places to visit in autumn in lebanon

Tanya Maalouf • 28 Oct 2017

11 things to do in lebanon this autumn.

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LEBANON – The most complete Lebanon itinerary: All highlights in 10 days (or 2 weeks)

Table of Contents

Planning a Lebanon road trip itinerary

Beiteddine palace tour, deir el-qamar tour, anjar umayyad ruins tour, baalbek roman ruins tour, adonis temple afqa highlight, nahr ibrahim valley roman ruins, byblos day tour, batroun day tour, faqra ruins tour, lebanon itinerary day 7: tripoli day trip, lebanon itinerary day 8: qadisha valley tour (and cedars of god), lebanon itinerary day 9: beirut city tour.

Lebanon is a small hidden gem in the Middle East and a beautiful destination for a 10-day trip. It’s just a 3-4-hour flight from Europe and thus a perfect destination for the May (or October) school holidays! I visited with my family (kids 13/16 years) and drove around the country for 10 days. Having seen a lot of the world, it takes real beauty to amaze me and that is something Lebanon has plenty of. It’s time to share my experiences in this Lebanon itinerary.

This Lebanon travel guide covers all its beauty in the best day trips so that you can efficiently see all the must-see places. Although Lebanon is a small country it has such a huge variety of highlights that each day will be different. Sea, mountains, Islam, Christianity, and ancient history but also modern lifestyle is what you find in Lebanon. Let’s have a look at what I think is the most complete Lebanon itinerary to experience all its beauty.

Before going into details of each day a few tips to plan your Lebanon trip efficiently.

• The best time to visit Lebanon is in spring or autumn. In summer it’s very hot and in winter there is a lot of snow up in the mountains. Of course, if you want to go skiing then winter is the time to go! I visited in late April when the weather was perfect with snow up in the mountains but warm enough to swim too at the beaches.
• Lebanon has just one international airport in Beirut which is easily reached by a wide variety of airlines. It’s just a 3-4-hour flight from Europe and you can connect anywhere in the world from there. From Europe you have connections all over the world. I arrived in the afternoon and I passed immigration in just 30 minutes but keep in mind that at busy times this might take longer. Check before travelling if you require a visa.
• Getting around Lebanon is best done by car. I love flexibility so when possible, I hire my own car. I got a good deal in Lebanon for a 4×4 SUV at just 48 USD a day. Traffic is chaotic, yes; but if you’re a confident driver you’ll manage. I drove 2 weeks in Thailand , a week in Mexico and 2 weeks in Tunisia . Lebanon was easy compared to these countries. You can also opt to hire a car with driver which should cost about 100-130 USD a day pending the distance. Public transport is not an option for this Lebanon itinerary as it takes you off the beaten track s . All sights mentioned can be put in Google Maps, which will take you there the most efficient way. Make sure to download them in case you won’t have reception.
• There are no major safety concerns (May 2019) in Lebanon if you follow this itinerary. Do always carry your passport as there are some military check points. I didn’t have to stop at any and the soldiers are very frienly and helpfull. The only region to avoid is north of Baalbek around the town Hermel and the area’s north and east of Hermel.
• You can do all trips from Beirut , but I advise to stay 3 nights north of Beirut to save time driving up and down. All day trips can be mixed of course but I recommend staying 3-4 nights in Beirut, then 3 north of Beirut and then back 3-4 nights in Beirut. I love luxury hotels and in Beirut I stayed at Le Gray Hotel (member of the Leading Hotels of the World ) and Le Bristol Hotel which are centrally located. The Intercontinental Mzaar in the mountains was my home north of Beirut but a hotel in Jbeil (Byblos) would be even more efficient.

Now lets explore Lebanon, a true hidden gem in the Middle East .

Lebanon itinerary day 1 – South Lebanon day trip: Tyre and Sidon

The first day trip from Beirut of this Lebanon itinerary is a long one but recommended to do the first day because if you run out of time you can add Sidon to day 2. Tyre and Sidon are two cities in southern Lebanon with a rich history and beautiful archeological sites. Unless you go wander around the modern parts of these cities, you can visit both the same day. Go early so you have time to make a short stop at the Temple of Eshmun,  just outside of Sidon too. I left Le Gray Hotel at 08:00 and arrived in Tyre at 09:15 which is VERY quick. I did speed 10-20 km/h as everyone else did.

In Tyre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, I recommend going to Al-Mina on the peninsula first as most tourists stop first at the Al-Bass Hippodrome. It’s possible to park near the entrance and if you are lucky you should have this site for yourself. There are beautiful Roman ruins, a cathedral, and parts of a Crusader castle. A visit takes just over an hour.

Now go to Al-Bass which is just a 5-minute drive. You could walk but it’s not a nice walk and you would loose to much time. Al-Bass consists of a Necropolis, triumph arch and a hippodrome from the Roman period . Here you’ll probably spend 90 minutes. Make sure to continue to Sidon for lunch at about 12:30.

Sidon, a tentative UNESCO site, is a beautiful coastal town with a crusader castle in the sea. You can park your car at the parking lot of the castle as they don’t mind you’ll explore the city after. Across the street there are various restaurants but Zawat for sure is good. After lunch you can explore the Sidon Sea Castle and walk through the old souks. Make sure to not miss the Dabane Palace, Nicholas Church, Khan al-Franj and, if you are interested,  the Soap Museum. The beauty of Sidon is the fact the souks are still in use as they were in ancient times. It’s great to just get lost but make sure you’re in your car at 16:30.

Before heading back to Beirut make a stop at the Temple of Eshmun. This site is free to visit and it’s very small and not much is left of it. The reason of the visit is that in the National Museum of Beirut they have beautiful finds from this site. In Phoenician time it was an important temple hence a visit should be on your Lebanon itinerary. From the temple it’s about an hour drive back to Beirut.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP: Split Sidon and Tyre into two day trips. You’ll have more time to relax or go swimming. Tyre has beautiful beaches to fill the 2nd half of the day there before heading back to Beirut. You can visit Sidon & the Temple of Eshmun on the second day.

Lebanon itinerary day 2 – Shouf valley day trip

The Shouf Mountains (and valley, also called Chouf valley) are located just 40 kilometers from Beirut and are a must-see destination. You can either go for a half day trip or a full day trip. I decided to make it a long half day trip to not make this Lebanon itinerary stressed. I drove first to Moukhtara Palace which is a place few tours go. This Italian style palace is still in use by the political Jumblatt family. You can’t freely walk around the house but a small tour of about 20 minutes is a must-do to learn about this family and assassination that took place.

MAKE IT A FULL DAY TRIP: If you want to do a full Shouf valley day tour you should now drive to the Shouf Barouk Cedar Forest. The reason I decided to not do this is that I would see cedar trees at the Cedars of God. If you like wine, you could also visit Château Florentine in the village of Majdel Maouche to make it a full day trip.

I continued to Beiteddine (Beit’eddine) which was once the center of power in Lebanon. The Beiteddine Palace (House of Faith) located there is the best example of Lebanese 19 th century Italian inspired architecture. A visit will take you 2 hours in spring and autumn as in some parts of the year the palace is in use as the president’s summer residence. Check with your hotel in advance if it’s open.

The last stop of the Shouf valley day trip is in Deir el-Qamar which is a beautiful small old town. It’s also possible to also make a stop at Moussa Castle museum first which has wax statues and a weapon collection. The town is small but very cozy. I wandered the small streets, visited the mosque and museum for about 30 minutes. After a delicious Lebanese lunch, I drove back to Beirut where I explored downtown Beirut by walking the Heritage Trail which started in front of Le Gray Hotel where I stayed. More on central Beirut on day 9 though, when there is time to walk this trail too.

Lebanon itinerary day 3 – Anjar, Ksara Vineyard and Baalbek in the Beqaa valley

It’s time to checkout of your hotel in Beirut today. As mentioned, you can do each trip from Beirut but if you follow this Lebanon itinerary, I highly recommend changing hotels. You can stay in Faraya in the Mzaar mountain range as I did or in Jbeil (Byblos). I choose the Mzaar Intercontinental as I had plenty of loyalty points to book a room there (read about my Bleisure trips to learn how accumulate those). Visiting two UNESCO World Heritage Sites meant a long day. I left Le Gray Hotel at 08:00 and I arrived in Anjar around 10:00.

Anjar is a ruined Umayyad trading city which was build in the 8 th century between Baalbek and Damascus (Syria). It’s located just 3 kilometers from the Syrian border. You’ll see remains of roads, a mosque, a hammam, a palace and housing of shops all surrounded by a thick wall. The city was in use just 30 years before it got destroyed, which makes it even more impressive. It’s not a huge site but also not small so plan 1-2 hours to see Anjar.

Next up is the only vineyard I added to this Lebanon itinerary: Ksara vineyard. You’ll pass it when driving from Anjar to Baalbek but if you want to make a tour, you’ll have to depart Beirut at 07:00. I only picked up some wine (a good tasting requires a full bottle) and had a quick lunch before heading to Baalbek.

I have seen many Roman ruins and the last one that amazed me was the Dougga Roman city when I made a two-week Tunisia road trip . Baalbek is a completely different ball game. Those ruins are the best-preserved Roman ruins I have seen and that says a lot. When the Romans arrived in Phoenicia half a century before Christ the city Baalbek was called Heliopolis. Various beliefs where mixed and worshipped. The temple and city complex was extended for over 300 years before it got abandoned. Most impressive is the Temple of Bacchus which is huge and decorated with fine carvings. To fully see the complex, you need 2 hours or more.

I was back at the parking lot around 17:00 and expected to drive to Faraya in about an hour over the mountain road (via Beirut would be 2-3 hours). That didn’t go as planned as just before the T-junction to Faraya (left) and Afqa (right towards the Ibrahim Valley) there was a military checkpoint and the guard didn’t want to let me go through. When I wanted to steer left, he put spikes up that would flatten my tires. I asked why I couldn’t go, and he said it wasn’t a security issue but the road to Faraya was covered in 8 meters of snow. Even a 4×4 wouldn’t get through so if you follow this Lebanon itinerary make sure to check for road closures! I had no other option as to drive the road to Afqa OR turning back and drive the highway to Beirut and then up to Faraya. The road to Afqa was a good choice. It was an amazing drive over the snowy mountains (see photos above with the snow wall). I arrived around 20:00 at the Mzaar Intercontinental as I made many stops in the snow to take photos.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP: From December to April the ski resorts are open so if you like skiing you can add an additional day to do some exercise. The best place to do this is Mzaar ski area at Faraya. Another option to extend this Lebanon itinerary by a day is to stay around the Ksara vineyard. You can visit other vineyards in the vicinety and fill a day with wine tasting . Best to hire a taxi for that day though!

Lebanon itinerary day 4 – Off the beaten track Lebanon: Ibrahim Valley

The Ibrahim Valley is a tentative UNESCO site but honestly, I don’t think it will ever make it on the list. It’s however a beautiful off the beaten track destination in Lebanon. I only saw a handful of local tourists in Afqa and for the rest nobody! There are several places of interest in the Nahr Ibrahim Valley worth checking out. Plan about 5 or 6 hours unless you’re coming from Beirut. Not every Lebanon day trip has to be a super highlight and that’s why this Lebanon itinerary is 10 days with the option to extend it to 14 days. I’ll list the must-see places of the Ibrahim Valley in order from Faraya. If you’re coming from Jbeil (Byblos), Batroun or maybe Beirut then follow it in the opposite direction. The fun of this day is also to admire the beautiful nature and pass through local villages to see how rural Lebanon is.

Set your GPS or Google Maps to the Adonis Temple in Afqa and drive there. Stop along the way where you want because the views are amazing. The valley has its name from the river that flows through it: The Adonis River, also called Abraham River or Nahr Ibrahim in Arabic. Adonis is the god of love, rebirth and beauty as the Phoenicians believed and was worshipped at the source of the river in Afqa and in Byblos where the river meets the Mediterranean Sea. Water flows from a cave which you can climb into. When snow melts in spring the stream is huge and has a lot of power but in dry times you can walk also into the cave. A beautiful site.

