Travel Beyond Beirut - Unveiling Lebanon's Enchanting Villages
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Travel Notes: Middle East - Lebanon Travel Notes.
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Lebanon Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes
Escape the city and discover the charm of Lebanon's captivating villages. Explore traditional stone houses, historical sites, and breathtaking landscapes.
About Lebanon
Lebanon has historically been a popular destination for tourists due to its rich cultural and historical sites, stunning coastline, and renowned cuisine.
While it has faced numerous challenges, Lebanon remains a place of resilience, warmth, and cultural richness.
Countries neighbouring Lebanon: Syria and Israel.
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Mapping Lebanon
Map of Lebanon
The Lebanese Republic has 250km of coastline on the Eastern Mediterranean; the slither of land, a world of hope.
Lebanon is a small country located in the Middle East, on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea.
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon.
Lebanon Overview
Lebanon is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south.
Background Information
The coast was colonised by the seafaring Phoenicians, in around 2500 BC, and Phoenicia became one of the richest and most important provinces of the Persian empire; after the Persians conquered Nebuchadnezzar II's Babylonia; in 539 BC.
Lebanon's modern development as a country can be a attributed to the cohesive polices of the French who arrived in 1920.
The French went along with the Maronite's beliefs in Mount Lebanon, and established the Lebanese Republic in 1926.
Lebanon gained full independence when the last French troops withdrew in 1946.
Lebanon has faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including civil wars, political instability, and external conflicts.
The most recent civil war, which lasted from 1975 to 1990, deeply affected the country's infrastructure, economy, and social fabric.
Lebanon also experienced the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon from 1982 to 2000 and has been impacted by the ongoing Syrian civil war.
Despite its challenges, Lebanon has historically been known for its vibrant culture, hospitality, and cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Culture
Lebanon is a culturally diverse nation with a population of around six million people.
The country has a unique blend of ethnic and religious groups, including Arab Muslims, Arab Christians, Druze, and other minority communities.
The country has a rich culinary tradition, famous for dishes such as tabbouleh, hummus, and falafel.
Lebanese music, dance, and cinema have also gained international recognition.
Arabic is the official language of Lebanon, but French and English are also widely spoken.
Economy
Lebanon's economy is characterised by a diverse mix of industries, including banking and finance, tourism, agriculture, and services.
However, the country has faced economic crises in recent years, including a severe financial downturn starting in late 2019, which resulted in a significant devaluation of the Lebanese currency and a rise in inflation.
These economic challenges have led to widespread protests and social unrest.
Geography
Lebanon is known for its varied landscape, which includes coastal plains, mountain ranges, and the fertile Bekaa Valley.
The country gets its name from the mountains that rise from the coastal plain, to the east of Beirut.
Qurnat as-Sawda', in the north of the Lebanon Mountains, is the country's highest peak; at 3,083 metres above sea level.
Landmarks
Lebanon is also known for its historical and cultural landmarks.
The ruins of ancient Phoenician cities, such as Byblos and Tyre, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The capital city, Beirut, has a vibrant arts and nightlife scene, along with iconic landmarks like the National Museum, the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, and the Pigeon Rocks.
Rich History
Lebanon has a rich history that spans thousands of years and has been influenced by various civilisations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Crusaders, Ottomans, and French.
Lebanon Tourism - Lebanon Highlights
Lebanon offers a unique and diverse travel experience, blending history, culture, and natural beauty.
Remember to check the latest travel advisories and plan your trip accordingly.
Around Lebanon
Lebanon's diverse patchwork of Mediterranean-lapped coast, rugged alpine peaks, and green fertile valleys is packed into a parcel of land some 225km long and 46km wide; an area around the size of Cyprus or Connecticut.
Landscapes that change with the seasons, but are always bathed in the warm sun. The daylight rising over Lebanon brings endless opportunities of fun, beach, nature and outdoor activities.
