Explore Culture & History in Lebanon

An interesting archaeological relic found throughout Lebanon is the hundreds of well-preserved mosaics from the Roman and Byzantine eras. Countless colorful, tiny stones form intricate images of mythological figures, religious deities, and geometric designs. The mosaic is symbolic of modern-day Lebanon, which is a country characterized by a diversity of cultures, traditions, and religions interwoven through time. It is this unique diversity which fascinates travelers.

Thanks to its location at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa, Lebanon has been shaped by many civilizations throughout history. Its position as a meeting point for diverse peoples is evident in the extraordinary richness of its archaeological sites and historical monuments. From Stone Age settlements to Phoenician city-states, from Roman temples to rock-cut Christian hermitages, from Crusader Castles to Mamluke mosques and Ottoman hammams, the country's historical sites are a true encyclopedia of ancient and modern world history.

Modern Lebanese society is characterized by this same cultural diversity. Most Lebanese people speak Arabic, English, and French. As you walk the streets of downtown Beirut, you will pass domed mosques and steepled churches, reflecting the country's religious and architectural legacies – Sunni, Shiia, and Druze Muslims; Maronite, Eastern Orthodox, and other Christians; and many others. Regionally, each part of the countryside has its own local flavor, with different villages preserving a different culinary, artistic, religious, or cultural traditions.

A visit to any of Lebanon's ancient archaeological ruins, traditional villages, or religious sites will truly give you a taste of the cultural mosaic of this captivating country.

Agriculture and Rural Heritage
A rural tour of Lebanon begins on the subtropical coast, ripe with citrus fruits and banana trees. From there, make your way up the Mount Lebanon range, passing characteristically Mediterranean fig and olive trees, growing on rocky, terraced mountain slopes since Biblical times. You can also pick apples, cherries, peaches, and pears right off the trees in late summer and early fall.

Further up, you will reach the snowy peaks interspersed with cedar and juniper trees. Passing over the mountains, you will descend into the valley of the Békaa where the dry air and bright sun nurture the famous vineyards, producing highly praised grapes and wine since ancient times.

In the villages scattered throughout the countryside, the Lebanese people still retain many of their old traditions and customs. Although much of the Lebanese population lives and works in Beirut, most families have a “home” village where they spend their weekends and summers.

One of the delights of Lebanon's rural villages is the traditional arts and crafts of Lebanese artisans. Whether it is pottery, blown glass, cutlery, woven cloth, traditional music instruments, inlaid and carved wood, olive oil soap, or gold and silver jewelry, you are sure to find superbly executed handicrafts, perfect as souvenirs.

Visit with a local family at a small inn or bed & breakfast in a traditional, red-roofed mountain town, and sample the pleasures of home-cooked Lebanese cuisine, and gain a deeper understanding of the rich culture and history that rural Lebanon has to offer.

Explore Nature & Adventure in Lebanon
The blue sky and warm waters of the Mediterranean, the fresh air and rugged mountain peaks, and the pleasant chill of snowmelt-fed rivers make Lebanon a perfect destination for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors. From a leisurely afternoon of snorkeling or diving on the coast to a multiple-day trek through ancient cedar forests and mountains, the compactness of the country makes it possible to explore much of Lebanon's natural beauty and the cultural diversity in a single trip.

In this country of rich biodiversity, nature-lovers will enjoy watching endangered loggerhead and green turtles come to shore for breeding along the southern coast or going on guided nature walks in the north in search of tiny orchids, medicinal plants, and colorful wildflowers.

With a rich variety of terrain, adventure-lovers will find any outdoor sport under the sun. In summer, many seaside and mountain resorts offer the perennial favorites, such as swimming, water-skiing, tennis, golf, and parasailing. Diving and snorkeling are is also very popular. You can explore Roman and Phoenician ruins off the coast of Saida (Sidon), Jbail (Byblos), or Sour (Tyre) or the wreckages of a World War II submarine at Khaldé, south of Beirut. In addition, ecolodges, clubs, and small outfitters offer mountain biking, guided hikes, rock climbing, rafting, archery, orienteering, and camps or other multi-day outdoor excursions throughout the year. In the winter, you can add downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing across Lebanon's snow-capped mountains to the list of outdoor activities.

For those seeking serious adventure and adrenaline, why not explore Lebanon from the air by paragliding or rock climbing to the more inaccessible rock-cut sanctuaries and hermitages hanging precipitously from steep mountain cliffs? Caving in Lebanon is another unique experience. Considered one of the most beautiful caves in the world, the Jeita Grotto was discovered a hundred years ago. The cave is open to the public year round. For exploration of Lebanon's other more remote caves, many clubs and small outfitters offer tours with experienced guides and all equipment provided.