Now put your GPS to Yanouh where on the right side of the road you can visit the Mar Girgis al Azraq temple. There are Roman ruins and a newer Saint George church which is of special interest as it’s made of blue/grey stones. Now continue to Qartaba by pointing your GPS to Saint Sarkis Monastery located a few hundred meters downhill. It dates to the 16 th century. When I visited, I couldn’t find any option to visit the inside but the outside was worth a look too. Qartaba is also the place to get lunch as it should be halfway the day.

Next is the Mashnaka Roman temple which is spelled in a dozen or so varieties. Mashnaka (Souaneh, Lebanon) works is Google Maps though. The valley views here are amazing! Now it’s time to cross the Nahr Ibrahim River (put 34.077561, 35.724308 in Google Maps) and drive along the other side to the Roman aqueduct. This aqueduct is just small and isn’t even on Google Maps so put (34.063076, 35.653333) as coordinates. It’s worth a stop if you’re passing anyway and the views are still amazing there. After this I drove back up to Faraya and made a quick stop at the ruins in Faqra so I would save time another day.

Lebanon itinerary day 5: Byblos (Jbeil) and Batroun day trip

Byblos (now called Jbeil) is a coastal city in Lebanon north of Beirut. Founded over 7 centuries ago and thus one of the longest continually inhabited cities of the world. A visit of the heritage park takes half a day and best combined with Batroun which is just 20 minutes north. Byblos is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and Batroun a tentative one. Make sure to visit Byblos first especially if you like craft beer!

It was approximate an hour drive from Intercontinental Mzaar to Byblos where I parked near the entrance of the archeological site. You can put the entrance in your GPS and when close park in the first available spot as you’ll otherwise keep circling. Try to arrive around 10:00 which gives you time to do a Byblos tour to all the highlights, have lunch and continue to Batroun.

Byblos (Jbeil) was already inhabited in 5000 BC but from the Neolithic and chalcolithic time is not much left. The Phoenicians transformed Byblos to a walled city in around 2800 BC. It was their capital. The Phoenician alphabet used later by Romans and today by western civilizations was invented there.

The Byblos archeological site isn’t huge but for the long route through it you must count for about 2 hours. There points of interest include three major Phoenician temples, a Crusader fort , and a Roman theater (smallest I ever saw) with columns. Do read the explanations signs as many have drawings of how a certain place looked like centuries ago. It helps to understand the ruins. In the Crusader fort is a small exhibition but the most beautiful finds are in the National Museum in Beirut.

After exploring the archeological site go for a small stroll through the souks and maybe have a look at the harbor. For lunch I can recommend Fenicia just in front of the entrance of the site. After lunch head north to Batroun.

First set your GPS to Mseilha Fort which is a Crusader style fort on top of a rock (see photo below). Entrance is free and a visit doesn’t take long. I hadn’t seen a fort like this ever before, so it was a nice detour before heading to old Batroun. I parked my car near the Batroun souks from where I wandered through the old town which has also Phoenician origins. Strolling the narrow streets exploring the churches and other old building takes about 2 hours. The highlight is in the sea: a Phoenician wall. It was built to keep the tidal waves out and unique in its kind.

None of my trips isn’t complete without craft beer and I found some in Lebanon. Of course, I added Batroun to my Lebanon itinerary for its historical sites but the Colonel Craft Brewery was another reason. It’s located 5 minutes by car from the old central part and a minute walk from a nice beach. You can go swimming in the afternoon, enjoy craft beer and great Lebanese food before heading further. Or, drink more and stay overnight in Batroun.

SHORTEN OR EXTEND YOUR TRIP : If you have to shorten your trip by a day you could visit Byblos & Tripoli (only the old town) on one day. It will be a long day but it’s possible. You can also extend your trip by a day if you want to relax at the beach for a day. Visit Byblos one morning and relax at the beach, and Batroun the next day in the morning and relax at the beach.

Lebanon itinerary day 6: Nahr el Kelb (Jeita Grotto) day trip

On the 6 th day of my Lebanon itinerary I planned again a hotel change. I moved from Intercontinental Mzaar to Le Bristol Beirut in downtown Beirut. To not waste time, I drove through the Nahr el Kelb valley which is a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Lebanon highlights of this day don’t take to much time to visit unless the Jeita Grotto is very busy. Start at the Jeita Grotte in case you’re coming from Beirut or any other city on the Mediterranean coast.

Near Faqra is a beautiful natural bridge which was the first stop of the day. You can make a short hike there too but as it was early morning, snowy and cold I only had a quick look from the top. The second stop should have been the Roman and Byzantine ruins at Faqra. As mentioned, I already made a quick stop there after visiting the Ibrahim Valley. I did stop again though to make photos from a distance as the sun is shining towards the temple in the morning. Across the street I visited some minor ruins too. Plan an hour to explore the site; it’s not huge.

Now it’s time to drive to the best and most beautiful cave system of Lebanon: Jeita Grottos. Located in the Nahr el Kelb valley. It’s Lebanon’s national natural pride and the most beautiful cave I have ever seen after the Furong Cave at the Wulong Karst in China. Keep in mind that it’s also visited A LOT by locals so it’s one of the sights in Lebanon that does have waiting lines (unless you walk up but the cable car is easier). There is an upper cave which is accessible by tunnel from where you walk over boardwalks. The lower cave is only accessible by a 400-meter underground river cruise. There will be a waiting line of 1h+ in busy times at the lower cave. I skipped it as on Easter Sunday the line was 2h+. Photography inside is not allowed, the below two pictures were displays at the entrance. I spend 2 hours at the Jeita Grotto in total after which I continued.

Next up are 3 monasteries which are part of the tentative Nahr el Kelb UNESCO site. I first drove to the Our Lady of Louaize Monastery which is located behind the Notre Dame college. It’s an old monastery but I couldn’t find any open door to see the inside. Well worth a look at though. Next up was the Mar Abda de Mouchamar which Google Maps doesn’t know so put (33.944141, 35.628315) as coordinates. The last monastery is Our lady of Tamiche Monastery which has a beautiful patio and church. Visits take 15-20 minutes only in each place.

When driving back to Beirut make sure to stop on the road around (33.953877, 35.603424) where you can see a Roman aqueduct and a medieval bridge. Just further down the road (but park at the coordinates) are the Independence Stone Carvings which various armies that marched through left behind. One is from Napoleon. These places are also part of the tentative UNESCO site. You’re basically back in Beirut now so it should be 15-20 minutes to the hotel. I recommend staying at Le Bristol Hotel .

Tripoli is Lebanon’s second largest city and a Tripoli day trip must be added to any Lebanon itinerary. It’s a completely different world compared to Beirut. I left Le Bristol Hotel around 08:30 and was in Tripoli at 10:00. If there is much traffic it could be a bit longer. I made however one mistake by visiting first the old town and then the International Fair and El Mina. I missed lunch so first go to the Rachid Karami International Fair, then the Old Town and if you have time left El Mina.

Oscar Niemeyer designed the Rachid Karami International Fair in the late sixties for the World Fair in 1976. He also designed Brasilia and Pumpulha which I saw when I travelled 5 days in Belo Horizonte (Brazil). The fair ground was never finished as the civil war broke out in 1975. Today all the concrete structures are still there and not damaged by the war. The site is a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site and worth a 45-minute stroll. If you don’t like this kind of architecture, you can go direct to downtown Tripoli. Park at the Citadel (fort) of Tripoli.

When I arrived at the Citadel of Tripoli, I thought I was at the wrong place as it looked like a military base. That’s partly true as they use part of the building too. After exploring the fort, you can walk in a few minutes to the Izzeddeen Hammam located at the entrance of the souks. After that stroll through the souks and once you get hungry have lunch. If you follow the following order of sights (just put them in Google Maps) it will be most efficiently: AlKhayyateen Caravanserai, AlBourtasi Mosque, Khan El Askar (might be closed) and the St. George Church next door, Saray AlAteeqah, Old Ministry Building, Clocktower, Al Mansouri Mosque, Hammam Alnouri and Khan Al Saboun. There are more places to stop along the way just look for the plaques on the monuments. With lunch you easily spend 3-4 hours in old Tripoli.

Now you can choose to either drive back to Beirut or make a short visit to El Mina peninsula. You can stroll the corniche, visit the old railway station, and watch sunset. There are also plenty restaurants for dinner. I drove back to Le Bristol Beirut at 17:00 as I skipped lunch.

OPTIMIZE YOUR LEBANON ITINERARY : I choose to drive up and down to Beirut from Tripoli and the next day to the Qadisha Valley. This isn’t efficient as you will safe 2-3 hours of driving by staying overnight in Tripoli. I didn’t do that as only my daughter would join to Tripoli and to the Qadisha Valley my full family.

Just when I though Lebanon couldn’t get better it did! The Qadisha Valley is so different as all the other places and has unique history which made it an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of 2 parts: The Forest of the Cedars (Cedars of God) and the valley with all it’s monasteries. These monasteries all originate from caves where hermits lived centuries ago. Even today hermits still use some. The main monasteries are: Qannubin Monastery, Monastery of St Anthony of Quzhayya, Monastery of Our Lady of Hauqqa, Monastery of Mar Licha. I didn’t have time left to visit Hauqqa but all other 3 are “easily” reached by car in a day if you spend up to 45 minutes in each maximum.

I recommend starting your Qadisha Valley day trip at 07:00 from Beirut. I drove in 2 hours to the Forest of the Cedars which is a holy place. It’s not a huge forest and 30 minutes there is enough especially if there is 2 meters of snow. Those trees, some said to be 3000 years old, are a pretty sight high in the mountains so don’t miss them. Now put in your GPS: Old Mar Licha Monastery which can be reached over a small road that goes down into the Qadisha Valley. It’s one of the better monasteries to visit.

Next up is the Qannoubine Monastery and you won’t regret having your own wheels as busses cannot go to there. You must follow the unpaved road along the river for 5 kilometers. A sedan will get you there and don’t worry if you only pass hikers and don’t see other cars. At the end of the road is Abou Joseph Bsharri restaurant serving delicious Lebanese food. Take an early lunch as on crowded days it fills up and you don’t want to lose time waiting for your food.

The Qannoubine Monastery is 500 meters down the road and 100 meters uphill. Don’t forget to have a peak at the St. Marina the Monk Chapel 200 meters further. The Monastery of Our Lady of Hauqqa is another 2 kilometer hike further down the path but that doesn’t work if you want to visit the Monastery of St Anthony of Quzhayya too. I recommend visiting Monastery of St Anthony of Quzhayya before heading back to Beirut . It has also a small museum on site. Each of the monasteries is different and all are recommended. I drove back to Beirut in 2 hours for dinner at Brew Inc. which is the best craft beer bar in Beirut.

I recommend starting in Beirut’s old district which has a 2.5-kilometer trail called the Beirut Heritage Trail. It’s marked with bronze medallions in the pavement so you can easily follow it. The trail official starts at the Beirut souks, but you can start at any place of course. You might want to park your car around the Al-Omari Grand Mosque where there is space along the streets. The Beirut Heritage Trail takes you to all the important places in old Beirut including mosques, churches, Roman, Byzantine and Phoenician remains. It’s a pleasant walk and you can have lunch at one of the restaurants around the clock tower or go to Badaro street before visiting the National Museum.

Now drive, or better use Uber in Beirut, to the National Museum. It has the best finds of all the archeological sites on display. Do note it’s closed Mondays. The museum is medium sized which is pleasant as you don’t need to spend hours and hours looking at pottery. The items are all very nice and diverse. Two hours will do. In the afternoon you can go to the corniche to see the Raouche Rocks and watch sunset. I walked back to Le Bristol Hotel from there.

