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Susa

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City
—°4
Susa (Libya)
ℹ️

Practical info — Susa

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Combine your visit with Shahhat; Susa served as the ancient port for Cyrene.
  • Beware of strong underwater currents if you decide to swim near the ancient harbor.
  • The sunset views over the sunken ruins of Apollonia are spectacular.
  • Seafood is a must here; head to the restaurants directly overlooking the sea.

🍽 Food

🍽
Grilled Fresh Catch

Pick your fish at a seaside restaurant and have it grilled over charcoal.

🍽
Seafood Couscous

A coastal twist on the national dish, flavored with rich spices.

🍽
Fresh Figs

Buy them from street vendors during the late summer season.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Morning Fish Market

Watch the local fishermen bring in their daily catch early in the day.

🛍
Seaside Bakeries

Pick up sweet pastries and fresh bread along the main coastal road.

🧘
Ancient Greek Theater

Sit on the old stone steps right by the crashing waves.

🧘
The Sunken Harbor

Walk along the visible ancient walls on a calm day.

Susa is a pretty coastal town in northeastern Libya, built upon the ruins of the ancient port city of Apollonia. Established in the 7th century BC by Greek colonists, Apollonia functioned for centuries as the vital maritime outlet for the nearby inland metropolis of Cyrene. The city flourished through various cultural epochs, including the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods, leaving behind a diverse archaeological record. A catastrophic earthquake in 365 AD caused significant portions of the harbor and coastal structures to sink into the Mediterranean Sea, making Susa a premier destination for underwater archaeology today. On land, the remains of five Byzantine churches, an ancient theater, and extensive city walls are still visible to visitors. The modern town of Susa is a quiet fishing village and a local tourist attraction, known for its unique blend of ancient heritage and pristine coastal scenery. Despite the risks posed by coastal erosion and regional challenges, the site remains an indispensable monument to the maritime history of the ancient Pentapolis.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C141416182024262625231916
Rain mm44372191120112293263

Geography

Population
7,285 (2023)
Coordinates
32.89860, 21.96780

Facts

  • Susa was founded in the 7th century BC as the port of Apollonia.
  • The city was the primary maritime gateway for ancient Cyrene.
  • Much of the ancient harbor was submerged by an earthquake in 365 AD.
  • The site contains the ruins of five significant Byzantine-era churches.
  • Apollonia became an autonomous city around 250 BC.
  • The ancient theater at the site provides a panoramic view of the coastline.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Susa (4)

Apollonia, Cyrenaica🏺 historical

Apollonia, Cyrenaica is an ancient archaeological site in Susa. It once served as the port of Cyrene.

West Necropolis of Apollonia🏺 historical

West Necropolis of Apollonia in Susa contains rock-cut tombs dating from Roman times.

Bu Al-Zaa'la📍 landmark

Bu Al-Zaa'la is a historic mosque or shrine in Susa, with a distinct minaret.

Western Church🏺 historical

Western Church in Susa is an early Christian basilica in the ancient city of Apollonia.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main attraction of Susa?
The ancient port city of Apollonia, with its partially submerged ruins.
Can you go diving in Susa?
Diving is possible to see the sunken parts of the ancient harbor.
What are the surroundings of Susa like?
Susa is located on a beautiful coastline at the foot of the Jebel Akhdar.
When is the best time for a beach visit?
From June to September, the weather is convenient for swimming in the Mediterranean.
Are there ancient theaters in Susa?
Yes, there is a well-preserved Greek theater right by the sea.
Susa: where is it located?
Susa is located in Libya.
Susa: what is there to see?
Highlights include Apollonia, Cyrenaica, West Necropolis of Apollonia, Bu Al-Zaa'la.
Susa: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Nov.
Susa: why is it worth visiting?
Susa is a pretty coastal town in northeastern Libya, built upon the ruins of the ancient port city of Apollonia.
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