Beaches & Seaside
With 225km of Mediterranean coastline extending the entire length of the country from north to south, you'll find plenty of sun and sand in Lebanon. Beach season in Lebanon stretches from April to October, with sunny, dry weather and warm temperatures (20-32°C / 68-90°F) for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. However, even in the winter season you will find plenty of activities to take advantage of along Lebanon's scenic shore.

The coastline in Lebanon alternates from sandy to rocky beaches, offering an interesting variety of terrain and seaside activities. Along the coast north of Beirut, the mountains descend sharply to the Mediterranean Sea, offering spectacular vistas of rocky coastline and colorful sunsets over the water. In the south, fragrant and colorful citrus groves and banana trees line the coast, giving way to some of the country's best-preserved and remote sandy beaches.

Lebanon's coastline is not just for sun worshippers. Nature enthusiasts can explore the unique Mediterranean ecosystem at the Palm Islands Reserve, located 5km off the coast near Tripoli. The reserve is a prime location for observing Lebanon's coastal flora and fauna, including sea turtles, seals, and over 300 species of migratory birds. The well-preserved beaches at the Tyre Coast Nature Reserve are also known for their rich marine and freshwater habitats.

Adventure enthusiasts will find diving, waterskiing, sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, paragliding, and much more along Lebanon's coast. Snorkelers can explore the magnificent submerged Phoenician and Roman ruins off the coast of the city of Sour (Tyre).

Traditional beach enthusiasts have several options to choose from in Lebanon. For those seeking full amenities and comfort, luxury resorts and beach clubs offer private beach access, swimming pools, water skiing, diving, boat rentals, nighttime entertainment, restaurants, and accommodations. Good, inexpensive public beaches with clean water and basic facilities are located in Jbail (Byblos), Chikka (near Tripoli), Batroun, and south of Sour (Tyre).

Water Sports
With 225km of Mediterranean coastline, as well as numerous rivers throughout the country, Lebanon offers many salt- and fresh-water sporting activities. Lebanon's rocky coastline and underwater terrain make it a unique destination for snorkeling and diving. A 600m deep underwater valley runs from Beirut to the Bay of Jounié, creating interesting rocky gorges and underwater cliffs and dropoffs for divers to explore. Another popular diving area is at Chikka (near Tripoli), which offers some of the best marine landscapes and flora and fauna off the Lebanese coast.

Exploring the underwater ruins near Jbail (Byblos), Saida (Sidon), and Sour (Tyre) is another popular activity for divers and snorkelers; however, you are required to obtain a special permit to dive near archaeological sites. There are also several world-class shipwreck sites, including “le Souffleur” (a French submarine from World War II) near Khaldé, for underwater exploration.

Lebanon's coastline is lined with many private beach resorts and diving clubs offering facilities and equipment rentals for diving and snorkeling, as well as a variety of other water activities, including water skiing, windsurfing, and sailing. Nitrox equipment is available for technical deepwater dives.

While water sports in Lebanon are centered on the coast, there are also a number of freshwater activities, including rafting, kayaking, and canyoning. These are concentrated on the rivers Nahr Litani and Nahr Ibrahim, which typically swell as the spring weather melts the mountain snows, creating great deep, fast water conditions. Many ecotour operators offer guided rafting and water sport activities on Lebanon's rivers

Caving
A mountainous and rocky country composed primarily of limestone, Lebanon offers exciting opportunities for caving. Over 400 caves, caverns, and sinkholes are scattered throughout the country, offering something for everyone, from the expert spelunker to the casual tourist.

Most caves are concentrated in the Mount Lebanon region, stretching from north to south in the center of the country. The most popular and “touristy” of caves include the Jeita Grotto, with its huge caverns and underground lakes, and the enormous and intricate Afqa Grotto, source of the Adonis River where legend has it Adonis and Aphrodite exchanged their first kiss.

For the more adventurous tourists and experienced spelunkers, there are many other caving options that require guides and equipment. The Roueiss Grotto, for example, is a 5km long labyrinthine cave with an underground lake, large halls, and unique crystalline formations.

Lebanon is also home to stunning vertical caves – called “sinkholes” or “potholes” – that are some of the deepest in the Middle East (up to 602 meters). These sinkholes are explored using ropes and climbing equipment, rappelling down into the hole and then climbing back up. Lebanon's largest sinkholes are concentrated in the northern Mount Lebanon region, especially near Laqlouq and Tannourine.