In the evening you can go to Hamra district or to Badaro street. Badaro street is for the young generation with plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP: There are many more museums in Beirut which can be of interest to you pending your interest. You can easily spend another day in Beirut. Wandering the streets, visiting more museums or just relax.

I think you agree after reading this Lebanon itinerary that it’s a true gem in the Middle East. Visit now! Lebanon was on my radar for a long time but for some reason I never visited. It’s just a 3-4-hour flight from the Netherlands so flight time isn’t an issue. I’m glad I finally visited as Lebanon was full of amazing surprises. Roman, Phoenician, and Byzantine ruins mixed with old monasteries and beautiful nature are amongst the highlights. It’s a small country but each place of interest is different in Lebanon.

If you’re looking to extend your trip, I recommend reading my 7 days in Cairo (Egypt) itinerary , 2 weeks Jordan itinerary , or 2 weeks Oman itinerary . Even a Tunisia itinerary can easily be added. I’m sure you’ll have fun in the Arabic world!

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Did you visit Lebanon too or do you have questions? Please leave a comment at the bottom of the page. Love to hear from you!

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LEBANON , Middle East

Complete lebanon itinerary: 1 week, all the highlights.

One of the beautiful things about travelling in Lebanon is, of course, the country’s outstanding beauty!

Another beautiful thing about travelling in Lebanon, is the country’s wonderfully compact size.

For Lebanon is small – tiny in fact – which makes seeing a lot of it, or at least the touristic highlights, more than possible within a short timeframe.

Because most travellers don’t realise just how beautiful Lebanon is, they sadly come to this country with a very limited amount of time to explore it.

And so, with that in mind, here is my complete Lebanon itinerary – a one-stop guide to seeing the best of this country in just 7 days.

I’ve actually given you 2 options in this article – the first works best if you want to base yourself in Beirut and simply day trip from there, while the second provides a complete circuit road trip if you plan to hire a vehicle in Lebanon.

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• Complete Lebanon Packing List
• Travelling Lebanon? 25 Things You Need to Know
• Solo Female Travel in the Middle East – What to Expect!

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Lebanon Itinerary: Option A

Base yourself in beirut & day trip.

Day 1: Beirut Day 2: Jeita Grotto & Harissa Day 3: Cedars & Qadisha Valley Day 4: Tyre / Sour Day 5: Tripoli Day 6: Byblos & Batroun Day 7: Baalbeck & Beqaa Valley Keep Scrolling for All the Details…

Day 1: Beirut

Allow at least one full day to explore Lebanon’s wonderful capital city.

Hugely diverse and throbbing with a youthful vibrancy and energy, it makes a great introduction to this enchanting country.

While simply wandering the streets of the city is a good way to take everything in, there are several highlight attractions I’d recommend visiting too – these include the National Museum, Sursock Museum and Beit Beirut.

Wandering the glitzy Corniche area is also a must, as well as heading to The Pigeon Rocks to enjoy the incredible sunset views.

If you’d like to stay in this area of Beirut, the Hamra Urban Gardens offer good dorm beds and a welcoming, clean space.

Otherwise, the Gemmayzeh area of Beirut provides hipster cafes and galleries a go-go and nearby Mar Mikael is full of fun bars to hop between almost any night of the week.

And when it comes to staying in the heart of the action, look no further than popular choice – Hostel Beirut .

With a top location, a guest kitchen and some of the best-priced dorm beds in the city, this is a good spot to meet other travellers while you chill on the roof terrace.

Day 2: Jeita Grotto and Harissa

On Day 2 of your 1 week Lebanon itinerary, it’s time to head north of out Beirut to explore one of the country’s greatest natural wonders – Jeita Grotto.

An amazing underground network of seriously impressive caves, it’s easy to spend a few hours here – with a short documentary film, short cable ride and boat ride all included in the fun.

Probably the easiest way to get to Jeita Grotto from Beirut is using Uber and you can then use this app again to get you from the caves to the cable car that will whisk you up to Harissa.

Once there grab your camera and prepare to be amazed by the view!

Jeita Grotto and Harissa make for a short day trip, so set off early in the morning and you can be back in Beirut during the afternoon to explore the parts of the city you missed on day 1.

DISCOVER MORE: 10 Best FREE Things to do in Beirut

Day 3: Cedars & Qadisha Valley

Heading up to the north of Lebanon on day 3 of your itinerary is an absolute treat and will provide you with some of the most scenic views in the  whole of this scenic country!

A spiritual place for the Maronite Christians, the Qadisha Valley is chock full of ancient monasteries to discover and hikes to enjoy.

Heading on from here to the famous Cedar Reserve will give you yet more opportunities for hiking and a chance to enjoy the fresh alpine air as you ascend the mountain.

Depending on the time of year you visit, you may even have the option to ski in the Cedar Reserve or, at the very least, enjoy the views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

Either way, ensure you come appropriately dressed!

I visited both the Cedars, the Qadisha Valley, Bcharre and the Monastery of Kozahya as part of an amazing day trip with Explore Lebanon, who I highly recommend for their professionalism, flexibility and great customer service. Check out their website here .

DISCOVER MORE: Discovering Lebanon’s Cedars with Explore Lebanon Tours

Day 4: Tyre / Sour

On day 4 of your Lebanon itinerary, it’s time to head in the other direction and make your journey to the most southerly city in the country, the coastal delight of Tyre, also known as Sour.

This is probably my favourite city outside of Beirut, mostly because it boasts one of the most amazing beaches in the whole country.

Before hitting the sand however, do check out the UNESCO-listed Old Town, bustling souks and busy fishing harbour of this city, before stopping to marvel at the seaside Roman ruins that are still clearly visible.

After that, head to the beach to enjoy a relaxing afternoon, before grabbing a bite and a sunset beer right on the sand at local café Cloud 59.

DISCOVER MORE: The Best 1 Month Middle East Backpacking Itinerary

Day 5: Tripoli

Day 5 of my Lebanon itinerary sees you heading back north from Beirut to take in the ancient city of Tripoli, which feels very different to both Beirut and Tyre / Sour.

It’s easy and cheap to get either the Connextion or Tripoli Express buses from Beirut all the way to this northern city and once there, taking in the very different cultural vibe is an awesome way to pass a few hours.

Must-sees includes a visit to the Souks, the old World Expo area and the Citadel.

Do make sure you take your camera to Tripoli too. In many ways, a day trip here feels like stepping back in time.

DISCOVER MORE: 10 Epic Things to Do in Lebanon You Can’t Miss

Day 6: Byblos, Batroun & Our Lady of Noorieh Monastery

As you start to wind down on Day 6 of your Lebanon itinerary, it’s the perfect opportunity to head to the coastal towns of Byblos, Batroun and the nearby monastery of Our Lady of Noorieh.

Head to first Our Lady of Noorieh Monastery and enjoy the gorgeous views and peaceful ambience.

There’s a shop here which sells some wonderful products made by the nuns and is a great spot to pick up some delicious Lebanese food items such as Pomegranate Molasses, Olive Oil and Zatar to take home with you.

After this, swing by the quaint town of Batroun to take in the Phoenician Wall, souks and coastal views. Enjoying a homemade lemonade here at Hilmi’s is basically a rite of passage!

Supposedly one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, Byblos is your final stop today and a must-see on any Lebanese itinerary.

Again wandering the souks, cobbled streets, tiny harbour and taking in the views is the best way to soak it all in, before enjoying a sunset drink amidst the amazing setting of Kina Handcrafted Bar !

Day 7: Baalbeck & Beqaa Valley Wineries

And finally, on the last day of your Lebanon itinerary, it’s time for the piece d’resistance, the amazingly UNESCO-listed Roman ruins of Baalbeck over in the east of the country.

Close to the Syrian border, it’s best to check the security situation before heading here, or take a tour if you feel less confident.

Once you’ve wandered these sensational ruins, which are undoubtedly some of the most impressive in the whole of Middle East, it’s time to head to the nearby Beqaa Valley – Lebanon’s premier wine growing region to enjoy some tastings and a spot of lunch amidst the gorgeous natural surrounds.

Joe from Beirut Pub Crawl runs some great tours to Baalbeck and the Beqaa Valley. Check out his website for more info.

Got Some Extra Days for Your Lebanon Itinerary?

Why not check out the Beiteddine Palace, the Shoaf Reserve, the Aakkar region or some off the beaten track hiking adventures with Trekking Lebanon!

So there you have it, my perfect 7 day Lebanon itinerary for those who want to base themselves in Beirut.

If you’re more interested in hiring a car and staying outside Beirut, then read on to discover my 7 day Lebanon Circuit Tour…

Lebanon Itinerary: Option B

7 day lebanon itinerary circuit.

Day 1: Beirut Day 2: Jeita Grotto, Byblos & Batroun Day 3: Tripoli & The Cedars Day 4: Baalbeck & Beqaa Valley Day 5: Shoaf Cedar Reserve & Beiteddine Palace Day 6: Sidon & Tyre Day 7: Return to Beirut Keep Scrolling for All the Details…

Base yourself in the capital city and get your bearings.

Explore the city’s galleries, cafes, bars, museums and architecture.

Stay at Hostel Beirut or Hamra Urban Gardens .

Day 2: Jeita Grotto, Byblos, Batroun

Pick up your hire car and head out to the amazing cave formation of Jeita Grotto.

Afterwards, head on to enjoy an afternoon in one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world  – Byblos – before heading to neighbouring Batroun for the sunset and a drink at Rays right on the shore.

Stay at Mayyouli Guesthouse in Batroun.

Day 3: Tripoli & The Cedars

From Batroun continue north to Lebanon’s second city – the ancient town of Tripoli.

Don’t miss the soaks or the citadel here, before you continue on to the country’s premier ski resort – The Cedars.

Even out of season, you can enjoy some lovely hiking and top views from this gorgeous reserve.

Stay at the Tiger Guesthouse in Bcharre.

Day 4: Baalbeck & Beqaa Valley

From the Cedars make your way to the east of the country to explore the amazing UNESCO-listed ruins of Baalbeck – some of the most famous ruins in the whole of the Middle East.

After that, it’s time to kick back and soak in the views of the gorgeous Beqaa Valley at one of the area’s wonderful wineries.

Spend the night at these luxurious apartments in Faraya.

Day 5: Shoaf Cedar Reserve & Beiteddine Palace

After your night in the Beqaa Valley, it’s time to take a drive to the amazing Shoaf – an area of natural beauty and protection.

Enjoy a short stroll or opt for a longer hike here before heading to the amazing Beiteddine Palace.

Stay at Deir Al Oumara Guesthouse in Dier El Kamar.

LEARN MORE: Solo Female Travel in Lebanon : Is It Safe?

Day 6: Sidon & Tyre

On the penultimate day of your Lebanon itinerary head to the country’s south to enjoy the cities of Sidon and more importantly, Tyre.

Also known as Sour, Tyre has some bustling souks, a beautiful fisherman’s harbour and a delightful UNESCO-listed Old Town to wander.

After you’ve checked these out and seen the coastal Roman ruins, it’s time to head to hit the beach and enjoy the sun, sea and sand at one of Lebanon’s finest coastal areas.

Stay the night in Tyre at the beautiful El Boutique Hotel .

Day 7: Return to Beirut

And finally, on Day 7 of this Lebanon itinerary, it’s time to return to Beirut and sadly get ready to depart this gorgeous country.

And if you’re on a shorter time frame – don’t miss my guide to spending 48hrs in Lebanon and still seeing the best bits!

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Mini Travel Guide to Lebanon

When to Visit?

I highly recommend visiting Lebanon during the spring and autumn months of April through June and September to October.

This is when the pleasant climate will allow you to enjoy all parts of the country – hitting the beach and mountains in equal measure!

How to Get to Lebanon?

