Why Lebanon
Lebanon packs ancient ruins, snow-capped mountains, Mediterranean beaches and one of the world's great food cultures into a country smaller than Connecticut. You can ski in the morning and swim in the afternoon. Here are the places worth your time.
Explore Beirut
Lebanon's capital is loud, layered and resilient. Wander the Corniche seaside promenade past the Pigeon Rocks (Raouché), browse the restored downtown around the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, and dig into history at the excellent National Museum of Beirut. By night, the Mar Mikhael and Gemmayze districts hum with bars and rooftop terraces.
Stand among the temples of Baalbek
In the Bekaa Valley, Baalbek holds some of the largest Roman temples ever built. The Temple of Bacchus is astonishingly well preserved, and the six surviving columns of the Temple of Jupiter tower nearly 22 metres. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Lebanon's most jaw-dropping ruin.
Walk through ancient Byblos
Byblos (Jbeil) claims to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns on earth. Explore the Crusader castle, the Phoenician ruins, and the small harbour, then eat fresh fish by the water. The old souk is perfect for an unhurried afternoon.
Ride the Jeita Grotto
North of Beirut, the Jeita Grotto is a two-level cave system of staggering limestone formations. You walk the upper gallery and glide by boat through the lower one. Cameras are not allowed inside, so simply take it in.
Hike the Cedars and Qadisha Valley
Near Bsharri, the Cedars of God are among the last ancient cedar groves, some trees over 1,000 years old. Below lies the dramatic Qadisha (Holy) Valley, dotted with cliff-hanging monasteries and a favourite for hikers.
Taste Lebanese food everywhere
A proper mezze spread, manakish for breakfast, knafeh for dessert and Bekaa Valley wine at estates like Château Ksara make eating a destination in itself.
Discover Tripoli and Sidon
Northern Tripoli has a labyrinthine medieval souk and Mamluk architecture. South of Beirut, Sidon's Sea Castle and old soap khan reward a wander.
Relax in the Chouf
The Chouf Cedar Reserve and the lavish Beiteddine Palace offer mountain calm and Ottoman-era splendour within a short drive of the capital.
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