Welcome to Lebanon! Discover the land where antiquity blends easily with the bustle of modern life; a place where the ancient Phoenicians, Romans, Ottomans, Arabs, and French have all left their mark. Walk through our streets and colorful markets, and take in the scents of the sea, our lush cedars, and the spices of our delicious cuisine. Lebanon is the pearl of the Middle East, where old meets new and cultures mix as East meets West.
Whether you are seeking luxury and comfort, tranquility or hustle and bustle, nature or nightlife, culture or fun, Lebanon will delight your senses and offer you an unforgettable escape of a lifetime. Our people are warm and open and will welcome you into our lives as a member of our family. Lebanon can offer a safe and peaceful getaway just hours from the capitals of the world’s most influential business centers.
Lebanon is a country reborn. Our new infrastructure and investment of hotels in Lebanon, restaurants, shopping complexes, roads, and telecommunications services have a backdrop of pristine coastline and lush mountains. Our year-round comfortable climate and diversity of cultural activities offer visitors more than just a summer getaway. From world-class cultural heritage sites, to modern spas, to ecotourism, there is something for everyone in Lebanon. Welcome.
Facts About Lebanon
CAPITAL: Beirut
POPULATION: Approximately 3.8 million
LANGUAGES: Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian
AREA: 10,452 square kilometers
CLIMATE: Mediterranean climate, with cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
ELEVATIONS: Highest point – Qornet Es-Saouda (3,090m). Lowest point – Mediterranean Sea (0m).
CURRECY AND BANKING: Movement of currency into and out of the country and all exchange transactions are completely free of any kind of control. Gold and silver coins may be freely exchanged, imported, and exported. The official monetary unit is the Lebanese pound issued in LL50, LL100, LL250, LL500, LL1,000, LL5,000, LL10,000, LL20,000, LL50,000, and LL100,000 denominations.
Banking is a major industry in Lebanon with strict banking secrecy one of its important features. More than 80 banks operate in the country, and transactions are performed efficiently and at low cost.
Climate & Weather in Lebanon
Lebanon is blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate and four distinct seasons.
Summer (June to September) is made for sun worshippers and water enthusiasts, with temperatures along the coast ranging from 20-32°C (68-90°F). Clear skies and little rain are perfect for outdoor cafés and seaside fun. Alternatively, head to the mountains for nice walks and cooler weather, typically 6-22°C (45-70°F). Summer is the season for sampling mouth-watering cherries and vineyard grapes in the Békaa Valley.
Fall (October-November) brings crisp, cool weather to the mountains, 5-20°C (40-68°F), while remaining pleasantly warm on the coast and in the South, 15-28°C (60-85°F). Fall is a good time for apple picking in the North and viewing the harvesting of olives and machinations of olive presses all over the country.
Winter (December to mid-March) is the time for outdoor sports, with six ski resorts catering to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, and kilometers of cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails to be explored. Because winter is the rainy season, the mountains get considerable snowfall. Temperatures fall to below 0°C at night and range from -5°C-5°C (25-40°F) during the day. The coast is wet and cool, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-67°F).
Fall and winter can be the ideal time to visit Lebanon's historical attractions and ruins while avoiding crowds and hot weather. On a fresh, crisp day you might find yourself as the sole visitor amidst the majestic ruins of Sour (Tyre) or Baalbek, feeling almost transported to the ancient days of the Phoenicians or Romans.
Lebanon warms again in the Spring(April-May). As a result of the winter rain and the melting snow, the scenery comes alive with wildflowers, making spring the prime opportunity for hiking Lebanon's mountain trails and discovering its unique flora and fauna. Temperatures range from 0-15°C (32-60°F) in the mountains to 15-25°C (58-72°F) along the coast
Explore Nature & Adventure
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.Mzaar-Kfardebian (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- Kfardebian (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.
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.
City Life
Explore city Life
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.
