good places to visit in lebanon

13 Stunning Places to Visit in Lebanon

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What are the best places to visit in Lebanon? If you’re planning a trip to Lebanon, where should you go? Lebanon is a fantastic little country with so much to see!

The good news is that Lebanon is a compact country. So compact that it’s possible to base in Beirut the whole time and take day trips all over the country. That’s what I did on my trip — and it made it so easy to travel all over Lebanon while coming back to the same bed every night.

One of the things I love most about Lebanon is its cultural diversity. The population is about 45% Christian and 50% Muslim, with 18 recognized religious groups. There’s a sizable Armenian population, too, and people with origins all over the Middle East and the world.

Consequently, there are parts of Lebanon that feel very European, and parts of Lebanon that feel very Middle Eastern. Places where you can default to French and places where you’ll need to know a few words of Arabic.

Lebanon is geographically diverse, too — mountains, deserts, waterfalls, cities of all sizes. In Lebanon you could theoretically ski in the morning and lie on the beach in the afternoon! (Granted, you can only do that in the winter, so it wouldn’t quite be sunbathing weather, but I digress…)

Here are my picks for the best places to visit in Lebanon — along with how to get there, Lebanon safety information, and the best things to do in Lebanon.

Table of Contents

Best Places to Visit in Lebanon

All roads lead to Beirut in Lebanon, and Beirut makes a great base for your whole trip. But as far as day trips go, you have freedom to shake things up.

If you could only visit three places in Lebanon besides Beirut, I would recommend the seaside town of Byblos , the Roman ruins of Baalbek , and the small city of Tyre .

Lebanon is a lot safer than you think it is . You don’t need to worry about war or terrorism more than you do in other countries, and common sense will get you far, but it’s smart to check the latest news before you go.

Baalbek is in the Beqaa Valley, close to the Syria border in Hezbollah-controlled territory. To get to Baalbek , it’s best to hire a private driver or join a day tour from Beirut.

Beirut is one of the best, most vibrant, most exciting cities in the Middle East. Because it’s much more liberal than other Middle Eastern cities, there is a huge party scene, from the wild beach clubs to the roof-retracting nightclubs. But beyond the nightlife, you have centuries of history and different cultures coming together. Oh, and did I mention how good the food is here?!

Have a night out bar-hopping on Armenia Street in Mar Mikael; stroll along the Corniche in the morning; check out the cafes on Hamrun Street; visit the National Museum of Beirut; take the Alternative Tour Beirut to learn more about Lebanon from a holistic perspective; spend a day at a beach club; shop in the Beirut Souks (more a mall than souks).

How to get to Beirut: Lebanon’s land borders are closed, so the easiest way to get to Beirut is to fly. Check Skyscanner for the best rates. There are also some ferries from Cyprus.

For me, Lebanon was part of a larger trip, so I flew to Beirut from Amsterdam via Istanbul on Pegasus Airlines. On the way back I flew from Beirut to Larnaca, Cyprus, spent a few days there, and flew back to Amsterdam.

Where to Stay in Beirut: See the Where to Stay in Lebanon section below for my top accommodation picks in Beirut.

Byblos — known as Jbeil in Arabic — is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lebanon. This seaside village north of Beirut looks like it could be a coastal town in Montenegro with its teal waters, palm trees, sandstone old town, and mountains rising in the background.

You might notice that the word “Byblos” is related to books — well, there’s reason for that. Byblos was a trade center for papyrus, importing it from Egypt and exporting it throughout the Aegean, distributing the earliest books.

Today in Byblos, you can visit the ruins, walk along the water, shop in the souk (now filled with souvenir shops more than anything else), or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the cafes with a water view.

Byblos is one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated for being one of the oldest Phoenician cities, inhabited since Neolithic times, and for helping create the Phoenician alphabet.

How to get to Byblos: Byblos is about a 45-minute drive from Beirut. It’s doable with an Uber, but you may have trouble finding an Uber to take you back to Beirut. Minibuses to Byblos (Jbeil) leave from Charles Helou bus station in Beirut, though they drop you off along the highway, about a 15-minute walk from town. This day tour from Beirut includes Byblos, Jeita Grotto, and Harissa.

Tyre, also known as Sour (pronounced soor ), was one of the most important cities on the Mediterranean. Today, this city in southern Lebanon is home to fine Roman ruins perched up against the sea, a pleasant and walkable small town, incredibly friendly people, and fresh flowers bursting out in every direction.

Some places give you great vibes from the moment you arrive. That was Tyre to me. It was walking along the seaside and having fresh orange juice with a mother and her young son. It was being one of the few people at the ruins, wondering why it wasn’t full of tourists. It was wandering through the town and photographing each piece of it.

Tyre is one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated for its ancient ruins, history as a Phoenician city, founding of cities like Cadiz and Carthage — and their achievement of inventing purple dye!

How to Get to Tyre: Tyre is about a one hour and 45-minute drive from Beirut. For public transportation, the minibus to Tyre (Sour) leaves from Cola Intersection in Beirut and you may need to change minibuses in Sidon (Saida) along the way. This day trip from Beirut visits Tyre, Sidon, and Maghdouche.

Harissa is home to one of the most famous sights in Lebanon: the Our Lady of Lebanon statue, perched on a mountaintop, seeming to look over the nation. Come to Harissa and you, too, can enjoy this Lebanese pilgrimage site — and spectacular views at 650 meters above sea level.

The Sanctuary here was created to honor the Virgin Mary — and serves as a place for peace-gathering workshops and activities between Christians and Muslims, and denominations within Lebanon’s 18 religious groups.

The most fun way to get to Harissa is to take a cable car to the top! It leaves from the seaside city of Jounieh.

How to get to Harissa: Harissa is about a 40-minute drive from Beirut. While you can drive there, you might enjoy it more if you drive to Jounieh and take the cable car to Harissa, a nine-minute journey. For public transportation, the minibus to Jounieh leaves from Charles Helou bus station in Beirut. This day tour from Beirut includes Harissa, Byblos and Jeita Grotto.

Get ready to see some of the best Roman ruins of your life! I’m not a huge fan of ruins in general, but Baalbek is home to some of the best ruins I’ve ever seen, the kind that stun you into silence. The scale alone is mind-boggling.

Baalbek is the ruins of the city once known as Heliopolis, the City of the Sun. The four temples here — dedicated to Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, and Bacchus, after Roman gods — are some of the largest remaining temples of the Roman Empire. You can also witness the two of the largest stone blocks in antiquity: the Stone of the Pregnant Woman, clocking in at 1,000 tons, and a block simply known as the megalith, clocking in at 1,650 tons!

If you’re looking to feel like an adventurer in Lebanon, there’s no better place than Baalbek. Climb to the top of the temples and enjoy the views around you, as the most powerful Romans once did.

Baalbek is one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated for its history as a Phoenician city and its enormous ruins, which are one of the finest surviving examples of Roman architecture.

How to get to Baalbek: Baalbek is about a two-hour drive from Beirut. I recommend spending a day exploring Baalbek in tandem with Anjar and the Beqaa Valley, possibly including a winery. This is best done with a private driver or day tour. This day tour from Beirut includes Baalbek, Anjar, and stop at Ksara Winery.

For public transportation, go to Cola Intersection in Beirut and say you want to go to Baalbek; you will be brought to a minibus to Chtaura, then you can change minibuses to get to Baalbek.

The drive to Bcharré, or Bsharri in Arabic, takes you through the winding roads of the Qadisha Valley, into river-carved canyons and mist-covered mountains. From there you’ll enjoy views that pull on your heartstrings. If you visit in the winter, you might even get to see snow.

Bcharré is famed for being the home of Lebanese-American poet, writer and artist Kahlil Gibran. The Gibran Museum was once a shelter for hermetic monks, carved into life from the rocks; today, it hosts Gibran’s tomb and a collection of his writings and drawings.

And the view above, one of my favorite views in Lebanon, it taken from the museum itself.

How to get to Bcharré: Bcharré is about a two-hour drive from Beirut. For public transportation, there is a daily minibus to Bcharré (Bsharri) that leaves from Dowra Intersection in Beirut. This day tour takes you through Bcharré, the Qadisha Valley, and the Cedars of Lebanon.

