Lebanon is a very small country, you can be based in Beirut and take some day trips to different cities in the north and the south. From Baalbeck to Tyre, passing through Anjar, Byblos, the Quadisha valley, Sidon and so many more magical sites

Lebanon Coast

Baalbeck

The city of Baalbeck originated as a place of worship to Baal, the Phoenician Sun God. Later, in Greco-Roman times, Baalbeck was known famously as Heliopolis, or “City of the Sun.”. This site is categorized in UNESCO’s world cultural heritage sites and has a high degree of preservation. It has some of the largest and best preserved Roman temples in the world. The three main monuments of this city are Jupiter’s temple with its six impressive columns remaining, Venus’ temple and Bacchus’ temple. Baalbeck is located on two main historic trade routes, one between the Mediterranean coast and the Syrian interior and the other between northern Syria and northern Palestine.Today the city, 85 kilometers from Beirut, is an important administrative and economic center in the northern Beqaa valley.

Old Ruins of Juniper Temple in Baalbeck

Byblos

The city of Byblos has constantly been inhabited since the sixth century BC. The actual town is made up of the old town, surrounded by medieval walls along with the modern town that progressively expands towards the mountains. Modern scholars say the site of Byblos goes back at least 7,000 years.  37 kilometers north of Beirut, Byblos is a thriving place with glass-fronted office buildings and crowded streets. But within the old town, medieval Arab and Crusader remains are continuous reminders of the past.

Byblos Town and Harbor

I had dinner there and I can say it was quite expensive. I paid $ 30 for kebabs plate and a drink. The food was yummy and the view was amazing, but still, it doesn’t worth the 30 dollars. At weekend nights Byblos is packed with Lebanese and tourists as it has the most amazing clubs with a great sea view.

You will be delighted to visit Jounieh, the hub of cultures and civilization. A small city located on the sea coast of the sea, it is only 15 Km away from Beirut. Jounieh will satisfy your palette and sense of adventure. Greeting sea fares to the Port of Jounieh is Our Lady of Harissa, a white-washed statue towering above the area from its 600-meter-high mountain perch. The Basilica and statue are accessible from Jounieh via the cable car, which is open all year round. During the summer season, a night time ascent and descent gives you a remarkable sparkling view of the Jounieh and bay.

Jounieh bay in Lebanon

Another excursion that can be made in the vicinity of Jounieh is a visit to the Jeita Grotto. Raindrops of more than hundreds of thousands of years have worked a magic wonder in the limestone of the Mount Lebanon range near the Dog River. Discovered in 1863 by an American hunter, the caves originally opened in 1958 and became internationally known for the spectacular and sometimes macabre contortions of stalactites and stalagmites, stone curtains and columns. With their fantastic rock formations, the caves have attracted some 10.000 visitors a week since the site was reopened to the public in July 1995. It is now considered one of the modern 7 wonders of the world.

Deir El Qamar in Mount Lebanon

Beiteddine

17 kilometers beyond Beirut, The Beiteddine palace complex is seen as a precious Arabic architectural jewel. It was built over a thirty-year period by Emir Bechir El Chehab II, who ruled Mount-Lebanon for more than half a century. This historic monument comprises of two large courtyards: the “midane”, a vast rectangular place for visitors, and a smaller one for the royal private apartments, with a magnificent fountain in its center. 

Mir Amin Palace, just minutes from Beiteddine is a restored palace of the same period that is now one of the most beautiful hotels in Lebanon. Make a quick detour to see the hotel, not forgetting to check out the bottom of the swimming pool which is tiled to look like a Persian carpet. The view from the hotel is breathtaking.

Beiteddine Palace Entrance

Sidon

It is the capital of South Lebanon and has been one of the most prosperous ports of Phoenicia and the Mediterranean. Traces of this glorious past still hover in every street of the city. It is 48 Km south of Beirut and one of the Famous names in ancient history. But of all of Lebanon’s cities, this is the most mysterious, for its past has been tragically scattered and plundered. Sidon is famous for a variety of local sweets which you can watch being made in the old souk or in shops on the main street. The particular specialty of Sidon is known as “senioura,” a delicious crumbly cookie. Don’t miss the sea castle and the old souk and immerse into history.

Sidon Sea Castle, Lebanon

Tyre

A magnificent coast with ancient harbors and sweeping bays. It is an open-air archaeological museum with a walk along a colonnaded road that winds down to the harbor will allow you to savor a spectacle of Byzantine mosaics, ruins of a Roman arena, an extensive Roman bathhouse complex, not to mention the nearby Crusader Cathedral.

Crusader church in Tyre, Lebanon

The Roman Hippodrome, the largest in the world, will overwhelm you with its grandeur. You will be transported back into a bygone era as you envision the death-defying chariot races and hear the cheering crowd seated on the enormous stone stands. Steeped in antiquity, Tyre’s historical splendor can transport body and mind to a bygone era while its natural beauty can feed the soul.

Ruins of ancient Roman Triumphal Arch, Tyre, Lebanon

Tyre has a colorful souk well worth exploring. Look for the Ottoman khan, or inn, just inside the market entrance and get some sweets and souvenirs.

About the Author

 Mahy Medhat

A storyteller with a wanderlust desire, who loves exploring the world with a penchant for culture and food. Mahy has been writing for numerous high-profile magazines and currently working on publishing her own book.