Most people arrive into this tiny country via Beirut’s international airport.

As I always, I use Skyscanner to find the best prices, which are often with MEA the national Lebanese airline.

Budget flights with Pegasus can also be found to Turkey, and there’s direct flights to Cyprus too.

5 Packing Essentials for Lebanon

#1 Lebanon Bradt Guide – An excellent resource when it comes to finding out the history of what you’re seeing in this country without the need for a guide, the Lebanon Bradt Guide is a must.

#2 Head Lamp – Great for taking into Roman Ruins, Jeita Grotto or just dealing with the powercuts you may experience. I love my Black Diamond Storm , which served me super well in Lebanon.

#3 Sun Hat – Trips to the beach, the mountains, the monasteries and the ruins will mean many hours in the hot sun of Lebanon. Do yourself a favour and bring a wide-brimmed hat to protect you. I love this Hello Sunshine design.

#4 Long Thin Trousers – While Lebanon isn’t a super conservative country overall, you’re unlikely to feel comfortable in some areas walking around in anything too short. As such a pair of long, thin cotton or linen trousers provides the perfect attire for this hot country.

#5 Walking Shoes – Coming to Lebanon and not getting out for a good hike is like going to Switzerland and not eating chocolate. As such, I highly suggest bringing a pair of good walking / running shoes so you can enjoy this beautiful country at its best.

Travel Insurance for Lebanon

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

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So that’s it folks, my complete Lebanon itinerary and your one-stop guide to seeing the best of this county in just 7 days!

Have you visited Lebanon?

What was your favourite destination?

Please fill me in via the comments box below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

4 thoughts on “ Complete Lebanon Itinerary: 1 Week, All the Highlights! ”

Hi Steph, Is it possible to visit the Palestinian people in Gaza before or after Lebanon.? Thank you for this wonderfully evocative article.So what to go there.

Hi John – what to say to this question?! Gaza is an area of great political instability and I would certainly do your research and consult your national foreign office before even thinking about going there. In terms of linking with Lebanon, Gaza is neither in Lebanon, nor does it border it, so I’m confused as to why you link the 2? You’ll need to learn about Isreali border controls and what having a Lebanese and / or Isreali stamp in the passport will mean for your future travels. This is a very complex question in a sensitive region.

Hi! I am wondering if you might have thoughts on which of your two travel options would be most budget friendly? I am mainly wondering about the costs of transportation – care hire for a week versus day trip car hire. I’m doing about a week in Lebanon with a friend and would like it to be a leisurely trip so in some ways the idea of going back to Beirut each night sounds like a more relaxing ‘home base.’ But budget is also a deciding factor. Thank you!

Hi Darin, thanks for your comments. It’s always hard to give budgets for people because it depends on the sort of places you like to stay and how well you bargain on the day trips. Renting a car will likely be cheaper than taking multiple day trips if you feel up to dealing with the Lebanese driving! Otherwise Uber can be a handy option to do trips closer to Beirut – like Jeita Grotto etc. Local buses also run from Beirut up and down the coast to places like Tyre / Sour, Tripoli and Byblos. This would be your cheapest option by far, with maybe a combination of Uber thrown in to some of the other places I suggest away from the coast. Try to negotiate an accommodation deal if you are staying in Beirut a week. Hope you enjoy 🙂

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13 Stunning Places to Visit in Lebanon

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

What are the best places to visit in Lebanon? If you’re planning a trip to Lebanon, where should you go? Lebanon is a fantastic little country with so much to see!

The good news is that Lebanon is a compact country. So compact that it’s possible to base in Beirut the whole time and take day trips all over the country. That’s what I did on my trip — and it made it so easy to travel all over Lebanon while coming back to the same bed every night.

One of the things I love most about Lebanon is its cultural diversity. The population is about 45% Christian and 50% Muslim, with 18 recognized religious groups. There’s a sizable Armenian population, too, and people with origins all over the Middle East and the world.

Consequently, there are parts of Lebanon that feel very European, and parts of Lebanon that feel very Middle Eastern. Places where you can default to French and places where you’ll need to know a few words of Arabic.

Lebanon is geographically diverse, too — mountains, deserts, waterfalls, cities of all sizes. In Lebanon you could theoretically ski in the morning and lie on the beach in the afternoon! (Granted, you can only do that in the winter, so it wouldn’t quite be sunbathing weather, but I digress…)

Here are my picks for the best places to visit in Lebanon — along with how to get there, Lebanon safety information, and the best things to do in Lebanon.

Table of Contents

Best Places to Visit in Lebanon

All roads lead to Beirut in Lebanon, and Beirut makes a great base for your whole trip. But as far as day trips go, you have freedom to shake things up.

If you could only visit three places in Lebanon besides Beirut, I would recommend the seaside town of Byblos , the Roman ruins of Baalbek , and the small city of Tyre .

Lebanon is a lot safer than you think it is . You don’t need to worry about war or terrorism more than you do in other countries, and common sense will get you far, but it’s smart to check the latest news before you go.

Baalbek is in the Beqaa Valley, close to the Syria border in Hezbollah-controlled territory. To get to Baalbek , it’s best to hire a private driver or join a day tour from Beirut.

Beirut is one of the best, most vibrant, most exciting cities in the Middle East. Because it’s much more liberal than other Middle Eastern cities, there is a huge party scene, from the wild beach clubs to the roof-retracting nightclubs. But beyond the nightlife, you have centuries of history and different cultures coming together. Oh, and did I mention how good the food is here?!

Have a night out bar-hopping on Armenia Street in Mar Mikael; stroll along the Corniche in the morning; check out the cafes on Hamrun Street; visit the National Museum of Beirut; take the Alternative Tour Beirut to learn more about Lebanon from a holistic perspective; spend a day at a beach club; shop in the Beirut Souks (more a mall than souks).

How to get to Beirut: Lebanon’s land borders are closed, so the easiest way to get to Beirut is to fly. Check Skyscanner for the best rates. There are also some ferries from Cyprus.

For me, Lebanon was part of a larger trip, so I flew to Beirut from Amsterdam via Istanbul on Pegasus Airlines. On the way back I flew from Beirut to Larnaca, Cyprus, spent a few days there, and flew back to Amsterdam.

Where to Stay in Beirut: See the Where to Stay in Lebanon section below for my top accommodation picks in Beirut.

Byblos — known as Jbeil in Arabic — is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lebanon. This seaside village north of Beirut looks like it could be a coastal town in Montenegro with its teal waters, palm trees, sandstone old town, and mountains rising in the background.

You might notice that the word “Byblos” is related to books — well, there’s reason for that. Byblos was a trade center for papyrus, importing it from Egypt and exporting it throughout the Aegean, distributing the earliest books.

Today in Byblos, you can visit the ruins, walk along the water, shop in the souk (now filled with souvenir shops more than anything else), or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the cafes with a water view.

Byblos is one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated for being one of the oldest Phoenician cities, inhabited since Neolithic times, and for helping create the Phoenician alphabet.

How to get to Byblos: Byblos is about a 45-minute drive from Beirut. It’s doable with an Uber, but you may have trouble finding an Uber to take you back to Beirut. Minibuses to Byblos (Jbeil) leave from Charles Helou bus station in Beirut, though they drop you off along the highway, about a 15-minute walk from town. This day tour from Beirut includes Byblos, Jeita Grotto, and Harissa.

Tyre, also known as Sour (pronounced soor ), was one of the most important cities on the Mediterranean. Today, this city in southern Lebanon is home to fine Roman ruins perched up against the sea, a pleasant and walkable small town, incredibly friendly people, and fresh flowers bursting out in every direction.

Some places give you great vibes from the moment you arrive. That was Tyre to me. It was walking along the seaside and having fresh orange juice with a mother and her young son. It was being one of the few people at the ruins, wondering why it wasn’t full of tourists. It was wandering through the town and photographing each piece of it.

Tyre is one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated for its ancient ruins, history as a Phoenician city, founding of cities like Cadiz and Carthage — and their achievement of inventing purple dye!

How to Get to Tyre: Tyre is about a one hour and 45-minute drive from Beirut. For public transportation, the minibus to Tyre (Sour) leaves from Cola Intersection in Beirut and you may need to change minibuses in Sidon (Saida) along the way. This day trip from Beirut visits Tyre, Sidon, and Maghdouche.

Harissa is home to one of the most famous sights in Lebanon: the Our Lady of Lebanon statue, perched on a mountaintop, seeming to look over the nation. Come to Harissa and you, too, can enjoy this Lebanese pilgrimage site — and spectacular views at 650 meters above sea level.

The Sanctuary here was created to honor the Virgin Mary — and serves as a place for peace-gathering workshops and activities between Christians and Muslims, and denominations within Lebanon’s 18 religious groups.

The most fun way to get to Harissa is to take a cable car to the top! It leaves from the seaside city of Jounieh.

How to get to Harissa: Harissa is about a 40-minute drive from Beirut. While you can drive there, you might enjoy it more if you drive to Jounieh and take the cable car to Harissa, a nine-minute journey. For public transportation, the minibus to Jounieh leaves from Charles Helou bus station in Beirut. This day tour from Beirut includes Harissa, Byblos and Jeita Grotto.

Get ready to see some of the best Roman ruins of your life! I’m not a huge fan of ruins in general, but Baalbek is home to some of the best ruins I’ve ever seen, the kind that stun you into silence. The scale alone is mind-boggling.

Baalbek is the ruins of the city once known as Heliopolis, the City of the Sun. The four temples here — dedicated to Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, and Bacchus, after Roman gods — are some of the largest remaining temples of the Roman Empire. You can also witness the two of the largest stone blocks in antiquity: the Stone of the Pregnant Woman, clocking in at 1,000 tons, and a block simply known as the megalith, clocking in at 1,650 tons!

If you’re looking to feel like an adventurer in Lebanon, there’s no better place than Baalbek. Climb to the top of the temples and enjoy the views around you, as the most powerful Romans once did.

Baalbek is one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated for its history as a Phoenician city and its enormous ruins, which are one of the finest surviving examples of Roman architecture.

How to get to Baalbek: Baalbek is about a two-hour drive from Beirut. I recommend spending a day exploring Baalbek in tandem with Anjar and the Beqaa Valley, possibly including a winery. This is best done with a private driver or day tour. This day tour from Beirut includes Baalbek, Anjar, and stop at Ksara Winery.

For public transportation, go to Cola Intersection in Beirut and say you want to go to Baalbek; you will be brought to a minibus to Chtaura, then you can change minibuses to get to Baalbek.

The drive to Bcharré, or Bsharri in Arabic, takes you through the winding roads of the Qadisha Valley, into river-carved canyons and mist-covered mountains. From there you’ll enjoy views that pull on your heartstrings. If you visit in the winter, you might even get to see snow.

Bcharré is famed for being the home of Lebanese-American poet, writer and artist Kahlil Gibran. The Gibran Museum was once a shelter for hermetic monks, carved into life from the rocks; today, it hosts Gibran’s tomb and a collection of his writings and drawings.

And the view above, one of my favorite views in Lebanon, it taken from the museum itself.

How to get to Bcharré: Bcharré is about a two-hour drive from Beirut. For public transportation, there is a daily minibus to Bcharré (Bsharri) that leaves from Dowra Intersection in Beirut. This day tour takes you through Bcharré, the Qadisha Valley, and the Cedars of Lebanon.

Cedars of God

Cedars are one of the most recognized symbols of Lebanon today. It proudly adorns the Lebanese flag. For centuries, these trees were lauded for their strength. The Phoenicians used their wood for boats; the Egyptians used their resin for tombs. Even U2 has a song called Cedars of Lebanon.

Sadly, there aren’t a lot of cedars remaining today. While they once covered the countryside around Lebanon, massive deforestation has led to their numbers dwindling. Cedars of God Park outside Bcharré is one of the places to see them. It’s worth visiting and hiking through the park to see their majesty up close — but seeing so few of them may leave you a bit depressed.

