins — details

  • Echinometra lucunter — common species on rocky sections of the Benghazi coast. Diadema antillarum — found in coastal waters, stings are painful, special swimming shoes recommended

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs off Benghazi are mainly found in the bay area and include species such as Acropora, Porites and others. Reefs are home to diverse marine life
  • Reefs in this area are part of a marine reserve and are protected by the government

Jellyfish — details

  • Various jellyfish species inhabit the waters off Benghazi, including Aurelia aurita (moon jellyfish) and small stinging jellyfish that appear during the warm season
  • Stings are usually mild but can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Caution is recommended when swimming

Sharks — details

  • Sharks are rare in the coastal waters of Benghazi. Mainly small reef sharks are found, which do not pose a danger to swimmers. Shark attacks on humans have not been recorded in this region
Attractions

Old Town

Historic part of Benghazi with colonial architecture and markets

Al-Juraish Market

Lively market with local goods and spices

Benghazi Beach

City beach with golden sand and calm water

Benghazi Museum

Museum with a collection of archaeological finds from the region

Best areas

Town Centre

Historic part with market and museum

Coastal Area

Beach area with hotels and restaurants

Must-try food

Couscous

Traditional Libyan dish of couscous with vegetables and meat

Shakshuka

Eggs poached in tomato sauce with peppers and spices

Harissa

Spicy chilli paste

Bazin

Traditional dish of barley flour with meat

Where to go next

Tobruk

Coastal city 200 km away

Derna

Coastal city 150 km away

Al Bayda

Town with museum 100 km away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
medium
Getting there
Nearest airports
Benina International Airport (BEN).
Check flight prices Putivator
Compare prices from 800+ airlines — Putivator
Search
Visa
Visa requirements
required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
April-June, September-October
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$15.00
≈ 1 350 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$45.00
≈ 4 050 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$80.00
≈ 7 200 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$140.00
≈ 12 600 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$100.00
≈ 9 000 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$40.00
≈ 3 600 ₽
Book a hotel Partner
Over 2 million hotels — Trip.com
Find
Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$5.00
≈ 450 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$12.00
≈ 1 080 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$1.50
≈ 135 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$1.00
≈ 90 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.50
≈ 45 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$6.00
≈ 540 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$5.00
≈ 450 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$2.50
≈ 225 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$5.00
≈ 450 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$20.00
≈ 1 800 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.50
≈ 45 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$3.00
≈ 270 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 600 ₽
Airport transfer Putivator
Comfortable transfer — Putivator
Book
Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$8.00
≈ 720 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 350 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$25.00
≈ 2 250 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$60.00
≈ 5 400 ₽
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Benghazi Partner
Museums, parks, tours - Tiqets
Find
Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$30.00
≈ 2 700 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$10.00
≈ 900 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 900 ₽
eSIM for travellers Partner
Internet in 200+ countries — Yesim
Connect
Frequently asked questions
Benghazi: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is April-June, September-October. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Benghazi: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +35.0°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Benghazi: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +8.3°C, during the day — up to +16.7°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Benghazi: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +28.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Benghazi: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on November-March. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Benghazi: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, clear water. The most popular beaches: Benghazi Beach. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Benghazi: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Benghazi: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, corals, jellyfish. Mediterranean coast, jellyfish possible during warm season. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Benghazi: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $64.00 (≈ 5 760 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Benghazi: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $15.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $45.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $80.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $140.00 per night, an apartment — $40.00 per night, a villa — $100.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Benghazi: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $5.00, dinner at a restaurant — $12.00, a cup of cappuccino — $1.50, a 0.5L beer — $1.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Benghazi: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $20.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.50, a short taxi ride — $3.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Benghazi: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Old Town — Historic part of Benghazi with colonial architecture and markets; Al-Juraish Market — Lively market with local goods and spices; Benghazi Beach — City beach with golden sand and calm water; Benghazi Museum — Museum with a collection of archaeological finds from the region. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Benghazi: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Couscous — Traditional Libyan dish of couscous with vegetables and meat; Shakshuka — Eggs poached in tomato sauce with peppers and spices; Harissa — Spicy chilli paste; Bazin — Traditional dish of barley flour with meat. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Benghazi: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Town Centre — Historic part with market and museum; Coastal Area — Beach area with hotels and restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Benghazi: is a visa required?
Visa: required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Benghazi: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Benina International Airport (code BEN). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $20.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Benghazi: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — LYD. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $64.00 (≈ 5 760 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Benghazi: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Benghazi: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as medium. There is a good choice of bars and restaurants, but without excessive noise.
Benghazi: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Tobruk — Coastal city 200 km away; Derna — Coastal city 150 km away; Al Bayda — Town with museum 100 km away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7/10
Overall rank: 786 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 525

Best season

April-June, September-October

Useful information

Currency: LYD
Coordinates: 32.116700, 20.066700