Skiing & Winter Sports
With six ski resorts catering to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, and with kilometers of backcountry Nordic cross-country and snowshoe trails waiting to be explored, Lebanon has something for everyone.

Each of the ski resorts boasts its own local flavor. For example, The Cedars Ski Resort (2,000-3,086m), near Mount Makmel (2,800m), is located on the highest range and offers the most scenic landscapes. Faraya-Mzaar (1,830-2,465m) is the best resort in terms of world-class infrastructure and facilities. Other resorts, such as Laqlouq (1,650-1,920m) and Qanat Bakiche (1,910-2,050m), are known for their family-oriented, friendly atmosphere. Faqra-Kfar Dibiane (1,735-1,980m) and Zaarour (1,700-2,000m) are private ski resorts, with special “peak” times reserved for members.

If you are seeking to evade the ski crowds, many outdoor adventure tour operators take groups on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trips. Lebanon's high plateaus are tailor-made for such Nordic pursuits.

Kids & Families
Lebanon is a family-oriented country, and parents with kids will find a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for a family vacation. The small size of the country, its emphasis on family life, and its open, friendly culture make Lebanon an excellent destination for exploring educational, cultural, and recreational activities with children.

The mild, Mediterranean climate allows for year-round outdoor activities. In the summer and holiday seasons, villages throughout the country put on festivals with family-oriented activities and events to entertain children. Families will enjoy sun, sand, and swimming at the seaside beaches. Children won't want to miss the many water parks that offer thrilling rides in a clean and safe atmosphere.

During warm summer evenings, Beirut's downtown cafés in the beautifully restored Central District (“Solidère”) fill up with families as their children play and ride bicycles nearby in the Place d'Etoile. People of all ages stroll, jog, bicycle, and roller blade on the Corniche, a long promenade along the Mediterranean coast in downtown Beirut.

In the wintertime, skiing is a popular activity for the whole family. Ski schools and other activities are available at Lebanon's six ski resorts for people of all ages. Snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are increasingly popular activities for young people in Lebanon.

Year-round cultural, historical, and natural attractions abound in Lebanon, providing an enriching educational experience for families. Parents and kids, alike, will enjoy bird or turtle watching at one of the country's numerous nature parks and reserves, camping in the mountains, or looking for unique plants and animals during a scenic hike. Museums and exhibits – such as the Planet Discovery Children's Science Museum in Beirut, the Marie Baz Wax Museum in Deir El-Qamar, or Animal Encounter in Aley – are an entertaining and educational way to spend an afternoon. Older children and teenagers will appreciate the grandeur of the country's Roman and Phoenician ruins, and a visit to these ancient monuments may spark new interest in history.

No matter where your family goes in Lebanon , from the bustling city of Beirut to a small village or a remote nature park, you'll find fun children's activities close at hand.

Bird Watching
Lebanon is an important stopping-off point for migratory birds along African-Eurasian migration paths, creating a wealth of bird watching opportunities, especially during the spring and fall. The peak bird watching seasons are mid-September through mid-October, and early March to mid-April.

Due to Lebanon's diverse landscape, bird watchers are rewarded with a wide variety of species (over 300), including the rare chance to see magnificent but threatened birds such as the Imperial Eagle and the Sociable Lapwing. In addition, there are plentiful opportunities to see more common birds such as raptors, harriers, water birds, and others, like the Syrian Serin and the Palestinian Songbird.

There are three key areas for bird watchers to visit. The coastal reserves, including the Palm Islands Nature Reserve and the Tyre Coast Nature Reserve, are home to numerous sea and water birds. The mountains, with sites such as the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve and the Al-Shouf Cedar Reserve, are known for eagles, vultures, and quails. Further inland, the marshes and plains of the Békaa Valley, such as the Aammiq Wetland, also offer plentiful bird watching opportunities. The southern village of Ibl Es-Saqi is also home to a small bird sanctuary.

Trained guides are available in the nature reserves, and ecotour operators run bird watching hikes and treks through many of these beautiful areas.

Camping
More and more camping options are emerging in Lebanon, and many existing sites are simply spectacular. Campers can set up their tents overlooking the sea north of Jbail (Byblos) and walk down from their site to the Mediterranean for a swim and some snorkeling. Alternatively, campers can retire in the Adonis Valley, home of the legendary frolicking of Adonis and Aphrodite of Greek mythology.