Cedars of God

Cedars are one of the most recognized symbols of Lebanon today. It proudly adorns the Lebanese flag. For centuries, these trees were lauded for their strength. The Phoenicians used their wood for boats; the Egyptians used their resin for tombs. Even U2 has a song called Cedars of Lebanon.

Sadly, there aren’t a lot of cedars remaining today. While they once covered the countryside around Lebanon, massive deforestation has led to their numbers dwindling. Cedars of God Park outside Bcharré is one of the places to see them. It’s worth visiting and hiking through the park to see their majesty up close — but seeing so few of them may leave you a bit depressed.

The cedars are fiercely protected today, however, and reforestation efforts are underway. But they take a long time to grow to adulthood, we won’t be seeing abundant cedar forests for decades.

The Cedars of God are one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, shared with the Kadisha Valley. They received this designation for their history as the most prized wood used for constructing religious buildings.

How to get to the Cedars of God: Cedars of God in Bcharré is about a two-hour drive from Beirut. For public transportation, there is a daily minibus to Bcharré (Bsharri) that leaves from Dowra Intersection in Beirut. This day tour takes you through Bcharré, the Qadisha Valley, and the Cedars of Lebanon. Alternatively, this tour gives you a full day of hiking in the Cedars .

Jeita Grotto

Jeita Grotto is just outside Beirut, making it a super-easy afternoon trip (and a cool relief from a hot day!). This grotto is a system of two limestone caves. They consist of two sets of caves: the lower caves and the upper caves.

The lower caves are home to a river that provides fresh water for many people in Lebanon, and you can visit by boat. It’s a spooky but beautiful experience, especially in the boat, with the water lit up bright blue. The upper caves have a pathway to explore on foot, and they’re home to the largest stalactite in the world: 8.2 meters (27 feet) long!

Keep in mind that Jeita Grotto is VERY strict about no photos allowed. Don’t try to sneak one.

Jeita Grotto is close to Harissa and Byblos, making it a great day out to visit all three. (Though you may want to allot the most time to Byblos.)

How to get to Jeita Grotto: Jeita Grotto is about a 30-minute drive from Beirut. You can easily take an Uber there, as I did; you can’t pick up Ubers there, though, so I took a taxi from Jeita Grotto on to Byblos. This day tour from Beirut includes Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos.

Qadisha Valley and Qozhaya

The Qadisha Valley feels like a world away from Beirut — but in a day trip you can see quite a bit of it. Mountains rise into the mist; rivers wind through the countryside, and mammoth rock faces give way to monasteries. The Qadisha Valley — also called the Kadisha Valley — was home to some of the earliest Christians fleeing persecution.

Qozhaya (Kozhaya) is one of the most important monasteries in the Qadisha Valley, and home to a convent dedicated to St. Anthony. A long drive through a wooded canyon takes you to the buildings, examples of Arabic architecture in the Middle Ages, and a rock-hewn chapel painstakingly built inside a cave.

The Qadisha Valley is one of the best places to visit in Lebanon if you’re looking to enjoy nature. Here you can hike, climb mountains, or even ski.

The Qadisha Valley is one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated for its history as one of the most important early Christian monastic settlements.

How to get to Qozhaya: The Qadisha Valley is about a 90-minute drive from Beirut. Qozhaya is best visited by hiring a private driver or booking a day tour from Beirut. This day tour takes you through Bcharré, the Qadisha Valley, and the Cedars of Lebanon.

Sidon, also known as Saida, is a port city to the south of Beirut. Though it has a storied history, Sidon is one of the lower-key, calmer cities to visit in Lebanon, and one of the easier side trips from Beirut.

Sidon is famous for two places in particular: its outstanding souks, some of the most picturesque in Lebanon, which sell both traditional and modern wares in their traditional small stalls; and the Sea Castle, which was built by the crusaders as a fortress of the Holy Land.

Sidon is about 45 minutes from Tyre, so it makes sense to pair them together on a day trip from Beirut.

How to get to Sidon: Sidon is about a one-hour drive from Lebanon. For public transportation, take a minibus to Sidon (Saida) from Cola Intersection in Beirut. This day trip from Beirut visits Tyre, Sidon, and Maghdouche.

If you’re visiting the ruins of Baalbek, you should visit Anjar too — and most drivers or tours will take you to both. Anjar may not have the sweeping majesty of Baalbek, but these ruins have something unique: spectacular arches that were designed by the Umayyads. Before the Anjar ruins were studied by archaeologists, there was no other evidence of the Umayyad Caliphate in Lebanon.

Anjar’s ruins are just a stone’s throw from the Syrian border (a mountain range divides the two countries). The city of Anjar is also home to one of the biggest communities of the Armenian diaspora in Lebanon. The city is also known for its four-sided wells.

Anjar is one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated for its ruins, which survive as an example of city planning under the Umayyads.

How to get to Anjar: Anjar is about a 90-minute drive from Beirut. This destination is best seen in tandem with Baalbek and the Beqaa Valley, either by hiring a private driver or booking a day tour. This day tour from Beirut includes Baalbek, Anjar, and stop at Ksara Winery.

Ksara, Wine Country, and the Bekaa Valley

Did you know that Lebanon has a thriving wine scene? That might be surprising for a Middle Eastern country, but not so much in retrospective when you consider its multi-ethnic background and its location right on the Mediterranean.

The best wines grow in high-altitude areas of Bekaa Valley, close to Baalbek and Anjar. Whites are nice but forgettable; where the region truly shines is Bordeaux-style reds and dry rosés.

Chateau Ksara is one of the popular wineries and they welcome travelers for tours, tastings, and lunches. Of course, if you plan on sampling the wines, you should not be driving that day — this is a good time to come on a tour or book a private driver!

How to get to Ksara and the Bekaa Valley: Chateau Ksara is a 90-minute drive from Beirut. Many tour companies include a stop at Chateau Ksara as part of their tours in the Bekaa Valley. This day tour from Beirut includes Baalbek, Anjar, and stop at Ksara Winery. Alternatively, this wine tour spends the whole day visiting wineries in the Bekaa Valley .

Finally, there’s Tripoli, or Trablous in Arabic — the second-largest city in Lebanon and a place that isn’t on most travelers’ itineraries. (Oh, and it’s definitely not the Tripoli in Libya!) If you do visit, though, you’ll get to enjoy a warm and welcoming city little-touched by tourism.

Tripoli has seen some hard times, and it’s one of the poorer cities in Lebanon. But there is a lot of beauty here — an Old City brimming with Mamluk architecture; dozens of souks, some of which specialize in gold or silver or fruits and vegetables or soap; and friendly locals eager to welcome you.

The El Mina neighborhood of Tripoli almost feels like another city, more like a calm seaside village. Offshore you can visit the Palm Islands Reserve and its protected turtles. Be sure to try some of Tripoli’s famous sweets (and if you’re a foreigner in the souk, everyone’s going to want you to sample theirs!).

How to get to Tripoli: Tripoli is a 90-minute drive from Beirut. For public transportation, take the Connexion bus from Charles Helou Station, which takes closer to two hours. This Tripoli day trip from Beirut gives you several hours in Tripoli, plus a stopover in Batroun or Byblos on the way back.

Is Lebanon Safe?

Is it safe to travel around Lebanon? Like most places in the Middle East, Lebanon is a lot safer than cable news would have you believe. The media paints the image of war, suicide bombers, and riots. Lebanon does have its problems — and has had some tough situations in recent years — but it’s not a war zone.

I traveled Lebanon as a solo woman in 2018 and didn’t feel uncomfortable at all — in fact, I was pleased with how much respect I was given as a woman. Then again, I chose not to visit Tripoli on advice from a local woman who advised me not to go alone (though other locals later told me that as an experienced solo traveler, I would have been fine).

In many ways, I felt safer as a woman in Lebanon than I have felt in many other countries. At one point, I had to sit next to a man on a minibus (usually women are sat next to women, but sometimes there’s a full bus and no other option). The man left six inches of space between us! That NEVER happened on the subway in New York!

Another issue is that part of the Bekaa Valley, including Baalbek and Anjar, is controlled by Hezbollah. When you enter that area, you pass through military checkpoints, as you do throughout Lebanon. (They are fast and easy and the guards usually have a smile for you.) Yes, it’s unnerving, especially since Hezbollah flags are for sale as souvenirs (!!), but most of the time tourists are able to visit safely.

The most important thing is to do your research before you arrive. Lebanon is not a place to arrive on a whim; doing proper research is essential. So where do you start?