Baalbek
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Baalbek is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world.
The Romans built up Baalbeck, once Pompey the Great took control of the area, in 64 BC.
The Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter are the most impressive structures in this ancient city, showcasing the significance of the region within the Roman Empire.
Beirut
Start your journey in the capital city of Beirut, which is often referred to as the 'Paris of the Middle East'.
Explore the vibrant neighborhoods like Gemmayze and Mar Mikhael, visit the National Museum of Beirut to learn about Lebanon's history, and enjoy the lively nightlife and delicious cuisine that the city has to offer.
Byblos
Located along the coast, Byblos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history dating back over 7,000 years.
Stroll through the charming streets of the old town, visit the Crusader Castle, and explore the ancient ruins, including the Phoenician temples and the Roman amphitheatre.
Byblos Castle
Situated in the heart of Byblos, Byblos Castle is a medieval fortress with panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
Explore its well-preserved halls, climb the towers, and learn about the castle's fascinating history.
Cedars of God
Head to the mountains of Lebanon to visit the majestic Cedars of God, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
These ancient cedar trees hold significant cultural and historical value and are often mentioned in the Bible.
Enjoy a hike through the forested area and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings.
Jeita Grotto
Located just outside Beirut, Jeita Grotto is a stunning natural wonder.
Take a boat ride through the underground river to explore the awe-inspiring limestone caves adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.
The upper gallery offers breathtaking views of the caverns.
Lebanese Cuisine
No visit to Lebanon would be complete without trying its mouthwatering cuisine.
Sample delicious mezze (a variety of small dishes), indulge in traditional dishes like falafel, shawarma, and manoushe, and enjoy the sweet treats like baklava and knafeh.
Sidon
Another coastal city worth visiting is Sidon, famous for its ancient sea castle and vibrant souks.
Explore the historic sites, including the Temple of Eshmoun and the Crusader Sea Castle, and take a walk along the picturesque Sidon Sea Castle Corniche.
Tyre
Visit the city of Tyre, known for its rich Phoenician heritage and UNESCO-listed archaeological site.
Explore the ancient ruins, including the Roman Hippodrome, the triumphal arches, and the awe-inspiring Necropolis.
Visit Lebanon
Visit Lebanon in summer to discover it's beaches and archaeological sites. But also visit Lebanon in winter, to ski and experience its beautiful white mountains.
The Mazaar Ski Resort is situated just above the village of Ouyoune El Simane, in the Kfardebian area of Mount Lebanon. The area's three connected ski domains boast more than 80 kilometres of ski runs.
Beirut
Map of Beirut
The cedar tree is the emblem of Lebanon, and not far from Beirut are some 400 of them, believed to be over 1,500 years old.
Fashionable and trendy, Beirut is the cultural epicentre of Lebanon; bustling with life and oozing with charisma.
Lebanon by Air
Flights to Beirut - BEY
Airlines and Airports - Cheap Flight Tickets.
Life Has Returned to Downtown Beirut
The former 'Pearl of the Middle East' is once again an exquisite experience; a bewildering composition of cultures and faiths, perched on a breathtaking sweep of Mediterranean coastline.
Lebanon Experiences
Tripoli
From earliest times Tripoli, in north Lebanon, was not really a city, but three cities in one; hence its name Tripolis, or the 'Tri-city'.
Built on a rocky promontory on the East Mediterranean coast, Tripoli stood halfway between the great rival commercial centers of Antioch and Tyre.
Tripoli is a very rich city in historical monuments and proud of its traditions; one of the places that you must consider visiting on your next trip to Lebanon.
Tripoli is a prosperous business and tourist centre with many new hotels built inside and on the outskirts of the city.
Explore the Old City, visit the impressive Crusader Castle of Saint Gilles, and indulge in the city's famous street food and sweets.
Lebanon Travel Guides
Lebanon Travel Guides - Lebanon Maps.
Weather in the Middle East:
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