Lebanon offers numerous campsites and ecolodges that have fully supported facilities catering to groups and families. These include platform tents or bungalow-style lodging, meals, and organized recreational activities such as hikes and mountain bike rides.

For those looking for a more remote nature experience, backcountry camping is allowed on any public land that is not in a Nature Reserve or Protected Area. In these areas, camping is often part of an organized, guided excursion led by one of the country's many ecotour operators. Camping can be a base from which to launch daytrips to nearby towns and historic attractions, for hikes in surrounding natural areas, or simply as a quiet respite from the bustle of Beirut city life.

Cycling
Lebanon's rugged mountains, hills, and valleys, and its spectacular scenery immersed in history, make for some truly unique mountain biking opportunities. Cyclists can ride up Qornet Es-Saouda (Lebanon's highest peak) with views of the Békaa Valley to the east, Syria to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. You can also ride through rugged mountainous terrain and Cedar groves in the Horsh Ehden and Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserves, and at the Cedars ski resort. The high plateaus of the Mount Lebanon Range are covered with extensive trail networks, offering technically challenging terrain for seasoned cyclists.

For those looking for more relaxed cycling, the Békaa Valley and the coastal regions have many opportunities both on and off-road. Many small villages have small shops offering bike rentals for independent on-road biking.

Most mountain biking is done with a guided tour, as many mountain trails are not well marked. Several tour operators run guided cycling tours catering to all levels, and include bicycle rental, lodging, food, insurance, an experienced guide, and transportation to and from the trailhead.

Mountain Climbing
Lebanon is one of the few places in the Middle East to offer a broad range of mountain climbing activities, from relatively easy summit climbs and technical peak ascents, to bouldering and adventure climbing. Limestone mountains, beautiful scenery, and easily accessible climbs welcome climbers to Lebanon.

The Aaquora, Tannourine, and Laqlouq regions have rock faces rated from 3 to 8 (on the French rating system), many of which are already bolted. There are also many interesting and technically challenging summits for mountaineering, including the 2,814 meter Mount Hermon and Mount Makmel, whose northeast face is an extremely technical climb.

Very few countries offer such great climbing located near such interesting cultural and historical attractions as Lebanon. For experienced climbers with their own equipment, topographic maps of climbing routes can be obtained from one of the country's ecotour operators. Ecotour operators also organize a variety of guided climbing and mountaineering trips throughout the country, accessible for relatively fit travelers of all skill levels.

Explore City Life in Lebanon
Fashionable and trendy, Beirut is the cultural epicenter of Lebanon. The city is bustling with life and oozing with charisma. Beirutis live life to the full, taking in all the city's gastronomic delights, ambience, and leisure activities until the wee hours of the morning. Between the time they leave work and the time they arrive home, a true Beiruti fits in shopping along Rue Hamra, a gallery opening, drinks with friends at a new bar, dinner around 10pm, and a Lebanese espresso, before hitting a nightclub in Achrafiyé around midnight.

Whether it's music and theatre, galleries, shopping, or dining that you're after, there is no end to the choices for those visiting Beirut.

Hiking & Trekking
Varied terrain, scenic vistas, and historic environs combine to create unique hiking and trekking opportunities throughout Lebanon. Popular areas for hikes include the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve near Tripoli, and the Al-Shouf Cedar Reserve, both of which offer good and extensive trail systems. Other areas with spectacular scenery and unique historical and cultural attractions include the Qadisha Valley, Makmel Park, and the remote Aakkar region in the North.

For a quintessential Lebanese experience, you can wander through the Adonis Valley, a ruggedly cut gorge sprinkled with historic ruins that is the site of Adonis and Aphrodite's love story in Greek mythology. There are many trekking clubs and tour operators that run guided outings throughout Lebanon, ranging from leisurely day hikes to longer multi-day treks.

Nature Reserves
Lebanon's climatic diversity and varied topography have bestowed the country with a unique ecological system that ranges from the subtropical coast to the alpine high mountains of the interior. The country is rich in its biodiversity, and in the last decade special attention has been paid to protecting endangered species and conserving their habitats in specific parts of the country. The more than 20 Nature Reserves and Protected Areas are a testament of Lebanon's focus on conservation and sustainable development. Please note that it is illegal to camp in Lebanon's Nature Reserves and Protected Areas.

Lebanon’s Four Seasons

Near perfect weather and a display of colorful wildflowers. Soak up the beauty of a Mediterranean spring in Lebanon.	With sun and fun, mountain escapes, and cultural festivals, Lebanon's summer offers something for everyone.
Fall is harvest time in Lebanon, with cooler weather, fewer crowds, and scenic natural beauty.	From the snow-covered mountains to the warm Mediterranean coast, Lebanon's winter is a season of contrasts.