The cedars are fiercely protected today, however, and reforestation efforts are underway. But they take a long time to grow to adulthood, we won’t be seeing abundant cedar forests for decades.

The Cedars of God are one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, shared with the Kadisha Valley. They received this designation for their history as the most prized wood used for constructing religious buildings.

How to get to the Cedars of God: Cedars of God in Bcharré is about a two-hour drive from Beirut. For public transportation, there is a daily minibus to Bcharré (Bsharri) that leaves from Dowra Intersection in Beirut. This day tour takes you through Bcharré, the Qadisha Valley, and the Cedars of Lebanon. Alternatively, this tour gives you a full day of hiking in the Cedars .

Jeita Grotto

Jeita Grotto is just outside Beirut, making it a super-easy afternoon trip (and a cool relief from a hot day!). This grotto is a system of two limestone caves. They consist of two sets of caves: the lower caves and the upper caves.

The lower caves are home to a river that provides fresh water for many people in Lebanon, and you can visit by boat. It’s a spooky but beautiful experience, especially in the boat, with the water lit up bright blue. The upper caves have a pathway to explore on foot, and they’re home to the largest stalactite in the world: 8.2 meters (27 feet) long!

Keep in mind that Jeita Grotto is VERY strict about no photos allowed. Don’t try to sneak one.

Jeita Grotto is close to Harissa and Byblos, making it a great day out to visit all three. (Though you may want to allot the most time to Byblos.)

How to get to Jeita Grotto: Jeita Grotto is about a 30-minute drive from Beirut. You can easily take an Uber there, as I did; you can’t pick up Ubers there, though, so I took a taxi from Jeita Grotto on to Byblos. This day tour from Beirut includes Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos.

Qadisha Valley and Qozhaya

The Qadisha Valley feels like a world away from Beirut — but in a day trip you can see quite a bit of it. Mountains rise into the mist; rivers wind through the countryside, and mammoth rock faces give way to monasteries. The Qadisha Valley — also called the Kadisha Valley — was home to some of the earliest Christians fleeing persecution.

Qozhaya (Kozhaya) is one of the most important monasteries in the Qadisha Valley, and home to a convent dedicated to St. Anthony. A long drive through a wooded canyon takes you to the buildings, examples of Arabic architecture in the Middle Ages, and a rock-hewn chapel painstakingly built inside a cave.

The Qadisha Valley is one of the best places to visit in Lebanon if you’re looking to enjoy nature. Here you can hike, climb mountains, or even ski.

The Qadisha Valley is one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated for its history as one of the most important early Christian monastic settlements.

How to get to Qozhaya: The Qadisha Valley is about a 90-minute drive from Beirut. Qozhaya is best visited by hiring a private driver or booking a day tour from Beirut. This day tour takes you through Bcharré, the Qadisha Valley, and the Cedars of Lebanon.

Sidon, also known as Saida, is a port city to the south of Beirut. Though it has a storied history, Sidon is one of the lower-key, calmer cities to visit in Lebanon, and one of the easier side trips from Beirut.

Sidon is famous for two places in particular: its outstanding souks, some of the most picturesque in Lebanon, which sell both traditional and modern wares in their traditional small stalls; and the Sea Castle, which was built by the crusaders as a fortress of the Holy Land.

Sidon is about 45 minutes from Tyre, so it makes sense to pair them together on a day trip from Beirut.

How to get to Sidon: Sidon is about a one-hour drive from Lebanon. For public transportation, take a minibus to Sidon (Saida) from Cola Intersection in Beirut. This day trip from Beirut visits Tyre, Sidon, and Maghdouche.

If you’re visiting the ruins of Baalbek, you should visit Anjar too — and most drivers or tours will take you to both. Anjar may not have the sweeping majesty of Baalbek, but these ruins have something unique: spectacular arches that were designed by the Umayyads. Before the Anjar ruins were studied by archaeologists, there was no other evidence of the Umayyad Caliphate in Lebanon.

Anjar’s ruins are just a stone’s throw from the Syrian border (a mountain range divides the two countries). The city of Anjar is also home to one of the biggest communities of the Armenian diaspora in Lebanon. The city is also known for its four-sided wells.

Anjar is one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated for its ruins, which survive as an example of city planning under the Umayyads.

How to get to Anjar: Anjar is about a 90-minute drive from Beirut. This destination is best seen in tandem with Baalbek and the Beqaa Valley, either by hiring a private driver or booking a day tour. This day tour from Beirut includes Baalbek, Anjar, and stop at Ksara Winery.

Ksara, Wine Country, and the Bekaa Valley

Did you know that Lebanon has a thriving wine scene? That might be surprising for a Middle Eastern country, but not so much in retrospective when you consider its multi-ethnic background and its location right on the Mediterranean.

The best wines grow in high-altitude areas of Bekaa Valley, close to Baalbek and Anjar. Whites are nice but forgettable; where the region truly shines is Bordeaux-style reds and dry rosés.

Chateau Ksara is one of the popular wineries and they welcome travelers for tours, tastings, and lunches. Of course, if you plan on sampling the wines, you should not be driving that day — this is a good time to come on a tour or book a private driver!

How to get to Ksara and the Bekaa Valley: Chateau Ksara is a 90-minute drive from Beirut. Many tour companies include a stop at Chateau Ksara as part of their tours in the Bekaa Valley. This day tour from Beirut includes Baalbek, Anjar, and stop at Ksara Winery. Alternatively, this wine tour spends the whole day visiting wineries in the Bekaa Valley .

Finally, there’s Tripoli, or Trablous in Arabic — the second-largest city in Lebanon and a place that isn’t on most travelers’ itineraries. (Oh, and it’s definitely not the Tripoli in Libya!) If you do visit, though, you’ll get to enjoy a warm and welcoming city little-touched by tourism.

Tripoli has seen some hard times, and it’s one of the poorer cities in Lebanon. But there is a lot of beauty here — an Old City brimming with Mamluk architecture; dozens of souks, some of which specialize in gold or silver or fruits and vegetables or soap; and friendly locals eager to welcome you.

The El Mina neighborhood of Tripoli almost feels like another city, more like a calm seaside village. Offshore you can visit the Palm Islands Reserve and its protected turtles. Be sure to try some of Tripoli’s famous sweets (and if you’re a foreigner in the souk, everyone’s going to want you to sample theirs!).

How to get to Tripoli: Tripoli is a 90-minute drive from Beirut. For public transportation, take the Connexion bus from Charles Helou Station, which takes closer to two hours. This Tripoli day trip from Beirut gives you several hours in Tripoli, plus a stopover in Batroun or Byblos on the way back.

Is Lebanon Safe?

Is it safe to travel around Lebanon? Like most places in the Middle East, Lebanon is a lot safer than cable news would have you believe. The media paints the image of war, suicide bombers, and riots. Lebanon does have its problems — and has had some tough situations in recent years — but it’s not a war zone.

I traveled Lebanon as a solo woman in 2018 and didn’t feel uncomfortable at all — in fact, I was pleased with how much respect I was given as a woman. Then again, I chose not to visit Tripoli on advice from a local woman who advised me not to go alone (though other locals later told me that as an experienced solo traveler, I would have been fine).

In many ways, I felt safer as a woman in Lebanon than I have felt in many other countries. At one point, I had to sit next to a man on a minibus (usually women are sat next to women, but sometimes there’s a full bus and no other option). The man left six inches of space between us! That NEVER happened on the subway in New York!

Another issue is that part of the Bekaa Valley, including Baalbek and Anjar, is controlled by Hezbollah. When you enter that area, you pass through military checkpoints, as you do throughout Lebanon. (They are fast and easy and the guards usually have a smile for you.) Yes, it’s unnerving, especially since Hezbollah flags are for sale as souvenirs (!!), but most of the time tourists are able to visit safely.

The most important thing is to do your research before you arrive. Lebanon is not a place to arrive on a whim; doing proper research is essential. So where do you start?

I found this detailed post by Against the Compass  to be an excellent resource for travel safety in Lebanon. It’s updated periodically with the latest safety information. I encourage you to save it and take a closer look before your trip.

I also recommend checking out the  US State Department travel advisory  and  UK travel safety advice  for Lebanon. I find that the US warnings tend to be more alarmist, while the UK warnings tend to be more realistic.

Most importantly, travel insurance is essential for trips to Lebanon — and to anywhere else in the world, frankly. If you need to be hospitalized with a broken bone or appendicitis, or if you have an emergency and miss your trip, or if you get robbed on a bus, travel insurance will help you recoup your financial losses. I use and recommend  World Nomads .

Solo Female Travel in Lebanon: Is it Safe?

Top 10 Travel Safety Tips for Women

Where to Stay in Lebanon

Where’s the best place to stay in Lebanon? If you’re trying to see a lot of the country in a relatively short amount of time, it makes the most sense to stay in Beirut and do day trips. I stayed at the Radisson Blu Martinez . But there are options for all kinds of travelers.

If you want a fancy, crazy luxury experience: If you want top-notch luxury finishings and decor, go with the Sofitel Beirut Le Gabriel — it’s the best. If you want a splashed-out resort experience, go with the Movenpick Beirut , which has its own massive beach club.

If you want a small but funky local boutique hotel: The Albergo Hotel in the Achrafieh neighborhood has plant-filled terraces, local over-the-top decor, and a rooftop with a pool and outstanding views of the city.

If you want a mid-range hotel: The Radisson Blu Martinez , where I stayed, ticks all the boxes. The rooms are simple and the decor is dated, but it’s a solid option in a great neighborhood close to everything.

If you want a cheap but value-for-money place to stay: Loft 29 Residence is in the heart of the cool Hamra neighborhood, has all the facilities of apartments like laundry and a kitchen, and offers a free airport pickup in addition to very well-priced rooms.

Find deals on more places to stay in Beirut here.

How to Get Around Lebanon

There are three main ways to get around Lebanon: you can get around by driving (either renting a car, hiring a private driver, or using Uber for short distances), you can take public transportation (mostly minibuses), or you can book organized day trips.

Should you rent a car in Lebanon? For most people, I don’t recommend it. Lebanon is home to some of the worst driving I’ve ever seen (it’s up there with Georgia and Malta). Traffic into and out of Beirut is hectic, and drivers don’t hesitate to cut across entire highways, with no warning or turn signal.

I’ve driven in lots of countries, but I had ZERO desire to drive in Lebanon once I realized how crazy it would be. You may be different, though. If you thrive in driving in erratic environments, you might enjoy driving in Lebanon.

Otherwise, there’s hiring a private driver (which can start at $150 per day and get pricier from there); and hiring one-way taxis and/or Ubers. Ubers are mainly based in Beirut, so you’ll need to use taxis on the way back.

It’s also worth noting that not a lot of drivers in Lebanon have working seat belts in their cars.

Taking public transportation is another option. Minibuses operate from Beirut all over Lebanon, departing from Cola Intersection (usually points northeast and south) and Charles Helou Bus Station (usually points north).

It’s chaotic when you get there and it seems like there are no rules! But ask where you’re supposed to go and people will help direct you. Women are sat next to women on minibuses unless there’s no other option; you pay when you arrive at your destination. Bring small bills.

I found Tyre and Sidon to be an easy day trip to do by public transportation: it’s a straightforward journey down the highway; the minibuses drop you off in town; both cities can be easily explored on foot.

Finally, there are group day tours from Beirut. I’m not usually a take-a-day-tour-on-the-bus person, but I was glad I did two tours in particular: one to the Qozhaya Valley with Bcharré and the Cedars of Lebanon , and one to Baalbek, Anjar, and Ksara Winery . Those trips would be impossible to do in a day on public transit, and they went too far for an Uber or cab driver.

More on Lebanon:

What’s It REALLY Like to Travel in Lebanon?