Sightseeing
Beirut’s new architecture – which includes contemporary high-rises, as well as Parisian-style buildings constructed in the old tradition with beautiful wrought iron work – blends well with the old. And the old can be very old. Visit the ruins of the Roman Baths near the Grand Serail, the Parliament building, the Al-Omari Mosque, and St. Georges Cathedral. If these sites captivate your interest, take a tour of the local museums. The National Museum and the American University of Beirut Archaeology Museum showcase antiquities from Lebanon’s past
Shopping
Shopping is a quintessential leisure activity in downtown Beirut. Lebanese track the European fashion trends closely in both interior design and clothing. Designer garments, jewelry, and accessories are introduced in Beirut first before they spread to the other Arab markets. Rue Hamra is a shoppers' paradise, with everything from stylish everyday wear and shoes to upscale evening wear.
Some of Beirut's home furnishings stores rival cutting edge retailers in Europe and the United States in terms of selection and interesting items. Visit Charme d'Antan in Achrafiyé, located on Elias Sarkis Avenue facing the Rizk Tower. For good bargains on old or replica furniture, visit Le Hangar de Denise in Horsh Tabet or try the flea market in the old streets of Basta Tahta. Carpets are also big in Beirut. Kabalan on the Salim Salam Bridge, Maktabi in Verdun, and Nalbandian in Achrafiyé are big names in new and antique carpets.
Lebanon supports its own echelon of fashion and furniture designers, artists, and photographers, whose work can be seen in galleries and shops throughout the city. Try Aishti, or visit one of the many designer stores in the Solidère region, to find the latest fashions.
The traditional crafts are also a big pull: hand-made olive oil soaps, Jezzine cutlery made from animal horns, boldly designed silver and gold jewelry, and hammered copper trays with arabesque designs are must-buys. Traditional crafts can be found at several artisanat shops throughout the city. There is a large Ministry of Culture-sponsored artisanat shop near the Corniche and a private artisanat shop on Rue Clemenceau, near the Gefinor Center
Entertainment & Nightlife
Nightlife in Beirut merits a special note. The city is brimming with restaurants, beach clubs, centers for performing arts, music venues, movie theatres, a casino, and a number of discos, pubs, and bars. The best approach may be to get warmed up for your evening at one of Beirut's state-of-the-art health clubs, such as Lifestyles, near the Corniche, or the Spa Intercontinental, at the Phoenicia Hotel. Then check out the performance schedules while sipping a Lebanese espresso or enjoying a cocktail at a café in trendy Solidère.
Nightclubs and Casino
For late night activities, try your luck at the Casino du Liban or "see and be seen" at one of Beirut's many happening nightclubs. Rue Monot in Achrafiyé is a hot spot for clubs and bars and the latest fad restaurants. Put on all your finery and dance to techno house, hip hop, or Arab Latin music until the wee hours of the night.
Dining
Cosmopolitan Beirut brims with cafés, pubs, and restaurants catering to a range of local and international tastes. Hotel breakfast buffets typically include juice, coffee, croissants, platters of fruit, yogurt, and a variety of hot and cold entrées, from omelets to cereal. If breakfast is not included in the price of your hotel room or you fancy going out, try Casper & Gambini. The stylish restaurant serves up European cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Pain au chocolate, beignets (French doughnuts), and toasted bagels with a variety of fillings are breakfast specialties (US$1 to US$5).
For lunch or dinner, there are numerous outdoor cafes in the beautifully reconstructed Solidère area that revive the weary traveler with crêpes, sandwiches, salads, etc. (US$5 to US$15). Also in the Solidère area is Al-Balad, an atmospheric restaurant with outdoor seating serving excellent Arabic food (US$15). Off the Corniche (seaside road), one can find good Italian pastas, pizza, and salad at Caffe Mondo (US$8 to US$20), an outdoor café in the Phoenicia Hotel that can be accessed from the street. For Chinese and Japanese food, try Chop Sticks (Chinese, US$10 to US$15) or Scoozi (Italian/Japanese, US$25) both in Solidère.
If you're on the move or on a budget, Lebanese fast food places are all over the city. Each establishment tends to specialize in a few basics, such as shwarma and kebabs or sandwiches (US$1 to US$2). Look around for places that serve melted chocolate and banana for dessert. Achrafiyé is the trendy place to go for full-course Lebanese or European cuisine and a puff on the water pipe, nargileh, after dinner.
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