Travel Guide: Lebanon

by Rana Ramez

FOR NATURE ADMIRERS

Natural Reserves and Forests

• Jeita Grotto, Jeita Town, Mount Lebanon Governorate. Full of untouched natural rock formations. Accessible by walking and boat trips.

• El Shouf Reserve, Shouf District, Mount Lebanon Governorate. Largest of Lebanon’s nature reserves. The most famous attractions are the three magnificent cedar forests of Maasser El Shouf.

• Cedars of God Bsharre, Bsharre District, North Governorate. An immense forest of cedars, cypresses, oaks and pines.

• Tannourine Cedars Reserve, Batroun District, North Governorate, one of the largest and densest cedar forests in Lebanon, with 80% of the trees in the forest are cedars.

• Hadath el Jebbeh Forest, Bsharre District, North Governorate. One of the rarest and noblest forests due to the types and ages of trees.

Coast and Countryside

• Enfeh City, Koura District, North Lebanon. Lebanese version of Santorini with small white and blue houses.

• Akkar District, North Governorate. The biggest and most beautiful display of countryside nature.

• Baatara Gorge Waterfall, Tannourine Al Faouqa, North Governorate. A millions of years old natural rock formation and waterfall. Accessible through hiking.

• Raouche Sea Rock, Beirut. One of the popular natural landmarks of the city. Take a water taxi ride and spin through the rocks.

• Chowan Waterfall, Abraham River, Byblos District, Mount Lebanon Governorate. Located at the end of Nahr Ibrahim, also known as Adonis River.

• Chekka Town, North Lebanon. Coastal town with the bluest waters of Lebanon. Great for relaxing, swimming and taking leaps on the adventurous side.

FOR HISTORY AND CULTURE JUNKIES

Museums and Palaces

• National Museum of Beirut. The major cultural institution in the city, it offers a great overview of the Lebanese history and the civilizations affecting it.

• Khan El Franj, Sidon City, South Lebanon. In the heart of Old Souq, it’s one of the most beautiful and most preserved 17th century buildings.

• Gibran Museum, Bsharre District, North Lebanon. The biographical museum of the Lebanese writer, philosopher and artist.

• Beiteddine Palace, Shouf District, Mount Lebanon Governorate. One of the greatest cultural treasures of Lebanon with elaborate architecture and priceless decorations.

Cities and Sites

• Al Tal City, Tripoli, North Governorate. 20th century architecture landmarks, covering the streets of the city.

• Harissa, Keserwan District, Jounieh, Mount Lebanon Governorate. A religious site visit where the Lady of Lebanon statue is located. Ride the telefrique to Harissa for a strong spiritual experience.

• Byblos City, Mount Lebanon Governorate. Heritage site with historical walkways, ancient buildings, handicrafts and a vintage Old Souk.

Temples and Castles

• Bacchus Temple, Baalbek District, Beqaa Governorate. One of the best preserved and most beautifully decorated Roman temples in the world.

• Sidon Crusader Sea Castle, Sidon city, South Governorate. Historic landmarks with evidence of the Old Phoenician city buried under the sea.

• Baalbek Ruins, Baalbek District, Beqaa Governorate. Ancient wander of Roman ruins with mesmerizing architecture and old-world atmosphere, at the center of Baalbek.

WHAT NOT TO MISS

• Paragliding above the green mountains and the blue sea to the great coasts. Available over many points in Lebanon.

• Cliff Jumping is available in several locations such as Chekka beach, Naqoura, Batroun and Amchit alongside with caving.

• Skiing and Snowboarding are available 3 months per year in special resorts in Faraya, Zaarour, Mzaar

Kfardebian, Laqlouq and the Cedars.

• Hiking locations like El Bayada, Oyoun el Siman, Belou’ Balaa and Hammana.

• Whitewater Rafting in Assi River through various waterfalls.

• Telefrique Ride in Jounieh to Harissa.

• Shopping at Beirut Souks, Downtown Beirut. Shopping is a different experience in the fashion capital of the Middle East.

WEATHER IN LEBANON

A typical Mediterranean weather characterized by long, hot, dry summers and short, cool, rainy winters. August is the hottest month of the year while January is the coldest. Rainfall takes place between November and March.

TRANSPORTATION

Lebanon is a relatively small country; three hours can be enough to cross it from end to end.

• In and around Beirut: Services or the shared cabs are the most abundant and cheapest mean of transportation. They are unmetered, and the fares are negotiated before the ride. It can be shared by 5 people.

• Outside Beirut: Buses are the easiest and cheapest way to get around the country. Bus lines leave from Charles Helou Bus Station in Beirut. You can catch buses for the northern cities at the Dora roundabout and from the Cola roundabout for the southern cities.