I found this detailed post by Against the Compass  to be an excellent resource for travel safety in Lebanon. It’s updated periodically with the latest safety information. I encourage you to save it and take a closer look before your trip.

I also recommend checking out the  US State Department travel advisory  and  UK travel safety advice  for Lebanon. I find that the US warnings tend to be more alarmist, while the UK warnings tend to be more realistic.

Most importantly, travel insurance is essential for trips to Lebanon — and to anywhere else in the world, frankly. If you need to be hospitalized with a broken bone or appendicitis, or if you have an emergency and miss your trip, or if you get robbed on a bus, travel insurance will help you recoup your financial losses. I use and recommend  World Nomads .

Solo Female Travel in Lebanon: Is it Safe?

Top 10 Travel Safety Tips for Women

Where to Stay in Lebanon

Where’s the best place to stay in Lebanon? If you’re trying to see a lot of the country in a relatively short amount of time, it makes the most sense to stay in Beirut and do day trips. I stayed at the Radisson Blu Martinez . But there are options for all kinds of travelers.

If you want a fancy, crazy luxury experience: If you want top-notch luxury finishings and decor, go with the Sofitel Beirut Le Gabriel — it’s the best. If you want a splashed-out resort experience, go with the Movenpick Beirut , which has its own massive beach club.

If you want a small but funky local boutique hotel: The Albergo Hotel in the Achrafieh neighborhood has plant-filled terraces, local over-the-top decor, and a rooftop with a pool and outstanding views of the city.

If you want a mid-range hotel: The Radisson Blu Martinez , where I stayed, ticks all the boxes. The rooms are simple and the decor is dated, but it’s a solid option in a great neighborhood close to everything.

If you want a cheap but value-for-money place to stay: Loft 29 Residence is in the heart of the cool Hamra neighborhood, has all the facilities of apartments like laundry and a kitchen, and offers a free airport pickup in addition to very well-priced rooms.

Find deals on more places to stay in Beirut here.

How to Get Around Lebanon

There are three main ways to get around Lebanon: you can get around by driving (either renting a car, hiring a private driver, or using Uber for short distances), you can take public transportation (mostly minibuses), or you can book organized day trips.

Should you rent a car in Lebanon? For most people, I don’t recommend it. Lebanon is home to some of the worst driving I’ve ever seen (it’s up there with Georgia and Malta). Traffic into and out of Beirut is hectic, and drivers don’t hesitate to cut across entire highways, with no warning or turn signal.

I’ve driven in lots of countries, but I had ZERO desire to drive in Lebanon once I realized how crazy it would be. You may be different, though. If you thrive in driving in erratic environments, you might enjoy driving in Lebanon.

Otherwise, there’s hiring a private driver (which can start at $150 per day and get pricier from there); and hiring one-way taxis and/or Ubers. Ubers are mainly based in Beirut, so you’ll need to use taxis on the way back.

It’s also worth noting that not a lot of drivers in Lebanon have working seat belts in their cars.

Taking public transportation is another option. Minibuses operate from Beirut all over Lebanon, departing from Cola Intersection (usually points northeast and south) and Charles Helou Bus Station (usually points north).

It’s chaotic when you get there and it seems like there are no rules! But ask where you’re supposed to go and people will help direct you. Women are sat next to women on minibuses unless there’s no other option; you pay when you arrive at your destination. Bring small bills.

I found Tyre and Sidon to be an easy day trip to do by public transportation: it’s a straightforward journey down the highway; the minibuses drop you off in town; both cities can be easily explored on foot.

Finally, there are group day tours from Beirut. I’m not usually a take-a-day-tour-on-the-bus person, but I was glad I did two tours in particular: one to the Qozhaya Valley with Bcharré and the Cedars of Lebanon , and one to Baalbek, Anjar, and Ksara Winery . Those trips would be impossible to do in a day on public transit, and they went too far for an Uber or cab driver.

More on Lebanon:

What’s It REALLY Like to Travel in Lebanon?

More from the Middle East:

Visiting Petra in Jordan

Hanging Out in Kadikoy in Istanbul

Visiting the Burj al’Arab in Dubai

Have you been to Lebanon? What are your recommendations?

18 Breathtaking Spots To Visit In Lebanon

Natural landmarks, historical monuments, religious sites… Lebanon is full of wonderful gems worth exploring!

Are you wondering where to find them? We’ve got you covered!

In this post, we’ll show you 18 breathtaking spots to add to your bucket list* , so let’s go!

* In no particular order.

1. Jeita Grotto

Jeita Grotto is one of the longest caves in the Middle East, spanning 9km across the Nahr Al Kalb valley. It was chosen as an official finalist representing Lebanon in the 7 Wonders of Nature competition!

The cave consists of 2 parts: the Upper Grotto which you can visit on foot, and the Lower Grotto which you’ll explore on a dreamy boat trip!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Live Love Beirut (@livelovebeirut)

2. Cedars of God

You can’t be in Lebanon without exploring its majestic Cedars ! There are many Cedar forests in Lebanon , but the most famous one is the Cedars of God forest in Bcharre. Take a walk in the forest, and discover Cedar trees dating back thousands of years. You can also adopt your own Cedar tree!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lebanon Explorer | Travel guide to 🇱🇧 (@lebanon_explorer)

3. Raouche rock

Raouche Rock (also known as Pigeons rock) is a natural landmark in Beirut that was formed after a big earthquake hit the area in the 13th century. To check this wonderful gem, head to the Manara Cornish located right by its side, or rent a boat to explore it from the sea!

4. Qornayel Lakes

Take a 1-hour ride from Beirut to Qornayel village, then hike through a wonderful pine forest to reach these natural lakes. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the hills, valleys, and greenery all around you! Consider having your hike at sunset for an even more special experience.

5. Chowen Lake

Located in Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve, Chowen Lake is one of the top destinations to visit in Lebanon! Take a 45-minute hike from the parking lot through the mountain to reach a gorgeous blue lake. Then, take a dip in the refreshing water and enjoy a relaxing day in this little paradise!

Further reading: Looking for more hiking places in Lebanon? Click here .

6. Chekka Historic Tunnel

Check out this hidden gem in Hamat where the mountain meets the sea! Park your car near the tunnel on the seaside road, then walk on a parallel side trail right above the sea. You’ll see historical tunnels, a hidden staircase, and astonishing views!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Live Love Chekka (@livelovechekka)

7. Baloue Balaa

Located in Tannourine, Baloue Balaa (also known as Baatara Gorge) is a must-visit destination! The waterfall drops 255 meters into a fascinating cave known as the Cave of the Three Bridges. Take a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to reach this magical spot.

Further Reading: Click here to explore more beautiful waterfalls in Lebanon.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝐏 E𝐥𝐢𝐞 k𝐨𝐫k𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐳 (@flyoverlebanon)

8. Naqoura Sea wall

Located South of Lebanon, Naqoura Sea Wall is a unique spot that you don’t want to miss! Have a small hike to reach this beautiful landmark where you can enjoy the lovely scenery from its top, or take a dip in the crystal blue water.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Live Love Tyre (@livelove.tyre)

9. Afqa Waterfall

Afqa waterfall is another top destination worth exploring. It’s the source that feeds the Nahr Ibrahim river. The waterfall comes out from a stunning cave that will take your breath away! You can enter the cave and admire it from the inside and also swim in the lake where it falls.

10. the highest swing in the middle east

Head to Dennieh in North Lebanon where you’ll find the highest swing in the Middle East! The swing is 21 meters high, located on the top of the mountain, and overlooks the spectacular landscape of the Dennieh region. You can see the sea from one side, and Qornet El Sawda from the other!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by lebanon . danniye (@live.love.danniye)

11. Baalbek Roman Ruins

Baalbek is the home of 2 of the largest and grandest temple ruins: the temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter. It’s also a UNESCO world heritage site! Visit this iconic site and uncover the rich history of Lebanon.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Live Love Baalbeck (@livelove.baalbeck)

12. Saint Charbel’s Tallest Statue

When you’re in Faraya, make sure to visit Saint Charbel’s tallest statue, and enjoy the breathtaking views from above! The statue has a height of 24 meters and a weight of 40 Tons and overlooks Faraya and its surrounding mountains.

Further reading: While in Faraya, check out our top things to do there !