More from the Middle East:

Visiting Petra in Jordan

Hanging Out in Kadikoy in Istanbul

Visiting the Burj al’Arab in Dubai

Have you been to Lebanon? What are your recommendations?

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Lebanon’s Luminous Seasons: Finding the Perfect Moment to Visit

Posted by Nikitha K | Sep 8, 2023 |

Ah, Lebanon! A gem of the Middle East, this small country promises a cocktail of historical sites, vibrant cities, serene landscapes, and lip-smacking cuisine. If you’re wondering when the best time is to visit Lebanon, you’re in the right place.

Drawing upon my extensive travels and experiences, I’m here to guide you through the optimal periods to explore this enchanting land. Embark on a journey to discover the best time to immerse yourself in the wonders of Lebanon

When Magic Happens: The Best Time of Year to Visit Lebanon

Typically, the best time to visit Lebanon is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons grace the country with pleasant temperatures, perfect for outdoor explorations. Now, why are these months especially significant? So continue reading if you want to learn more about the beauty that Lebanon possesses throughout the year.

Spring: Nature’s Resplendent Reawakening

Spring in Lebanon, spanning March to May, is nothing short of poetry in motion. When I first arrived in Lebanon in March, the vibrant embrace of nature embraced me. The landscape, primarily the Bekaa Valley, becomes a painter’s palette, dappled with hues of lavender, gold, and green.

From the coastal plains to the mountainous terrain of Mount Lebanon, wildflowers carpet the earth, creating a fragrant trail for those with wanderlust. Beirut, Lebanon’s vivacious capital, is an eclectic blend of ancient and modern. To soak in its spirited ambiance, the best time to visit Beirut, Lebanon, is undoubtedly during the spring.

Festive Flourishes

As spring begins to unfold, the Al Bustan International Festival takes the lead. Typically held in Beit Mery, this festival is a haven for classical music and arts enthusiasts. From opera to orchestral performances, it captivates attendees with its diverse program.

Subsequently, the Garden Show and Spring Festival in Beirut herald the season’s essence. Landscapers, florists, and environmentalists gather to showcase the latest in garden design and green innovations. It’s not just a visual treat; workshops and gastronomic delights make it an enriching experience.

Subsequent to the Garden Show, as Easter approaches, Palm Sunday is celebrated with enthusiasm, especially in Christian-majority regions. Processions with children holding palm fronds and olive branches are common sights, symbolizing Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.

Finally, spring witnesses the culmination of the Lenten season with Easter. While the Western and Eastern Christian traditions might differ in dates, both celebrations are marked with church services, feasts, and the delightful distribution of Maamoul, a traditional semolina cookie filled with dates or nuts.

Adventurous Spring Pursuits

Feeling adventurous? For those itching for activity, this season lays out a smorgasbord of options. The temperate climate is perfect for hiking through the Qadisha Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, amidst age-old monasteries and hermitages, the trail meanders through verdant gorges and serene nooks.

Cycling enthusiasts can revel in the routes of Batroun or Byblos, juxtaposing coastal views with historic sites. Meanwhile, paragliding over Jounieh Bay offered me a bird’s-eye view of the coastal cities and the vast expanse of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

Summer, Sun-Kissed Sojourns: Best time of the year to visit Lebanon

June to August in Lebanon are characterized by their lively atmosphere. Transitioning from the chill of spring, the Lebanese landscape transforms into a sunlit wonder. The famous cedar trees, symbolizing the country’s enduring spirit, stand tall and regal against azure skies.

Beaches, from the bustling ones in Beirut to the serene stretches in Tyre, beckon visitors with their golden sands and the cool embrace of the Mediterranean.

Festivals and Celebrations

To start with, the Baalbeck International Festival is among the most renowned. Taking place amidst the ancient Roman ruins in Baalbeck, this festival showcases a variety of performances, from classical concerts to contemporary acts, set against a backdrop of historical grandeur.

Following closely on its heels, the Byblos International Festival stands out. Staged in the historic coastal city of Byblos, it is a melting pot of musical genres. International and local artists grace the stage, entertaining thousands against the backdrop of the ancient Phoenician port.

Additionally, the Beiteddine Art Festival in the magnificent Beiteddine Palace is a must-visit. Over the course of several weeks, it offers a plethora of cultural events, from music and theater to art exhibitions, attracting both local and international talent.

Furthermore, the Jounieh International Festival is another highlight of Lebanon’s summer. It is well-known for its eclectic lineup, which includes a variety of art forms, and the spectacular fireworks display that opens the festivities.

In the same vein, the Al Bustan Festival, although primarily celebrated in winter, sometimes stretches its events into early summer. Focusing on classical music, this festival brings together musicians from all over the world in the picturesque town of Beit Mery.

Last but not least, there are many local festivals celebrating the patron saints of towns and villages or the harvest of local produce. The Festival of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is one such spiritual celebration observed in various locations.

Activities and Adventures

But what about adventure seekers? Well, Lebanon in the summer does not disappoint. The rugged mountains, which remain snow-capped even in the warmer months, present thrilling opportunities for hiking and trekking. Paragliding over Harissa Mountain provides not just an adrenaline rush but also panoramic views of the coastline and the expansive sea.

For those inclined towards a more leisurely pace, there’s no shortage of activities. One can indulge in wine tasting tours in the Bekaa Valley, savoring the flavors of wines that carry the essence of the sun and soil. Or take a stroll through the souks of Beirut, where the air is fragrant with the aroma of spices and filled with the soft hum of bargaining.

Autumn: Harvest Hues and Gastronomy

September to November in Lebanon is a sensory delight. As the first chill of the season begins to touch the air, Lebanon’s vast landscapes undergo a dramatic transformation. The majestic Cedars of Lebanon, a symbol of the nation, take on a different kind of charm.

The trees in the renowned Qadisha Valley gradually change their shades, giving the entire region a mesmerizing golden-yellow tint. Furthermore, the terraced olive orchards, with their silver-green leaves, create a stark contrast against the background.

Driving along the country’s coastlines and through its mountain ranges, one can’t help but admire the tapestry of colors that unfolds. The coastal cities like Beirut, Sidon, and Tyre still resonate with the remnants of summer’s energy but are slowly preparing for the winter.

To begin with, there’s the “Fête des Vendanges”, celebrated primarily in the Bekaa Valley. This Grape Harvest Festival is an ode to the ancient tradition of wine-making in the region. Visitors and locals come together to participate in grape-stomping rituals and enjoy wine tasting sessions.

Following that, the Apple Festival in the Akkar region is another highlight. As apple orchards begin to bear fruit, a festival is organized to celebrate the harvest. There are parades, music, dancing, and, of course, a plethora of apple-based dishes to relish.

Additionally, while the date may vary depending on the lunar calendar, “Eid al-Adha” sometimes falls in the autumn season. It’s an essential religious festival for the Muslim community. During this time, the streets resonate with prayers, feasts, and a strong sense of community.

Moreover, the “Zgharta Ehdeniyat International Festival” in the North, though often starting in the summer, sometimes extends into the early autumn. The festival, taking place in the picturesque town of Ehden, offers a mix of musical concert theater productions and cultural events, attracting both local and international audiences.

Finally, the International Film Festival in Beirut is another event to look forward to in the autumn months. Celebrating both regional and international cinema, it’s a treat for film enthusiasts, offering a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and for audiences to indulge in cinematic artistry.

Activities Galore

Autumn in Lebanon is not just for sightseeing and festivals. It is an invitation to indulge in various activities. For adventurers, the cooler temperatures make it an ideal time for hiking and exploring the many nature trails, especially in the Chouf Biosphere Reserve or the Tannourine Cedars Forest Nature Reserve.

For history enthusiasts, the milder weather provides the perfect backdrop to explore Lebanon’s ancient ruins, such as the temples of Baalbek or the Byblos port, without the overwhelming summer heat.

Winter, Alpine Adventures: Best time of the year to visit Lebanon

Surprisingly to some, Lebanon’s winters, from December to February, can be quite snowy, especially in elevated regions. Journeying through Lebanon in the winter is akin to flipping through the pages of an enchanted book, where each chapter reveals a new, captivating tale.

For snow enthusiasts and ski lovers, Faraya is the place to be. Located in the mountains, the best time to visit Faraya, Lebanon, is during the winter months of December to March. The snow-covered slopes provide a playground for both amateur and professional skiers.

Mzaar in Kfardebian and the iconic Cedars of God in Bsharri transform into winter wonderlands, beckoning skiers and snowboarders.

Festivals: Celebrating Winter in Style

Firstly, Christmas is a significant celebration in Lebanon. Given the country’s large Christian population, the Yuletide spirit is pervasive. Streets in Beirut and other cities sparkle with lights, while homes are adorned with nativity scenes and Christmas trees. Midnight Mass is a tradition, with churches ringing out in festive carols.

Subsequently, New Year’s Eve is heartily celebrated with fireworks, parties, and gatherings throughout the country. Families and friends come together to bid farewell to the old year and usher in the new with joy and optimism.

Afterwards, the Christian community celebrates Epiphany on January 6th. Also known as Theophany, it commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. Church services and special prayers traditionally mark it.

Moreover, on February 9th, the Maronite Christian community observes St. Maroun’s Day. It is a day of religious reflection honoring the Maronite Church’s patron saint, with church services and social gatherings.

Activities to Engage and Enchant

In addition to skiing, winter in Lebanon offers various activities. Snowshoeing through the mountain trails is an exceptional experience, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. For those seeking a unique perspective, paragliding over the winter landscapes provides an adrenaline rush coupled with breathtaking vistas.

Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll through the pine forests, soaking in the serene ambiance, punctuated only by the soft crunch of snow beneath your feet.

Conclusion:

Lebanon is more than just a travel destination; it’s an anthology of timeless tales, flavors, sounds, and sights. Regardless of when you visit, this land promises soulful encounters and enduring memories. Yet, if a harmonious blend of all experiences is what you seek, spring and autumn stand out as optimal choices. Bon voyage, and let the heartbeats of Lebanon resonate with yours!

Thank you for reading. For more travel updates, visit the Journey Index .

About The Author

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Top 12 Touristic Places to Visit in Lebanon

Lebanon, a country steeped in history, culture and natural beauty, offers a mesmerizing array of attractions that will leave any traveler in awe. From ancient ruins to breathtaking landscapes, Lebanon is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Join us as we unveil the 12 must-visit places in Lebanon.

1.Harissa and Jounieh Teleferique

Perched upon a hill overlooking the picturesque Jounieh bay, the Statue of Our Lady of Lebanon stands as a remarkable symbol of spiritual significance and national pride. This 13-ton bronze statue of the Virgin Mary, erected in 1907, has become a revered pilgrimage site for all religions. The panoramic views from the top, make the journey to Harissa an unforgettable experience for any visitor to Lebanon.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Carlos Haidamous (@carloshaidamous)

Don’t miss the impressive Teleferique aerial cableway in Lebanon! The cable car, which spans over 1.5 kilometers, provides passengers with breathtaking views of Jounieh Bay and the surrounding hills on the way up to Harissa, which is perched at an altitude of 530 meters above sea level. This one-of-a-kind attraction can carry a total of 960 passengers per hour, with the one-way trip taking around nine minutes.

Further reads: 10 Incredible places to visit in Keserwan

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Maroon_ (@maroon_kai)

2. Jeita Grottos

A finalist in the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition, the Jeita Grottos are a true marvel of nature.

Discovered in 1836, this enchanting cave is renowned for its extraordinary limestone formations, with stalactites and stalagmites taking on fascinating and diverse shapes, sizes and colors. With a lower cave offering a dreamy boat ride and an upper cave showcasing astonishing stone formations, this tranquil and serene site is a must for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the mystery and beauty of the underground world.

