The Lebanon Guide
Jeita Grotto, the longest cave in the Middle East, is situated approximately 11 miles north of Beirut. It consists of two separate, but interconnected, limestone caves, and boast a length of 5.6 miles. One of the worlds most amazing agglomerations of stalactites and stalagmites, Jeita Grotto is widely considered to be the pride of Lebanon, and featured as a finalist as in the New 7 Wonders of the World Competition.
After you've checked out the amazing views in Jeita, take a ride on the Telefrique, Lebanon's aerial cableway, up the mountain to Harissa. On the grounds of Harissa, you'll find the beautiful statute of Our Lady of Lebanon that overlooks all of Beirut and most of the beautiful Lebanese coast.
One of the oldest towns in the world goes back at least 7,000 years. The rise and fall of nearly two dozen successive levels of human culture on this site makes it one of the richest archeological areas in the country.
Under the domination of the Egyptian pharaohs in the 3rd and 2nd millennia B.C, Byblos was a commercial and religious capital of the Phoenician coast.
It was in Byblos where the first linear alphabet, ancestor of all modern alphabet, (through Greek and Latin), was invented.
The sarcophagus of Byblos’ king Ahiram, now in the national museum, bears
the oldest known Phoenician inscription. Byblos was also the centre of the Adonis cult, the god of vegetation who dies in winter and renewed each spring.
Like its sister cities, Byblos was destroyed in the earthquake of 551 A.D it regained some consequence in crusader times when it came under the county of Tripoli. A modest town under the Mamluks and ottomans, Byblos grew rapidly during the recent war in Lebanon when commercial activities moved from Beirut to regional capitals.
This busy modern town located at 36 kilometers north of Beirut, has the “Roman Medieval port” as its main tourist hub. The landmarks in this area are: the crusader castle and church as well as the extensive remains of city’s past - from Neolithic times to the crusader era. A beautiful Mosque adds to the cultural mix in the old part of Byblos. And all around a diversity of cafes and restaurants can be found.
If you are searching for luxury, look no further than Madame Bleu in Ain el Mreisseh. Their pool and patio radiate elegance that has attracted Beirut crowds en masse. The Madame Bleu pool is equipped with lawn chairs, beds, and a full lunch menu. Reservations are required for entrance.
VEER Boutique Resort – Kaslik, Jounieh
The place is amazing. With a 360 degree bar smack bang in the middle of the pool, you’ll never be short of a drink.
IRIS Beach Club is an adult only resort in Damour, where you can spend an entire day in a laid back yet quietly sophisticated setting. Caught between a pastoral plantation and the stunning Mediterranean Sea, the setting evokes just what IRIS Beach Club is all about. Chill out on an oversized day bed or enjoy a private cabana with a view of the outstanding infinity pool. For a more natural setting take a stroll on the private sandy beach and dip your toes into the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.