View this post on Instagram A post shared by livelovefaraya (@livelovefarayaa)

13. Our Lady of Lebanon

Our Lady of Lebanon is one of the top religious and tourist sites to visit in Lebanon! Drive to Harissa or take a cable car from Jounieh to reach this holy place. Relax in a peaceful atmosphere and enjoy one of the most beautiful views over Jounieh’s Bay!

14. Kfarhelda Waterfalls

Welcome to Kfarhelda waterfalls, a hidden gem in the Batroun mountains. Take a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to reach a breathtaking waterfall. The river flow will lead you to another waterfall, shorter than the first one and also worth exploring!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Live Love Kfarhelda (@livelovekfarhelda)

15. Sidon Sea Castle

Head to Saida in South Lebanon and discover its magnificent Sea Castle! It was built by the crusaders in the 13th century as a fortress of the holy land. It was then damaged and restored many times throughout the years. Now, it mainly consists of 2 towers connected by a wall, and overlooks the old city and fishing harbor.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Live Love Saida (@livelove.saida)

16. Laklouk Cross

Visit Saydet El Qarn Monastery in Laklouk, then walk on a path beside it that leads to a cross on top of the mountain. You’ll see incredible views of natural blue lakes and the surrounding mountains! (It’s best to visit during sunset).

Further Reading: Take a look at our guide for the best things to do in Laklouk .

17. La Jetée

La Jetée is the perfect spot in Bcharre to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Qadisha valley! This holy valley has sheltered Christian monastic communities for many centuries and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998.

18. Baakline Waterfalls

Baakline is a small village in Chouf, known for its beautiful waterfalls that keep flowing from their sources all year round. These waterfalls are now home to many restaurants where you can enjoy an authentic Lebanese meal with a view!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Live Love Baakline (@livelovebaakline)

Lebanon is full of breathtaking landmarks that you don’t want to miss! So make your bucket list and discover as many places as you can to get the most out of this exceptional country.

Did your favorite spot make it to this list? And which of these places would you like to visit? Leave us a comment right below.

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The best places to visit in lebanon in 10 days (+lebanon itinerary 5 days and 7 days).

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This tiny country that you hardly spot on the map can quickly become your favorite destination in the Middle East. Lebanese people love their homeland, and all foreigners who set foot become fond of that and wish to return. This ultimate guide about the best places to visit in Lebanon in 10 days is probably the most comprehensive you can find right now. I’m an international tour guide, and I’m eager to share my tips and recommendations about the best things to do and places to visit in Lebanon in 10 days. However, if you have a shorter time, I also added an ideal itinerary on how to spend 5 days and 7 days in Lebanon.

“You can swim in the sea and ski on the same day” –the first thing you hear about Lebanon.

Before you continue, read my article about how it is to visit Lebanon in the middle of the crisis

It is because Mount Lebanon sharply rises from the coast and takes you quickly to high altitudes. Lebanon is as much about the small Christian and Druze mountain villages, monasteries as about reputed coastal cities, beach clubs, and bustling capital with the craziest nightlife of the Middle East. Besides, it is an important trade and intellectual center. 

If I had to sum up the country in two words, I would come up with diversity and humanity . 

This compact country can offer unique diversity in culture, religion, landscape, and cuisine. Despite the beautiful landscape and world heritage sites, the people and their hospitality are the main reason why everybody loves being here! This is the magic of Lebanon! Even amid the enormous hardships that Lebanese people must face because of the economic crisis, I encountered incredible hospitality.

The civil war destroyed several iconic buildings in Beirut and the countryside. What you see now is mostly the reconstructions of the 1990s. However, the bullet points and demolished buildings do not let us forget the bloody past. 

How many days do you need to visit Lebanon?

You can visit many places in 5 days. But you can easily spend ten days or even two weeks in this small country. Two weeks is enough to go to every corner, and even relax a bit on the beach or in the mountains, but Lebanon will not let you be bored. 

Read also the travel guide about the second biggest city of Lebanon, Tripoli

The below itinerary contains touristic and hidden, less known gems of the country as well.

When is the best time to go to Lebanon?

The summer months (June-September) are the liveliest in Lebanon, but prices also rise steeply. Beach clubs get full, and mountain villages are also packed with mid-and upper-class Lebanese escaping to higher altitudes. During this period, it is harder to find last-minute accommodation, and you should book in advance.

If you plan to blend cultural and nature travel, spring and autumn are the best times to travel to Lebanon. The weather is hot enough for swimming and pleasant for hiking. Outside the peak season, it is easier to find accommodation and rooms outside Beirut.

The best way to get around Lebanon (public transport or car rental)

Because of its small size, everything is reachable within a day from Beirut. It means that you can visit everything on a day trip from there, and it does not take more than two and a half hours to get from northern Tripoli to southern Tyre. 

However, you can only fully immerse in the Lebanese culture if you also stay in other places. I highly recommend spending at least a night in Tripoli, the second biggest city of Lebanon, in Byblos or one of the mountain villages in the Chouf.  

Public transport

You can easily get to the major cities along the coast with public transport with distant buses (Jounieh, Byblos, Barun, Tripoli, Sidon, Tyre) and Baalbek in the Bekaa valley via the Beirut-Damaskus highway. There are two bus terminals in Beirut that are more road junctions than proper bus station buildings: Cola intersection and Charles Helou bus station . You can take buses to the north from Charles Helou and from Cola to the south. There is also a third opportunity that is much less mentioned, the Dowra (Dora) roundabout near Bourj Hammoud, where you can take buses to Byblos, Jounieh, Batroun, Beit Mery, Broummana and Tripoli. 

However, even from the Cola station, you can take a bus to the north, and Cola is often a better option. So, choose the one that is closer to your hotel. Buses leave when they have a couple of passengers; there is no specific timetable. But they are pretty frequent. 

There are no official bus stations in the cities. You must get off along the highway and return to the same spot where you can wave the bus to continue to other towns along the coast. It works very well. I never had to wait more than 5 minutes.

However, in the countryside, public transport is not always the best option. They are pretty infrequent or non-existent, especially outside summer. Waiting until it gets full and switching several times can take a long time. 

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Renting a car or private taxi

Renting a car or a private taxi is a much better option for discovering the countryside.

If you rent a car for several days, the daily costs decrease significantly. One day can cost 35-40USD, two days 25 USD/day, and for a week around 15 USD/day. Not all companies offer car renting for a day.

When you drive your car, be careful on the road, as Lebanese ignore any traffic rules. Plus, with the lack of electricity, traffic lights are not working either. 

Check out the prices for car rental in Lebanon here

Where to change money?

The local currency is the Lebanese Pound (LBP) , but the American dollar (USD) is used parallel. They had pegged the Lebanese pound to the American dollar since the civil war with 1 USD equalling 1500 LBP.

However, the Lebanese pound devaluated by 90% during the last two years because of the severe economic crisis.

The exchange rate is unstable and changes daily. When I arrived on 4th October 2021, 1 USD was 17 200 LBP, and a few days later, it was 20 000 LBP. In October 2022, 1 USD already equals to 37600 LBP Thus, it is better to change only a small amount and later change more. 

You can change money in one of the exchange offices for the actual black rate in Beirut or other cities. Locals also queue up to change the foreign currency (EUR, USD, British Pound) they receive from their family members abroad. There are plenty of exchange offices in the Hamra district along Rue de Hamra.

Read also the ultimate travel guide about the best places to visit in Beirut

How much does it cost to travel to Lebanon?

You should know that before the economic crisis Lebanon was not a cheap country at all. You could easily pay as much as in a Western country for accommodation, restaurants and going out at night. The high number of mid-and high-range accommodations also reflects that the government intended to attract the wealthy class. 

However, things changed a lot in the last two years.

It costs 20-25 USD to rent a car for a day in Beirut . The fuel prices skyrocketed during the last months as the Lebanese government lifted the petrol subventions lately. During mid-October 2021, 30 liters of fuel costs 365 000 LBP.

Lebanon is one of the cheapest countries in the world right now (except for accommodation) . The Lebanese pound (LBP) is in freefall and devaluated by 90% within only two years, making it one of the most affordable travel destinations. Lebanon is in the middle of an acute economic crisis, one of the biggest in world history. 

Still, during the summer months, July-September, both flights and accommodation get more expensive.

Accommodation in Lebanon

Accommodation is still not very cheap in Lebanon; otherwise, hotels could not survive. There is much fewer low-budget hostel and hotel in the country.