Explore Lebanon in Winter
From the warm Mediterranean coast to the snow-covered mountains, Winter (December-March) presents visitors to Lebanon with a host of contrasts. Winter along the coast is a mild affair, characterized by warm days and cool evenings, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-67°F). As such, it is a wonderful time to visit the many historical and cultural attractions along the coast, including the ancient cities of Jbail (Byblos), Saida (Sidon), and Sour (Tyre). Not only will you avoid the crowds, but you may actually find yourself as the solitary visitor to these ancient ruins.

The real draw during the winter, however, is Lebanon's winter sports. With six ski resorts catering to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, and kilometers of backcountry cross-country and snowshoe trails waiting to be explored, Lebanon has something for everyone. Winter is the rainy season in Lebanon, which translates into plenty of powder at the higher elevations where temperatures range from -5-5°C (25-40°F). If timed correctly, a visit during the tail end of the ski season affords visitors the opportunity to ski in the morning and take a relaxing swim in the Mediterranean in the afternoon.

The country's famous nightlife, entertainment, and shopping do not slow down during the winter months. There is also a popular classical music festival each February at the Al-Bustan Hotel which features renowned classical pieces and performers.

Lebanon in Fall
Fall (October-November) brings cool, crisp weather that is perfect for taking in Lebanon's rich historical treasures. Temperatures range from 5-20°C (40-68°F) in the mountains and from 15-28°C (60-85°F) on the coast. Since these months are outside the summer and winter high seasons, there will be fewer crowds and better deals on accommodations.

Leisurely explore the country's numerous archaeological sites and historic monuments. Go on a hike in the Cedars forest or one of the nature reserves. Take a gastronomical tour of Lebanon, sampling regional specialties at the great restaurants scattered throughout the country. Don't miss wine tasting at the vineyards in the Békaa Valley, the citrus harvest in the South, and apple picking in the North.

Hire a small outfitter to take you on a trip along the ancient olive route to see the harvesting of the olives, learn how olive oil is pressed, and purchase Lebanese olive oil and luxurious olive oil soap.

Explore Lebanon in Summer
Summer (June-September) in Lebanon is made for sun worshiping, beaches, mountain escapes, and cultural festivals. The clear skies and warm temperatures along the coast, 20-32°C (68-90°F), lure Lebanese and tourists alike to the waters of the Mediterranean. The atmosphere here is a mixture of trendy “see and be seen” and utter relaxation.

As usual, Lebanon offers tourists more than a traditional “sun and fun” vacation. When not soaking up the sun, visitors can soak up some history at a plethora of archaeological sites. For a change of pace, head to the mountains. Plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking, rafting, and mountain biking, await in the cooler mountain climes, 6-22°C (45-70°F).

For arts enthusiasts, summer is when Lebanon hosts a large number of festivals, featuring both local and international performers. The largest of these festivals are held at historic and archaeological sites, serving as breathtaking backdrops for performances. For example, the Baalbek Festival is hosted on the site of spectacular Roman temples; the Beiteddine Festival is held at a 200 year-old palace in the mountains of the Chouf; and the Byblos Festival takes place in one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

The international festivals attract premier talent in a variety of performance areas, ranging from opera or jazz to renowned dance companies and famous comedians. For festivals on a smaller scale with more of a local flavor, many villages throughout the country host summer fairs or festivals.

Explore Lebanon in Spring
Springtime (April-May) is one of the most pleasant times to visit Lebanon. The near perfect weather, 0-15°C (32-60°F) in the mountains and 15-25°C (58-72°F) along the coast, makes it a great time to discover Lebanon while soaking up the beauty of a Mediterranean spring.

Lebanon's archaeological treasures are on full display during the spring months, with snow-topped peaks in the background and bright wildflowers springing up amid the ruins. The Spring weather also makes it a fantastic time for outdoor activities. Varied terrain, scenic vistas, and historic environs combine to create unique trekking opportunities throughout the country. Particularly popular are hikes through one of the Cedar tree reserves (Al-Shouf, Horsh Ehden, Tannourine) or treks down into the majestic Qadisha Valley.

Lebanon also has great mountain biking, caving, rafting, and paragliding through spectacular mountains-to-blue-oceans landscapes. And, after a day of activities in the mountains or sightseeing on the coast, you can spend cool spring evenings sampling Lebanon's gastronomic delights at one of the country's many open air cafés and restaurants.