Further reads: 7 Caves & Grottos That’ll Blow Your Mind in Lebanon

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by لازم تشوف لبنان must see lebanon (@mustseelebanonn)

3. Byblos Old Port 

Located on a cliff of sandstone, 40 kilometers north of Beirut, Byblos Port is believed to be the oldest in the world. It holds great historical significance as the most important timber shipping center in the eastern Mediterranean around 3000 BC. In fact, the Phoenicians used this port to export local wine, cedars of Lebanon and other wood to ancient Egypt.

Byblos is a testament to the rich history of the Phoenician civilization, with structures dating back 8000 years, including medieval town features, Bronze Age temples, Roman roads, Byzantine churches and Ottoman architecture. As a World Heritage Site, it also holds a direct association with the Phoenician alphabet.

Further reads: Historical Jewels of Jbeil

4. Baalbeck and Anjar ruins

Baalbek and Anjar Ruins are ancient archaeological wonders that hold immense historical importance in Lebanon.

Baalbek Temple, with its towering columns and intricate carvings, showcases the grandeur of Roman architecture, while the Anjar ruins boasts a unique blend of Roman and Umayyad influences. These temples’ significance lies in their preservation of Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage, offering tourists a glimpse into the country’s ancient past. With their awe-inspiring structures and captivating history, Baalbek and Anjar are must-visit destinations in Lebanon.

Further reads: Tales as old as Time: Temples in Lebanon

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Mohamad Zinati (@mozinati)

5. The Corniche Beirut and Pigeon’s Rocks

The Corniche, a waterfront promenade, offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, while Pigeon’s Rocks rise 60 meters above sea level. Both sites are synonymous with Beirut and must be seen. Don’t forget to look out for the fishermen and the swimmers.

Further reads: Art Galleries to Discover in Beirut

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Rabih Zihri – Drone photographer (@rabihzihri)

6. Shouf Biosphere Reserve

The Shouf Biosphere Reserve — the largest nature reserve in Lebanon — is home to three magnificent cedar forests. These forests, which make up a quarter of the remaining cedar forest in the country, are estimated to be 2,000 years old. The reserve also serves as a sanctuary for various mammal species and plants, making it an important conservation site.

Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, trekking, bird watching and mountain biking, and from the mountaintop, they can take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Bekaa Valley and the Mediterranean Sea.

Designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2005, the Shouf Biosphere Reserve covers approximately 5% of Lebanon’s total area and includes the Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, the Ammiq Wetlands and 24 surrounding villages.

Further reads: Great Hiking Trails in Shouf

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Dr. Firas Bou Chakra (@dr.firaschakra)

7. Jezzine Waterfall

Jezzine is a picturesque village in South Lebanon, known as a popular summer resort and tourist destination. The town is famous for its stunning waterfall, which plunges some 90 meters.

Interestingly, the waterfall holds historical significance, as it is located near the Fakhr El-Din Grotto, which served as a hiding place for the Lebanese Emir during the Ottoman era.

Further reads: Top 5 Attractions in Jezzine

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Elias Chamy (@eliaschamy)

8. Mar Charbel Annaya

Mar Charbel Annaya is a religious site in the Lebanese mountains. It is at the monastery that Saint Charbel, who was known for his spiritual devotions and healing the sick, is buried.

This holy place is not only peaceful, it also brings together people of all faiths from the four corners of the world.

Further reads: Exploring Religious Tourism in Deir El Ahmar

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Saint Charbel-طبيب السما (@saint.charbel.annaya)

9. Batroun Old Souks

Batroun Old Souks, brimming with history and cultural significance, are a must-visit attraction for tourists exploring Lebanon. These charming and vibrant markets, dating back centuries, offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region with their narrow alleys and traditional architecture. These days, the souks feature a large variety of restaurants, bars and coffee shops. The well-known Hilmi’s lemonade shop can also be found here.

Further reads: Discovering the Ancient Side of the Batroun District

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Waad (@waad_lamaa)

10. Saida Sea Castle

Saida Sea Castle is a coastal fortress that dates back to the 13th century. With its striking architecture and strategic location, it played a vital role in defending the city throughout history. Today, it is one of the most visited places in South Lebanon.

Further reads: Mini Guide to Saida

View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Khatib Mohamad (@khatib_adventures)

11. Qadisha Valley

Steeped in history and culture, the spectacular Qadisha Valley is a must for tourists. This breathtaking valley has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its deep gorges, ancient monasteries and stunning landscapes.

Further reads: Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Bcharreh District

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by a l i d a h e r (@alidaher89)

12. Oyoun Orghosh

Nestled on the eastern foothills of Qornet El Sawda, Lebanon’s highest peak, lies Ouyoun Orgosh Lake. Here, freshwater springs form tranquil ponds amid rugged hills. Visitors can enjoy summer camping, invigorating hikes, off-road adventures and leisurely picnics while eating fresh fish, particularly trout, and delicious mezze from tented restaurants during spring and summer.

Further reads: 5 Captivating Lakes 

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by M A H E R – A Y O U B 🔥 (@maherrayoub)

5 Irresistible Reasons to Visit Hilmi’s Lemonade

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When is the Best Time To Visit Lebanon?

Lebanon is blessed with an agreeable Mediterranean climate and four distinct seasons, similar to Jordan , but unusual for the Middle East.

Yet with such diverse topography, the climate and weather of Lebanon can vary a great deal depending on where you are. In general, spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons to visit Lebanon, summers get very hot, and winter is when you’re likely to see a lot of rain or snowfall.

With around 300 days of sunshine per year, chances are that you will be able to catch some good weather in Lebanon during your trip regardless of when you choose to go. But there are periods that are better than others to travel to Lebanon, depending on what you are looking to do.

Spring in Lebanon

The best time to visit Lebanon, particularly Beirut, any other coastal cities, and the Bekaa Valley (where you can see the ruins of Baalbek ), is during the spring. Between the start of April and through mid-June, the weather is generally sunny, warm and wonderfully pleasant with temperatures ranging between 15 and 28 degrees.

Autumn in Lebanon

Autumn is another agreeable time to visit. Temperatures in Beirut usually range between 16 and 30 degrees between September and November.

It’s still possible to take advantage of Lebanon’s beaches during your trip. You can swim starting in the spring all the way through the fall, even as late in the year as November. Autumn is also a great time to hike in the mountains and admire the changing foliage.

Keep in mind that during both spring and autumn, temperatures will be cooler in the mountains, and will drop significantly once the sun goes down. Be sure to bring layers you can add on and remove.

You’ll find more tips on what to pack and what to wear in Lebanon here !

Summer in Lebanon

The coast and places like the Bekaa Valley get very hot during the summer months. Beirut’s temperatures average between 24 and 30 degrees during July and August and you are likely not to see a drop of rainfall during that time. It is also very humid. A place like Bekaa, which is buffered by mountains, will be hot but dry.

This type of summer climate may not be so unusual but frequent power cuts can make it unbearable at times, particularly on the coast. If you and your family are staying in a larger hotel or hotel chain, for example, it theoretically shouldn’t be much of a problem as they will have decent generators to power the air conditioning. Smaller, family-run boutique hotels and guesthouses may have less reliable electricity, however. 

Going to the mountains and places like the Qadisha Valley, for example, can be a welcome respite from the humidity on the coast. While it can still get quite hot during the day, the temperatures are significantly more pleasant, ranging between 6-22 degrees, and the air less humid.   

Winter in Lebanon

Winters in Beirut are relatively mild temperature-wise, ranging from 11 to 19 degrees between December and March, with January being the coldest month of the year.

This is the season when Lebanon sees a heavy concentration of rain. Also, the weather is a bit … moody. It can be grey, calm, and cool one moment until a sudden a violent thunder or hailstorm sweeps in.

While they usually don’t last too long, it’s always good to be prepared for such a quick change if you’re out and about. Bring extra layers, an umbrella or a rain jacket, with you if you can. Waterproof shoes are always a good idea to wear during the rainy months if you’re walking around a lot outside. While snow is extraordinarily rare in Beirut, it has been known to happen.

Variable weather in Bekaa Valley

Though it is very hot during the summer, the Bekaa Valley gets cold and windy during the winter and may experience heavy snowfall. Snowboots are a good idea to bring.

Also, it’s good to bear in mind that many places may not have adequate heating. During the winter, some smaller hotels and many restaurants will tend to be very cold (often colder than outdoors as many buildings are not properly insulated, and as a result hold humidity inside). Again, it’s good to bring an extra layer just in case.

Snow in the mountains!

Winter in the mountains is vastly different than on the coast. Lebanon also boasts a handful of decent ski resorts, such as Zaarour and Mzaar, whose altitudes range between 1,700 – 2,465 metres.

The mountains see quite a bit of snow between December and lasting until March, sometimes even until mid-April. This is the time of year to test the Lebanon cliché and try to ski and swim on the same day. (Just keep in mind that it would be a very busy day.)

Public and Religious Holidays in Lebanon

With such a mix of different religions all within one country, Lebanon has quite an array of public holidays.

While you will find that many institutions like banks, schools and different government offices will be closed on these days, many restaurants, cafes, stores, shopping malls, and certain tourist sites will still be open, albeit possibly with reduced hours. In Beirut, you should still also be able to easily access taxis on Lebanon’s public holidays.

While it might be more strategic to avoid a visit during holidays like Ramadan or Eid (which vary each year in terms of when they take place), there is no need to fear that the country will be completely shut down during these periods. You may just want to avoid these times to reduce any inconveniences.

Calendar of Public Holidays in Lebanon for 2024

• New Year’s Day (1 January)
• Armenian Orthodox Christmas (6 January)
• Feast of Saint Maroun (9 February)
• Good Friday, Easter (Catholic, Eastern Orthodox) (March/April)
• Labour Day (1 May)
• Martyr’s Day (6 May)
• Resistance and Liberation Day (25 May)
• Assumption of the Virgin Mary (15 August)
• All Saints’ Day (1 November)
• Independence Day (22 November)
• Christmas Day (25 December)
• Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar (variable – 10 March to 9 April 2024)*
• Eid al-Fitr, the three days of feasting at the end of Ramadan (variable – 9 to 10 April 2024)*
• Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice which marks the end of the hajj and is usually three days (variable – 16 June -18 June 2024)*
• Ras as-Sana, the Islamic New Year (variable – 8 July 2024)*

* these holidays move depending on the Hijri Islamic Calendar, around 10 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar

More on Visiting Lebanon

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• Best of Beirut with Kids
• 12 Incredible places to visit in Lebanon with kids

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20 Cozy Winter Spots To Visit In Lebanon

There is something special about the winter season in Lebanon. As the cold air comes and nature’s hum fades away, we feel urged to match its ambiance with cozy sweaters and cozier destinations!

Are you wondering where to go this winter? Whether you’re looking for a fancy dinner spot, a cocktail bar, or a comfy place with a chimney, we’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of 20 cozy winter spots to visit in Lebanon! *

* In no particular order.

📍 Location: Bikfaya.

Lola is a well-known French restaurant in Bikfaya overlooking the country’s coastline from Naas mountains, and is definitely worth visiting during winter! Have a juicy steak along with a glass of wine and spend a lovely evening beside their chimney.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lola (@restolola)

2. the Wood factory Pizzeria

📍 Location: Baabdat.

Nestled in a wooden house with a fireplace, The Wood Factory Pizzeria is one of the best places to visit during winter! Enjoy their cozy atmosphere, romantic ambiance, and delicious wooden pizzas. ( Click here for more pizza places to visit in Lebanon ).

P.S. They open from Monday to Saturday at 7:00 PM.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Wood Factory Pizzeria (@thewoodfactorypizzeria)

3. O bois Restaurant

📍 Location: Khenchara, Metn.

Head to Khenchara village in the Metn district (30 minutes away from Beirut) where a memorable experience awaits! O Bois restaurant has astonishing architecture, a marvelous chimney, a homey atmosphere, and more.

