Lebanon’s Most Beautiful Locations Will Take Your Breath Away
Lebanon has everything from ancient ruins to beautiful beaches. It’s rich in history and culture. Parts of it feel like you’re ancient Greece, but it never fails to display its own unique Lebanese character and spirit.
The Baalbek Temples
This ancient site, formerly known as Heliopolis, features temples originally dedicated to the god Ba’al, who was later equated with Zeus by the Greeks.
The temple of Bacchus, another temple in the complex, is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman temples and will leave you in awe.
The Jeita Grotto Rock Formations
Located just outside of Lebanon’s capital, the Jeita Grotto was discovered in 1836 by Reverend William Thomson. The natural rock formations have pretty much been left untouched inside giant caves.
The Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve
Lebanon isn’t short on natural beauty, but this is the largest of Lebanon’s three natural protectorates, as it takes up 5% of the total land area.
It is also the largest natural cedar reserve in the country, with over 250 kilometers of hiking trails.
Our Lady Of Lebanon
This incredible shrine will blow your mind no matter your religious background. The landmark was built in 1904 and stands 8.5 meters high on a shrine at the very top of a mountain in Harissa. It is located just about 30 kilometers from Beirut.
The Tyre Hippodrome
This is the place where you can walk along the same path walked by the Greeks, Romans, Phoenicians, and the Ottoman Empire over the years. They left their touch behind to be explored with ruins like Tyre Hippodrome.
Zaarour Ski Hills
Lebanon is as fun to explore in the winter as it is in the summer. The breathtaking mountain views of Zaarour make for fun off-roading in the summer and for adventurous ski slopes in the winter.
Chekka’s Waterfront
Whether you prefer tanning all day by aqua blue waters, leisurely swimming, or literally taking a leap on the adventurous side by jumping off the cliffs, this spot is definitely worth a visit.
The Baakline Waterfalls
This picturesque waterfall is the perfect romantic getaway, as you can have a coffee date right in the middle of crisp blue water and be serenaded nature. The waterfalls are even nicknamed “Paradise” on the signs leading up to them.
“Haven—The Cabin” Coffee shop
This is no ordinary coffee shop. This is where you go to escape the city in a cozy little haven that has a breathtaking view of the entire coastline. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset in the heart of Byblos.
The Qadisha Valley
Discover the great outdoors of Lebanon by taking one of the many hiking trails that swerve in and out of the mountains. Make sure to make a stop at the Balou Balaa waterfall.
There are also many monasteries to see around, as this site is one of the oldest Christian settlements in the world.
Byblos Ancient Town
This is one of the most ancient towns in the world, and it keeps on rising in population. They say it is the first-ever town constructed under the Phoenician dynasty.
Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where tourists can walk down cobblestone paths to explore old stone residences and eat fresh seafood.
Beiteddine Palace
This palace was first built in the 19th century in the traditional Lebanese architectural style. The Emir’s luxurious lifestyle is reflected in the decorated backyards and terraces. The palace also hosts an annual summer Beiteddine Festival that welcomes thousands.
The Cedars Of God
If you need a reminder of how much bigger than ourselves the world really is, the mountain town of Bsharri will do it.
This natural monument acts as a reminder of what once was a whole cedar forest in Lebanon. The trees are ancient and date back thousands of years.
Beaufort Castle
Go back in time by discovering the remains of a Crusader fortress that has outlasted civilizations. The Ottomans destroyed the top portion of it during a battle, but the rest of it still stands as a testimony to the religious conflicts that lasted thousands of years on the land.
The Airplane House
This might be both one of the strangest and coolest places in Lebanon. In Miziara you’ll find huge and unusual homes like this one made of an old airplane.
The wealthy village definitely takes recycling to a new level.
The Mountain Town Of Sawfar
This town in the mountains is rich in historic mansions, hotels, and abandoned buildings that you can explore.
Taking a walk down the famous Sawfar Corniche will give you a taste of beautiful nature and history, and it’s the perfect place for a romantic stroll. In fact, it is nicknamed “lover’s street.”
The Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque
The landmark is right in downtown Beirut. It’s famous for its iconic blue roof, but it is as stunning on the inside as it is on the outside. Inside, you can feast your eyes on the intricate ornamentation of the structure. The mosque is a symbol of the Muslim population in Lebanon.
Deir Al-Qamar
Travel back in time to the 17th century by visiting the Fakhreddine Palace. It was once the residence of the Druze Prince Fakhreddine II.
The palace is home to wax statues now. It is also part of a cute village that makes for a nice stroll along its alleyways.
Anfeh Coastal Town
The coastal town is a vacation paradise thanks to its clear blue water and the scenery of this tiny town.
The town is still home to old churches and the remains of forts. They say some of the old chambers might even be haunted! They nickname this town “the Greece of Lebanon.”