One bed in a dormitory costs 20 USD, and the cheapest private rooms cost 25 USD. There are much more options if you have a bigger budget.

Check out the prices for accommodation  

Public transport and taxis

A ticket costs 30-35 000 LBP to Tripoli, Tyre, and 15 000 LBP to the closer destinations.

Taking a “service” (shared) taxi costs 20 000 LBP to go to neighboring districts and 30-40 000 LBP to a more distant one in Beirut.

Food is very cheap in Lebanon right now.

Popular street food, like falafel, manoushe: 16-19 000 LBP

A bottle of water: 3000LBP/ 6000LBP

A fresh fruit juice: 18 000/ 25 000LBP

Nargila (shisha): 25000–75 000LBP, depending on the place. Tripoli is usually cheaper than Byblos or Beirut.

Entrance fees

I will not mention the entrance fee for each tourist attraction. They all range from 4000 to 19000 LBP, so anywhere you go, you pay less than a dollar now. Many attractions are even free to visit. 

How to plan your trip to Lebanon?

Flight: Check the best flight deals on Skyscanner.

Insurance:   Safetywing  is a cheap travel and medical insurance that also covers COVID-related issues.

Car rental: It is easy to get from Beirut to the main cities along the coast (Tripoli, Byblos, Sidon, Tyre) or to Baalbek. However, public transportation to the countryside is often scarce. I highly recommend renting a car when you discover the mountain region. Discover Cars  offers great options to rent a car in Beirut.

Accomodation : Since not all hotels are listed on  booking.com , I recommend checking out  Hotellook  that integrates other hotel platforms, thus proposing more options. It is especially useful when you look for accommodation in the countryside.  Hostelworld  is another good option for finding low-budget accommodation, but it only covers Beirut and Tripoli.

Local tours: Viator and GetYourGuide offer a wide range of cultural, nature, or food tours in Lebanon. Check out my favorite Alternative Tour Beirut as well.

What to eat and drink in Lebanon?

Lebanon is famous for having the best cuisines in the Middle East, and if you didn’t know, Lebanon is the birthplace of hummus. It is so diverse that different villages use different spices. Tripoli has an excellent reputation for food and sweets. In the coastal cities, you can always find some seaside restaurants. The Lebanese kitchen is a combination of Mediterranean and Arabic kitchens. Lebanese food is heavy, and sometimes I had no chance to eat more than once a day. 

You do not need to take anything fancy, as simple street food is very delicious: falafel, shawarma, manoushe (topped with a unique blend of spices called za’atar. Try the one with cheese as well.

There are a wide variety of “Meze dishes” , that are different first courses: stuffed grape leaves, Tabbouleh (a type of salad), Sfeeha (meat pie), kibbeh, manakish (manoushe), Fattoush (salad), baba ganoush (eggplant dip), Fattoush (salad), Mutable.

As the main course, you can have lamb or chicken along with bread, hummus, and vegetables.

 Lebanese sweets, as everywhere in the Middle East, are pretty sweet but incredibly delicious: baklava, layali lubnan, kanafeh.

I love eating more than knowing the recipes. I often grab something on the road without knowing the name so, if you want to know more about Lebanese food, check this informative page about that. 

There is a big coffee culture in Lebanon, and you can have it at every corner.

Lebanon has a reputed wine industry, with the Bekaa Valley vineyards of Ksara and Kefraya.

The national drink of the Middle East and Lebanon is Arak, the Arab aniseed liqueur, while Almaza i s a good-quality, light local beer.

Have a local sim card

Because of the lack of electricity and network interruptions, having mobile internet is a must. You cannot rely on an uninterrupted Wi-Fi connection now in Lebanon. Once you arrive in the city, you will see several phone shops to buy your sim card. It costs 10USD with 5GB of data usage that should be sufficient even if you stay for two weeks. You can charge an extra 5USD to have some credit for phone calls.

The best itinerary for Lebanon in 5 days

Day 1: beirut, day 2: jounieh, jeita grotto, beirut half day, day 3: byblos, batroun, baatara waterfall, day 4: sidon, tyre, day 5: ksara winery and baalbek.

 4 nights in Beirut

The best itinerary for Lebanon in 7 days

Day 1, 2: beirut, day 3: jounieh, jeita grotto, byblos, half-day beirut, day 4: batroun, tripoli, day 5: sidon, tyre, day 6: anjar, ksara, baalbek, day 7: deir al qamar, beiteddine, cedar nature reserve.

6 nights in Beirut

The best itinerary to visit Lebanon in 10 days

Day 1,2 – beirut.

2 nights in Beirut

Day 3–Jounieh, Jeita Grotto, St. Charbel monastery, Baatara waterfall, Byblos

1 night in Byblos

Day 4 – Batroun, Tripoli (Trâblous)

1 night in Tripoli

Day 5- Qadisha valley

1 night in Qadisha valley or in Beirut

Day 6 – Deir al Qamar, Beiteddine, Cedar nature reserve

1 night in the Chouf or Jezzine

Day 7 – Jezzine, lake Qaraoun, Anjar, Ksara

1 night in Baalbek

Day 8 – Zahlé, Baalbek

Day 9 – sidon, temple of echmoun, magdouche.

1 night in Sidon

Day 10 – (Mleeta), Beaufort castle, Tyre

Back to Beirut

Day 1, 2 – Beirut

Beirut is not a one-day city. It takes time to discover each district, and you can enjoy the restaurants and nightlife as well. There are no world-famous attractions, and still, Beirut with its diverse architecture and history has a lot to offer: museums, mosques including the iconic Amin mosque, the famous pigeon rocks in Raouche, the modern downtown of Beirut, the historic American University, the famous bars and a lot more.

Read the ultimate guide about Beirut here

Go for one of the Alternative Tours in Beirut to understand more about its recent history and current problems

Day 3–Jounieh, Jeita Grotto, Byblos, St. Charbel monastery, Baatara waterfall, Byblos

Have a day trip to Jounieh and Jeita grotto , the most famous natural attractions of the country, and visit historic Byblos.

The cable car goes up to Harissa on the top, where the white-painted statue of Our Lady of Lebanon (Notre Dame du Liban) stands.

Pilgrims come to pray in the small church on the top, while tourists arrive to enjoy the fantastic view of the Mediterranean Sea. The site is important to both Christians and Muslims since Muslims equally respect Jesus and Mary, as stated in the Qur’an.

The melancholic music that welcomes you on the top immediately puts you in an emotional state. There is a pleasant restaurant on the top as well if you want to stay longer. 

Enjoying the view from the top at Jounieh is one of the best things to do in Lebanon. 

Apart from that, Jounieh is a fancy summer resort with a casino, which primarily attracts the wealthy tourists of the Gulf countries, with not much to see. It was one reason why Lebanon was dubbed as t he “playground of the Middle East” . The lavish multimillion-dollar project was opened in 1959 and attracted the Middle Eastern bourgeois. Wisely, the gaming activity remained banned in the rest of the country. The Casino of Liban quickly became one of the most prestigious casinos in the world.

Jounieh is also a favorite for adventure lovers to do paragliding. During the civil war, the Maronite Christian communities used to escape the cruelty of the war and get some fun in Jounieh, a mainly Christian settlement. 

Book your paragliding experience here

How to go to Jounieh?

You can quickly get from Beirut (Cola station) to Jounieh with public transportation .  Tell the driver where you want to go, and he will stop along the highway. From here, it is only a short walk down to catch the cable car.

With an endless series of stalactites and stalagmites,  the Jeita Grotto  is one of the most beautiful places in Lebanon and one of the world’s biggest of such cave systems. A small train takes you down to the first cave entrance, and then you continue to the second one, where you take a boat tour. I have been to similar caves in Europe before; however, it surpassed all my expectations.

The best way to get to the cave is to take a cab from Beirut or Jounieh. The driver can even wait for you and take you back to the city after. 

How to go to Jeita grotto from Jounieh?

Jeita is off the main coastal road, which makes it more challenging to approach. However, it is a short 20 minutes ride, and you can negotiate a price with the driver.

Enjoy the fantastic mountain landscape of Lebanon, taking the mountain road from Byblos.

