Lebanon

What to see

Beirut

Vibrant city jutting out into the Mediterranean and backed by mountains that has had a horrific recent past but is bouncing back and is recovering from the damage inflicted upon it by the country’s civil war. Rebuilding means that there is an air of youthful modernity about the place, although plenty of the old souks also remain, making it one of the Middle East’s most appealing capitals.

Tripoli

Lebanon’s second city and a captivating place to spend time exploring the splendid Mameluk architecture, fine mosques and medieval markets. Overlooking a Crusader castle it also offers excellent access to the Island of Palm Trees nature reserve, home to large numbers of birds and green turtles.

Aanjar

Majestic ruins of the only Umayyad fortified town in the Middle East that are best explored on foot and at a leisurely pace.

Byblos

A gorgeous fishing port and one of the oldest continuously inhabited fishing pots in the world.

Top experiences / sites of particular interest

Raouche

Close to Beirut, this lively seaside resort has a pleasant promenade and a picturesque set of standing stones known as the Pigeons’ Rocks.

Baalbek

The site of the largest stone block construction in the world is also the location of the enormous Roman Temple of Jupiter and the Phoenician temple to their god Baal.

Tyre

An historic city centred on one of the largest Roman Hippodromes ever found, that has other exceptional ruins nearby and access to a stretch of fabulous coast that’s good for diving and snorkelling.

Beiteddine

Palace An impressive Ottoman-era palace complex that ranks amongst the most impressive example of nineteenth century Lebanese architecture and which boasts one of the best collections of mosaics in the Mediterranean.

Faraya Mzaar

Ski resort that comes to life in late December when locals descend on the slopes to watch each other, drink coffee and occasionally hit the snow.

When to go

Weather & Seasons: The coast has a mild rainy winter and hot Mediterranean summer. Inland, the mountains have an alpine climate, which can be very snowy in winter. The Bekka Valley also has snow in the winter but can be very hot and dry during the summer.

Important Dates and Festivals: The ideal time to visit is March to May, during the spring. Major festivals are tied to major Islamic or Christian public holidays.

Getting there / around

Flights: There is an internationalairport in Beirut(BEY).

Road: Getting around the country is possible by using service taxis , which ply set routes.The bus network is extensive and reliable, as are private taxis .

Sea: The various ports are serviced by passenger ferries .

Potential itineraries

Short Trips: In two weeks you can work your way comfortably around this compact country. From Beirut head up the coast to the picturesque port at Byblos before pushing on to Tripoli. Head inland to the Qadisha Valley for some remote trekking then take the road to the Bekaa Valley and Baalbek, stopping to try the wine produced in this area. Turn south for Aanjar before heading into the mountains to discover the Beiteddine Palace. Detour south to take in Tyre then return to Beirut to complete the circuit.

Guides

Overall Country Guides:The only stand alone guide for independent travellers is Footprint’s Lebanonguidebook.

Syria and Lebanon; Lonely Planet publishes a combined guidebook to Syria and Lebanon

City Guides: Lonely Planet produce a city guide to Beirut.

Maps

Syria & Lebanon: There are combined sheets of Syria and Lebanon, created by Cartographia and Reise Know-How.

Street Maps: Bahi Ghubril produces a street atlas of Beirut, Zawarib and Beyond.

Read More

To discover a country rich in history and tradition in Lebanon Through Writers Eyes, published by Eland.

David Hirst’s Beware Small States is a carefully documented, clearly argued account of the tormented past century of Lebanese and Middle Eastern history.

In The Hills of Adonis, Colin Thubron walks for five hundred miles through the mountains, following tracks and rivers as he quests for the divinities of the region.

Lorna Gibb’s biography of Lady Hester, Queen of the East also paints a vivid portrait of the country.

Sight & Sound

Watch West Beirut, a classic tale of civil war by Ziad Duweyri or Caramel by Nadine Labaki, which is the story of five Lebanese women.

Language

Arabic

Currency

Lebanese pound (L£), made up of 100 piastres.

Visas

Visas All visitors to the country require a visa before arrival.

Health issues

Hep A, Hep B, Polio, Rabies, Typhoid and Yellow Fever inoculations are recommended.

Safety, FO travel advice

There is a recent history of instability and sectarian violence, with outbursts of civil unrest. There is also a risk of terrorism.

Useful Telephone Numbers

Lebanese country represetatives can be found

in the UK at

and in the US at

There are no tourist boards in either country.

For more information visit www.lebanonembassyus.org or www.lebanon-tourism.gov.lb.