As for food, they serve International and Lebanese cuisine in their fresh hot bread. Their specialties are the Fondue Savoyarde , Fondue Bourguignonne, and Raclette Traditionelle .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by @oboisrestaurant

4. The Wooden Cellar

📍 Location: Restos St. Nicolas, Achrafieh.

The Wooden Cella r is a wonderful gem to visit in Beirut, known for its romantic vibes, live performances, wine tastings, and delicious cuisine! They serve cheese platters, pizzas, live-cooking pasta, and a big selection of wines and alcoholic drinks.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Wooden Cellar (@thewoodencellar)

📍 Location: Mar Mikhael, Beirut.

Mar Mikhael is always a good choice to visit at any time of the year, and one of its best spots is Amelia , known for its beautiful architecture, lovely ambiance, and lively atmosphere.

It’s a great place to grab some cocktails and enjoy a special evening in the heart of Beirut!

P.S. Age limit 24+.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amelia Beirut (@ameliabeirut)

6. The gathering

📍 Location: Faqra.

If you’re planning on taking a trip to Kfardebian, make sure to visit The Gathering in Faqra for a unique dining experience! The restaurant is located at Massaya Winery and is divided into 2 dining rooms and a terrace. It has a cozy charm and overlooks some wonderful views.

And while you’re there, have a wine tour to discover their cellars and enjoy a wine-tasting session!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by T H E G A T H E R I N G (@thegatheringfaqra)

7. Iris Domain

📍 Location: Bhamdoun.

Iris Domain is a winery, restaurant, and guesthouse, all in one place! It’s a beautiful escape from the city, where you can come for lunch, dinner, wine tasting, or to stay the night. (Click here to explore the winery).

P.S. Iris Domain is also a great choice for a private celebration in the mountains.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by IRIS DOMAIN – THE EXPERIENCE (@irisdomain)

📍 Location: Dahr El Souane, Metn.

Flint is another cozy spot to visit in Lebanon, featuring unique architecture, beautiful décor, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere.

They host live music performances on the weekends, so make sure to check out their calendar!

P.S. Flint opens Tuesday to Saturday at 8:00 PM. Reservation is a must. No kids allowed.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by FLINT Resto (@flint_lebanon)

9. Steak Bar Sushi

📍 Location: Naqqache.

Steak Bar Sushi is a magnificent restaurant to visit during winter, combining steaks, sushi, and drinks. The place is beautifully decorated, with a gorgeous red tree in the middle that adds to the romantic ambiance of the place.

Further Reading: Looking for more Steakhouses to visit in Lebanon? Click here !

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Steak Bar Sushi (@steakbarsushi)

10. Tallet Nasr

If you’re looking for an authentic Lebanese meal in the mountains, then Tallet Nasr is the place for you! Besides its delicious food, the restaurant has a lovely design, a fireplace, and a warm atmosphere! It’s a great choice for families as well as friends.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Restaurant Tallet Nasr (@tallet_nasr)

11. La Creperie

📍 Location: Jounieh.

La creperie is a fine dining restaurant overlooking Jounieh’s Bay and is worth visiting in all seasons! From their interior architecture to their Lebanese & French cuisines, and every detail in between, you’ll surely have a memorable experience.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by La Crêperie (@lacreperielb)

12. Le Montagnou

📍 Location: Kfardebian.

Le Montagnou is an Alpine experience with a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean! Sit indoors in their cozy wooden house and enjoy their tasty menu that includes Steaks, Pizzas, Salads, and more.

Further Reading: If you’re looking for more places to visit in the area, check out our guide for the best places to visit in Faraya .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Le Montagnou (@lemontagnou)

13. Ixsir Winery

📍 Location: Batroun.

Head to Ixsir Winery in Batroun where a special experience awaits! Have a wine tour, discover the winery, and taste one of the finest wines in the country. Then, enjoy a delicious lunch in their restaurant, serving Lebanese and French cuisines.

P.S. The restaurant opens Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ixsir By Montagnou (@ixsirbymontagnou)

14. Long yin restaurant

📍 Location: Adma.

Located at the Regency Palace Hotel, Long Yin is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Lebanon. Get ready to be transported to China as soon as you enter the restaurant, which welcomes you with its authentic décor, classical Chinese music, and cozy ambiance.

P.S. Long Yin offers Dine in, Take out, and Delivery services.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by LONG YIN (@longyinrestaurant)

15. L’autre Bistro

📍 Location: Hamra, Beirut.

L’autre Bistro is a hidden gem in Hamra, and one of the best spots for a date night in Beirut .

The place is divided into multiple rooms, each room with its unique style and charm. As for food, they offer a variety of dishes including Pizzas, Salads, Risotto, and Steaks.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by L’Autre Bistro (@lautre_bistro)

16. Westwood Valley

📍 Location: Zahle.

Located on the hills surrounding Zahle, Westwood Valley is an outstanding project that offers endless activities, bungalows, tents, and more. Their restaurant, Omniya , is a must-visit place whenever you’re in the area, where you’ll enjoy their freshly-made Italian food and lovely vibes.

Also, consider staying the night in one of their 12 bungalows to get the most out of the Westwood Valley experience .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Westwood Valley Zahle (@westwood_valley_zahle)

17. Les Caves de chez michel

Located at the Terre Brune Hotel, Les Caves De Chez Michel is the perfect spot for a date night in the mountains. They offer mouthwatering steaks, fresh salads, premium wines, and weekend entertainment.

P.S. The restaurant opens its doors at 6:00 PM.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Les Caves De Chez Michel (@lescavesfaqra)

18. Provincial

📍 Location: Kaslik.

Provincial is another cozy café and restaurant to visit this winter, being more of a casual destination and suitable for friends as well as families. They serve a variety of dishes from different cuisines, shishas, and a big selection of alcoholic drinks.

Feeling romantic? Their indoor space is perfect for Cheese and Wine beside the chimney with your significant other!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ProvincialResto (@provinciallebanon)

19. Locanda A La granda

📍 Location: Byblos.

Locanda A La Granda is a beautiful gem to visit in Byblos Souk, serving International fusion cuisine. The restaurant is divided into 2 floors, the second one is beautifully decorated, making you feel as if you were having dinner under the stars!

Further Reading: Looking for more places to visit in Byblos? Take a look at our Byblos Travel guide !

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Locandaalagranda (@locandaalagranda)

20. Les Caves

📍 Location: Roum, Jezzine.

Head to South Lebanon and visit Les Caves restaurant in Jezzine for another fabulous experience! They serve Lebanese and International cuisine in a cozy and warm ambiance. This place is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, and also romantic dinners!

Les Caves also hosts live performances, so make sure to check out their calendar before heading there.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Les Caves – Roum (@lescaves_roum)

Each one of these cozy spots has its own charm and is definitely worth visiting this winter in Lebanon!

Which places did you like the most? And where will you visit this winter? Leave us a comment right below.

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Hit the road and check out the area’s best fall attractions and festivals

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If you ask someone what they like about living in Pennsylvania, one of the top answers that you’ll hear is that there are seasons.

Who doesn’t love going from blistering, surface-of-the-sun temperatures to only a few months later having to swap out your entire wardrobe to fend off potential frostbite?

But between those two extremes lies a sweet spot known as autumn (“fall” to the layperson).

We’re fortunate to live in a part of the country where fall is in full force, and there are plenty of ways to experience it: two of the best being festivals and local attractions.

If you’re the type of person that loves a festival, then there’s good news for you: There are lots of them all over Central Pennsylvania. Here are a few happening over the next couple of weekends, but you can find even more listed here .

If you’re a fan of apple-centric festivals in particular, well, then your head is about to explode…

35th Annual Apple Cider Festival

On October 13, you can take a quick drive over to Grantville’s H.M. Levitz Memorial Park for their Annual Apple Cider Festival. They’ve got a pie baking contest, apple dumplings, wagon rides, and petting zoo, and while it wasn’t listed, it’s probably a safe assumption that apple cider will be present as well.

If you’re planning on going it’s probably not a bad idea to brush up on the difference between apple cider and apple juice. Ned Flanders explains:

Old-Fashioned Apple Festival at Little Buffalo State Park

Little Buffalo State Park is located in Newport, PA; about 40 miles west of Lebanon. It may be a bit of a drive, but if you find yourself in the mood to see demonstrations of cider squeezing, apple butter boiling, and corn grinding at historic Shoaff’s Mill on October 19 or 20, it’s the place to be.

They’ll also have live entertainment and activities for kids.

Choctoberfest

Also happening on October 19, but a little bit closer to home is Choctoberfest in Downtown Hershey.

You get three guesses as to what the theme for this one is…

…nope.

…that’s right; chocolate.

Choctoberfest is free to attend and will be held from noon-6pm on the corner of the appropriately named Chocolate and Cocoa Avenues. It’s a family-friendly event highlighted by food, entertainment, craft beer and more.

4th Annual Palmyra Area ChiliFEST & Chili Cook-Off

Whether you just like to eat some chili, or you have a chili recipe that you think will throttle the rest of the competition, you may want to check out the 4th Annual Palmyra Area ChiliFEST & Chili Cook-Off from 11am-2pm on October 19.

If you feel like you’ve got the intestinal fortitude to tackle it, and don’t mind signing a waiver, you can sign up for the festival’s hot pepper eating competition!

Attractions

Whether you like you like things that are tame and relaxing, or spine chilling and blood-curdling, there are plenty of options in Central PA.

Field of Screams

Chainsaw-wielding maniacs, criminally insane asylum patients, and more await you at America’s self-described #1 haunted attraction.

Field of Screams can be found just off of Route 30 in Mountville, Lancaster County. Not for the faint-of-heart, Field of Screams features four terrifying attractions: Haunted Hayride, Den of Darkness, Frightmare Asylum, and Nocturnal Wasteland.

Field of Screams also features an entertainment area with music, games, and food, as well as some special events throughout he season.

Corn Cob Acres

If your preference is attractions that take place in daylight and without murderous circus clowns, right next door to Field of Screams is Corn Cob Acres.

Corn Cob Acres is a non-scary attraction and is geared toward kids and families. There are six themed areas to explore including Pumpkin Alley and Pasture Playland, as well as entertainment and food.

Hersheypark In The Dark

Most people have been to Hersheypark before, but have you been to Hersheypark… In The Dark?

Hersheypark puts on its Halloween best on weekends from October 18 through November 3. All 13 of the park’s renowned roller coasters will be in operation, offering up some thrills. There will also be some special events like a glow dance party, fall food and drink menus, and of course an opportunity to do some trick or treating.

Also included in the your admission is access to ZooAmerica’s Creatures of the Night , a night-time trek through the zoo to check out some nocturnal animals.

Sycamore Springs Apple Orchard

Located just north of Annville, Sycamore Springs Orchard has a multitude of fall offerings. Check out the bakery, purchase some produce from the market, or if you want to cut out the middleman, you can pick your own apples. Sycamore Springs offers 10 varieties of apples to choose from.

Seyfert’s Corn Maze

Nothing can bring a family, couple, or group friends together quite like getting lost in a corn maze, and Lebanon’s got a doozy of a maize maze (feel free to use that to elicit groans from your friends).

The maze in constructed on a 14-acre corn field, making it one of the largest corn mazes in the area. The maze is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until November 3. The cost of admission is $8 for those over 6 years old.

“Pumpkin Glow” at Hershey Gardens

If we were to do some sort of word association exercise and you were given the word “fall,” there’s a good chance that “jack-o’-lantern” would be one of the first things to pop into your head.

Hershey Gardens will be offering a special event called “Pumpkin Glow” on October 18, 19, 25, and 26. More than 200 jack-o’-lanterns will line the walkways throughout Hershey Gardens. This is a family-friendly, non-scary special event.

What are some of your favorite fall attractions and festivals? Let us know in the comments !

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