Visit one of Lebanon’s most important pilgrimage sites,  the St. Charbel monastery  in Annaya, where Christians and Muslims flock in masses. Several miraculous healings were reported, where the hermit and monk, St. Charbel Makhlouf spent most of his life in the 19th century. It accepts millions of visitors yearly to pray at the tomb of the hermit and monk, visit the church and a small museum containing his relics and documentation of his life. 

Continue to the Tannourine region, where  the Baatara waterfall ,  also called “the Cave of the Three Bridges,” stands with a sinkhole. Although I was there in the dry season when there was not much water, it was still amazing. If you go in November, a 250-meter-high waterfall makes it even more memorable. There is a small entrance fee to take the path to the view platform.

Return to  Byblos  (locals know it as Jbail), the ancient Phoenician port city now the center of nightlife with the best-preserved souk (bazaar) and ancient history, and one of the must-see cities of Lebanon. Byblos is one of the oldest inhabited settlements in the world with a history of 2500 years. Its name comes from the Greek “bublos” and has been the main Phoenician port to deliver papyrus between Greece and Egypt.

In the 1960s, when Beirut was called the “Paris of the Middle East”, the hub of nightlife, prominent persons flocked to Byblos. The archeological site is the most important attraction of Byblos that you can access through the Crusader castle with the Phoenician ruins of the Temple of Baalat Gebal, the temple of Resheph, the Temple of the Obelisks, the king’s well, a Roman theater, and royal tombs. The public beach of Byblos is only a short walk from the archeological site.

Stroll around the fishing harbor and visit the  Fishing club of Pepe , which needs no introduction in Byblos. His famous bar opened in 1963 and became famous for its legendary parties that attracted international celebrities such as Marlon Brando, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, Mick Jagger, and David Rockefeller. It has a photo collection of the famous visitors of Pepe Abed. The restaurant is still a popular spot to have dinner.

When walking around Byblos, it is worth visiting the  Romanesque church of St John the baptist . 

There is one unique exhibition and shop in a side street of the bazaar, called  Memoire du Temps , featured by BBC. Pierre Abi-Saad’s fish fossil collections contain a range of extinct fish or have never been named at all. He found thousands of fossils in the family’s private quarry at 800 meters above sea level.  

It is nice to stay in Byblos for the evening and night when it gets busy with locals. 

However, you can easily return to Beirut as well.

How to go to Byblos?

Located along the coast, as mentioned before, you catch a bus along the highway and get off when you reach Byblos. From there, it is only a short descent to downtown.

Where to stay in Byblos?

Byblos, like many other places in Lebanon, is scarce in low-budget accommodations. 

The guesthouse of the famous Fishing Boat Club  in the harbor offers private rooms for 30 USD. For some reasons, you cannot book it online, but you can pass by and ask if they have a room available. 

Another good affordable option close to the center are:

–  Byblos comfort hotel   (3 star)

–  Aleph Boutique hotel (4 star)

–  Byblos Sur Mer (5 star)

–  Ahiram Hotel Byblos (3 star)

There are plenty of options some kilometers from the center along the beach.

Day 4 – Batroun, Mseilha fort, Tripoli (Trâblous)

Continue to the north along the coast and visit   Batroun,  the lovely coastal city that is a must-stop on the way to Tripoli. 

You will definitely notice that several stalls sell lemonade, a refreshing local beverage in the summer heat. It contains a bit more sugar than I prefer, but you can taste it first before buying it. Stroll around the souk of Batroun with Ottoman-era buildings and the fishing port dominated by the  St. George orthodox church .

If you want to enjoy the beach, go to the White beach located 5 km from Batroun with a white sand beach and pleasant cafes. It is also an ideal place for windsurfing. 

Continue your trip to Tripoli and stay there for at least two nights.

Only a few kilometers from Batroun, you can make a quick stop at the  Mseilha fort  built approximately 400 years ago to control the road between Beirut and Tripoli. The fort stands on a cliff and overlooks the valley.

Continue to the northernmost city of Tripoli and discover its old town with the bustling souk, hammams, khans, and mosques from the Mamluk time, enjoy the panorama from the citadel, taste some local specialties, go to the Old train station and finish your day on the Corniche. Many tourists refrain from heading to Tripoli because of its bad image. Despite the rumors, the conservative Muslim city, has its charm and can easily become a highlight of your trip to Lebanon. Tripoli was one of my favorite places to visit in Lebanon.

Read this travel guide about the best places to visit in Tripoli

How to go to Batroun?

Like all the cities along the coast, Batroun is easily reachable with public transport.  

How to go to Tripoli?

Wave the van along the highway to Tripoli and get off in the big roundabout with “Allah” written with Arabic calligraphy.

Where to stay in Tripoli?

The only low-budget option in Tripoli is the  Seed hostel  next to the souk and close to the bazaar. Nazi, the manager, is extremely helpful and provides you with all the information about Tripoli’s best places to visit. He speaks perfect English. Rooms cost 20 USD/night with a shared bathroom. It is the best option if you are on a lower budget in Tripoli.

Beit el Nassim : a mid-range guesthouse in Al-Mina with a unique atmosphere and rooms, each having different names and decoration, is local’s favorite and a top choice to stay at in Tripoli.

Many say that the Qadisha valley is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lebanon. The valley and the surrounding mountains with the river of the same name carving way in its bottom are stunning. Chekka is where you leave the coastal road to take the serpentines inside the Qadisha gorge.

The valley is a World Heritage and is one place where you can still spot cedars, the most valuable wood of ancient times and the national symbol of Libanon. Some trees can be a couple of thousand years old. Near the reserve is the Cedars Ski Resort, the oldest ski resort in Lebanon. 

You find more information about skiing in Lebanon here:  https://www.cntravellerme.com/destinations/middle-east/lebanon/the-ultimate-guide-to-skiing-in-lebanon

The valley has been a Maronite Christian bastion since the 5th century, dotted with rock-cut monasteries. The only way to discover these monasteries is to hike in the valley bed. There are several caves in the valley where hermits and nuns retreated. The monasteries carved in the cliff with hundreds of years old frescos are the hidden gems of Lebanon.  

The Qadisha valley is part of the over 400 km long Lebanese Mountain Trail that connects the north of Lebanon to the south.  

If you are interested in longer hiking trails, check out all the valuable information about accommodation and a local guide at Lebanontrail.org . 

The most beautiful part of the valley is the 20 km long stretch between Bcharré and Tourza. If you start early morning, you can complete the trail back and forth the same day.

Bcharré  is the biggest city in the Qadisha valley, perched on the top of the cliff. Lebanon’s most famous poet and philosopher, whom everyone can quote, was born here. Visit the Gibran Khalil Museum honoring the literary hero. His most famous book was “The Prophet” in 1923, and he was one of the most-read writers in the world. He lived most of his life in America, but they transferred his body back to Bcharré after his death, where the museum stands. His most quoted poem is “On your Lebanon and mine”.

You can hike the Qadisha valley floor by taking a trail starting from behind the St. Saba church of the main square of Bcharré. However, the path is quite steep and slippery. If you would rather avoid such adventures, then drive directly down to the valley bed. Also, if you have only one day to spend in Qadisha and want to complete it until Tourza or Deir Mar Antonios Qozhaya back and forth, you had better not waste time with the descent from Bcharré. If you are not in good shape to complete hours of hiking, you can still find other Christian monasteries in Lebanon accessible by car.

I completed the  Bcharré – Der Qannoubin within 4-5 hours .

You can visit a couple of monasteries while hiking, some of them being right along the trail, while others require some extra hike. The problem is that the indications are not clear when you have to turn from the main train. Ask other hikers or priests on the way to make sure you do not miss the climb to some monasteries. 

The one you cannot miss is the first as you start the hike in the valley bed, called the  Deir Mar Elisha monastery . The Lebanese Maronite Order was founded here in 1695, although the monastery itself is much older. 

Chapel Mar Chmouni and Deir as- Salib  are not along the main hiking trail, but you must take a steep path to the right opposite the spring on the left side. You only later find boards that show you are in the right direction. When I was there, they were closed however it is still possible to climb and have a look from outside. You can also reach both monasteries from Hadchit, taking a steep path down. 

Deir Qannoubin   is easily reachable following the valley bed in approximately 2 hours from Deir Mar Elisha. The church is built into the rock and the chapel of Mar Marina is right next to that where the remains of 17 Maronite patriarchs are buried. 

You can continue to  Deir Saydet Hawka ,  a small monastery believed to date to the 13th century. It has a chapel and a few monk’s cells in the cave. It is also reachable from the top from Hawke in half an hour. 

The last famous monastery along the valley floor is  Deir Mar Antonios Qozhaya , the largest hermitage and has been in use without interruption since the 11th century. It is a well-known pilgrimage site. The grotto of St. Anthony next to the entrance was used to chain those possessed with the devil, hoping that the saint could cure the insane. 

One monastery, called  Deir Mar Semaan  stands separately, and not in the valley. The hermitage carved into the rock is where Mar Samaan (St Simon) supposedly lived. The monastery is indicated along the main road heading to  Bcharré  from the direction of  Diman.  

How to go to the Qadisha valley?

There is a public van from 8 am departing from Tripoli. In the morning, they leave every half an hour, later every hour. However, if you use public transport, you are bound to the timetable. The last van departs from Bcharré to Tripoli at 3:30 pm. If you miss that, there are only a few options to stay in Bcharré. 

The best way to discover the Qadisha valley is to rent a car. You gain tons of time, and you can make several extra stops wherever you want for the fantastic view.

There are also organized tours from Beirut that include the Gibran Khalil museum in Bcharre, a hike in the Cedar of God reserve, and the visit to the Deir Mar Elisha monastery. Check the tour here.

Check out the prices to rent a car

Where to sleep in the Qadisha valley?

Although accommodation is not abundant in the Qadisha valley, you can still find some mountain resorts and apartments if you have a bigger budget, which is the best way to enjoy the landscape. Most accommodations are in Bcharré, the Cedars, or the summer resort, Ehden.

Tiger house Guesthouse –  the cheapest option in Bcharré.

Stone cellars in Douma –  upper-range hotel

The Ranch – Lodge & Equestrian Center  – Mid-range in Kfar Hazir (close to Chekka)

It is hard to get accommodation in the summer months if you don’t book it in advance, so it is better to return to Tripoli. 

Head to the Chouf in the mountains, the traditional base of the Druze community that is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lebanon. Fakhreddine, the Druze national hero , united Mount Lebanon and the coastal regions that became the forerunner of modern Lebanon. The Ottoman governor modernized the county, and the economy flourished under his rule. Later, the growing independence of the vassal state made the Ottoman anxious, and he was later executed.

Villages are the soul of Lebanon. If you only visit the cities, you will not get a full grasp of Lebanon.

Take the steep serpentines up to the barren stony mountains and immerse in the beautiful nature. Villages are lively during summer when mid-class and wealthy Lebanese people escape to the mountains to get some fresh air. In the low season (October- April), villages are still charming but much calmer and you have a better chance to find accommodation for a lower price. 

Deir al Qamar is one of the must-see villages of Lebanon. All the attractions are around the main square: Mosque of Emir Fakhreddine Maan built-in Mamluk style, the former governor’s palace, the silk khan, and the palace of Fakhreddine, the former Druze leader.

How to go to Deir al Qamar and Beiteddine?

You can take a service taxi from Beirut Cola station to Beiteddine and get off on the way at Deir al-Qamar. However, the best way to discover the Chouf mountains is to rent a car to stop at some viewpoints. 

Check out the car rental options

Beiteddine is a short drive from Deir al Qamar and is famous for the palace of Emir Bashir, the Ottoman delegated governor. The Beiteddine palace has a mixed Arabic and Italian architecture with an extensive outer courtyard and inner park. It has a striking location overlooking the valley. The historical monument was severely demolished during the Israeli invasion, and the Druze leader, Walid Jumblatt, undertook its restoration, declaring it the “Palace of People.” The palace has nicely decorated rooms with mosaics with Oriental-style furnishing, elegant mirror decoration, mosaics, and fountains.   

If you have the chance, stay in the Chouf for the night or Jezzine. It is a mountain town and easily reachable from the Chouf.

Continue to the Chouf Cedar Reserve (entrance fee 10 USD/200 000 LBP) and enjoy walking among the famous Lebanese Cedar trees. You can choose a shorter or longer hiking path, some inside the forest, others are more scenic but you will definitely like. A local guide is available at the entrance for 200 000 LBP/10 USD if you need some guidance. This is the most extensive cedar forest of Lebanon, representing 5% of the country. Once cedar was abundant in the region and was a source of wealth for the country. Hiking in the Cedar Forest is one of the best nature programs in Lebanon.

Jezzine,   the famous summer resort of the south, lies at the edge of the cliff with a stunning 40-meter-high waterfall that is more spectacular in the rainy season. Take the narrow path from the main road that leads to the feet of the waterfall. Apart from that, Jezzine has a small city center with restaurants and bars.

Where to stay in Deir al Qamar?

Bkerzay –  Mid-range hotel with amazing location and a cozy interior

Deir al Oumara –mid-range hotel

Where to stay in Beiteddine?

Mir Amin palace  – a hotel with a top location overlooking the Beiteddine hotel. It is the former palace of Emir Bashir’s son converted into a high-end hotel. Have a drink on the terrace even if you are not staying for the night .

Where to stay in Jezzine?

The most popular budget options in Jezzine are:

Iris flower Hotel

Honey Guesthouse

Take the road to the Bekaa valley along the artificial  Qaraoun lake .  There is a pleasant restaurant with a superb view to stop for lunch.

Baalbek occupies a plateau between Mount Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges. 

The Bekaa Valley is a Shiite majority region, a strategic headquarter of Hezbollah, and extensive cannabis growing area.

Hezbollah’s yellow flag, the images, and cardboards along the road depict Iranian clerics, including Ayatollah Khomeini, Ali Khamenei, or Hassan Nasrallah.

You must know Hassan Nasrallah’ s name, who often shows up on media addressing his followers. He has been the leader and voice of Hezbollah since 1992. He openly threatens Israel with retaliation in case it attacks Lebanon. The United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Arab League, and Israel consider Hezbollah as a terrorist organization in its entirety. In contrast, the EU listed only its military wing as such. Hezbollah has a big grasp on Lebanon’s life and is a member of the Parliament as a political party.

The Bekaa valley was insecure during the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict of 2006. However, by now, it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lebanon. At the same time, it is one of the poorest regions that pushes many people to produce hashish as a means of survival.

It is also where you can taste the famous Lebanese wine in a famous wine cellar and learn about the history of one of the world’s oldest winemakers.  

Continue to Anjar , the “Armenian city” founded by Armenian refugees after the genocide of 1915.

The Anjar ruins are overshadowed by the reputation of Baalbek, although it is almost as stunning as its counterpart. Plus, these are the ruins of a city from the 8th century when the Umayyad ruled the region inhabited only for 50 years. Anjar is a less-known place to visit in Lebanon and comes as a surprise.

The two most famous wineries of Lebanon are Ksara and Kefraya . Ksara is the oldest and most well known that has produced wine since 1857. It is unique for its underground caves where the wine matures. Ksara offers daily guided tours (price: LBP 40,000 and LBP 100,0000 depending on the selected wines), including winetasting. Call them to book your visit in advance ( +961 8 813495 ). It is also possible to connect wine tasting with having lunch in their cozy brasserie.

Kefraya is the other famous winery in Lebanon and the largest wine producer in Lebanon. It also offers guided tours that start with a train ride to get to a viewpoint in the winery. 

How to go to Zahlé/Baalbek?

Baalbek is easily reachable from the Cola station in Beirut, on the way you can get off in Zahlé.

Where to stay in Baalbek?

Hotel Shouman –  located next to the ruins, extremely cheap and offers private rooms with a shared bathroom. It is very simple, good if you look for a place to stay for a night but expect little from that.

Palmyra hotel :  Opposite the ruins, the most reputed hotel of Baalbek. The guest list includes prominent guests such as Charles de Gaulle. The hotel is not available on the online hotel reservation platforms, but you can still contact them to book a room. 

Kanaan Hotel Group: The best low-budget option in Baalbek

Where to stay in Zahlé?

There is no accommodation available for booking on any online platform in Zahlé.

Hotel Akl –  a budget hotel along Rue Brazil. Book directly on their website.

Hotel St. Jean – 3 star hotel close to the center

Hotel Monte Alberto  – 3 star hotel located above Zahlé with a stunning view. A funicular takes the guests to the hotel that has a revolving restaurant as well.

Day 8 – Zahl é , Baalbek

Zahlé  is a modern, bustling mountain resort, a favorite spot for Beirutis to escape from the summer heat and enjoy Lebanese cuisine in a restaurant along the Birdawni river. Zahlé’s population is mainly Greek Catholic in the Shiite Bekaa region. 

Walk along the Rue Brazil to see some historic buildings from the Ottoman period.

Zahlé was the scene of the infamous massacre in 1860 when Maronites were massacred at the hands of the Druze, first in Lebanon and then in Damascus, which prompted direct European military intervention. French troops landed in Beirut and thousands of Maronites fled to the city for protection, and almost half of the population immigrated to Brazil. 

Strolling around the  ruins of Baalbek  is one of the highlights of your visit to Lebanon. 

It stands on the highest point of the Beeka valley at 1150 meters. The entire Beeka valley is a plateau indeed. Baalbek is more conservative than Zahlé, so you have to dress up modestly. Only a few tourists make it to Baalbek nowadays, and you most probably only meet the military staff stationed in Lebanon or have the ruins for yourself.

During the 1st century BC, a temple dedicated to the god Baal was built, hence the name, the city of the Sun God. Baalbek was a principal place of worship in the entire Roman Empire, initially the center of pagan rites where animal and human sacrifice was a common way to honor the Gods. Ten thousand slaves worked on the construction for centuries. 

When the Roman rulers adopted Christianity, they forcibly converted the population to the Christian religion. They destroyed parts of the temple of Jupiter and deprived it of the images of Roman gods. Immense pillars were shipped to adorn the Aya Sophia in Constantinople.

The Arabs converted the complex into a military fortification.

„Baalbek is the showplace of Lebanon.” Tweet

The tallest columns ever constructed, the largest stone blocks ever used, and the boldest architectural engineering feat ever carried out by humans–these are some of the few things that make Baalbek one of the most outstanding temple complexes in the world.

Baalbek contains the ruins of three temples, the small temple of Venus and Bacchu s and the principal temple of Jupiter-Baal with the forecourt and monumental staircase.

If you are in Lebanon during July and August, then visit the International Music Festival of Baalbek . It has a long tradition dating back to 1955 but was suspended during the civil war. 

1 km south of Baalbek is the quarry from where the stones for the construction were delivered.

Take the time to stroll around the ruins of Baalbek, observe it from every angle, and check out the meticulously decorated capitals. If you have the chance, visit it before sunset when the stones change their colors.

Opening hours: 9-18:00. Admission fee: 15,000 LBP

Best time to visit: before sunset

Head to the south to discover the two coastal cities, Sidon (Saida) and Tyre (Sur). Although distances are insignificant, the banana plantations surrounding the road make the landscape completely different. Unfortunately, Lebanon’s agriculture is scarce, and the country is suffering under the necessity to import almost everything in large quantities. The government focused almost entirely on the bank sector to the detriment of agriculture. 

Sidon is an authentic coastal town where you can wander around in the authentic oriental bazaar dotted with khans and mosques. The entire city is unspoiled with touristic facilities, and you get an Arab Mediterranean city’s feeling that was once the primary Phoenician trade center. 

Sidon was a great victim of the Lebanese civil war, losing many inhabitants and suffering severe damages. 

Being Rafiq Hariri, the former prime’s birthplace, it got outstanding support for the reconstruction. Despite Hariri’s assassination in 2005, the Foundation still supports health care, education, and restoration projects, mainly in Sidon. 

The Sea Crusader Castle   stands offshore on an island with massive walls and towers and a fantastic view if you climb the stairs.

Opposite the Sea Castle stretched the souk with some points of interest not to miss. The  Khan al-Franj  served as accommodation for merchants and traders, with galleries and arcades running on two levels. The second floor hosts the French Institute, so you can only visit the ground floor. Thanks to the Hariri Foundation, the khan is in a perfect state. 

The Great Mosque was built of the remnants of the Crusaders’ Church, using its elements, whereas the Bab al-Saray Mosque is the oldest, though most of the time closed to visitors.  

Sidon’s bazaar with its narrow alleys and shops where you can even observe the craftsmen working is the highlight of your visit. Try some sweets and have a coffee in one of the pleasant places in the souk. I saw a group of men playing cards in a café chatting and smoking nargile. I love these daily scenes when you walk around and observe how people live their lives. It is much more memorable than visiting any attraction. 

If you are interested, you can visit the famous Soap museum to learn more about the traditional soap-making procedure. 

Echmoun temple ruins

Only a few kilometers from Sidon, the Phoenician  ruins of   temple Echmoun  are nestled among the orchards; one of the temple complexes dedicated to the Phoenician God dates back to the 7th century. The ruins of a Byzantine church and mosaics, the Roman colonnade, remained an important pilgrimage site for a long time. 

Visit the pilgrimage site of “our Lady of Mantara”, where the Virgin Mary was waiting for Jesus in a cave according to Christian belief. „Mantara” means Awaiting. The Greek Catholic Church transformed the Cave into a sanctuary.

How to get to Sidon?

Sidon is easily reachable with public transport from Beirut Cola station within an hour and costs 15 000 LBP. You get off at the big roundabout (again, not an official bus station), with the old city being within easy reach. 

Where to sleep in Sidon?

Al Qualaa – stylish mid-range hotel in the old city

Yacoub guesthouse – mid-range guesthouse in the old city

On this day you can visit the controversial museum of Hezbollah , the Shia political party and military force in Mleeta. It is one of the unusual places to visit in Lebanon. its main mission is to show resistance against Israel. According to many Lebanese Hezbollah is one of the main problems of the country as supported by Iran and Syria they increase the country’s dependence on foreign powers. The Israeli and Syrian occupation that ended in 2000 and 2005 highly divided the politicians and the people and even led to political assassinations. Hezbollah claims that it only wants to protect the country from the acute threat of Israeli invasion, however, many locals think that they only provoke an attack from Israel.   

Concerning the above, it may not be ethical to visit the museum. It is the most controversial place to visit in Lebanon.

I took a visit as I wanted to understand better the overly complex Lebanese political scene.

Note: during my stay in Beirut, Hezbollah and Amal, the two Shiite movements incited clashes at the Palace of Justice demanding the resignation of the leading judge, Tarek Bitar. He conducts the trial for the tragic Beirut explosion of 2020 that irreversibly pushed the country to the verge of collapse and people are desperately waiting for justice. Seven people died in the clashes between the Shia groups, unidentified gunmen and the Lebanese Army forces.

Beaufort castle

The castle has a stunning and strategic location on top of a 300 meter-high cliff surrounded by the Litani river. Besides having a nice coastal view from the castle, whole southern Lebanon and northern Israel can be both detected. So it comes as no surprise that it had a crucial role during the civil war. The PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) occupied it and became the target for the Israeli army. The Israeli army took it over in the „Battle of the Beaufort” and used it for its military activities until the Israeli occupation ended in 2000.

Continue to the most southern coastal city , Tyre to finish your day, which you will more often hear being called Sour in Arabic. It is a Shiite-dominated region like Bekaa valley that suffered extremely during the Israelian occupation and the civil war because of its proximity to the Israeli border. It gives the impression of a charming city again although recovery and renewal take time.

Israel’s attack in 2006 was another shock for Tyre.

The old city occupies a peninsula with a fishing port and a maze of quiet alleys. It is a great opportunity to have some fish or seafood in one of the fish restaurants.

Tyre has two important archeological sites: Al-Mina and Al-Bass archeological Sites with the remains of Romane and Byzantine Tyre, both within walking distance. The latter one is even more impressive with the ruins of hippodrome, aqueduct and a funerary complex. From Al-mina archeological site you have a view of the beach, a perfect place to go swimming.

You can stay either in Tyre or return to Beirut.

How to go to Tyre?

Located along the coast you can easily find a bus from Cola bus station in Beirut that passes through Sidon and continues to Tyre. It costs 30-35 000 LBP.

Where to stay in Tyre (Sour)?

Tyre lacks low-budget destinations.

Dar Camelia – mid-range, it has a stylish interior with a perfect location in the center

Platinum hotel – mid-range close to city center

Useful Lebanon travel resources

Flights : Check the best flight offers on Skyscanner .

Car rental: It is easy to get from Beirut to the main cities along the coast (Tripoli, Byblos, Sidon, Tyre) or to Baalbek. However, public transportation to the countryside is often scarce. I highly recommend for you to rent a car when you discover the mountain region. Discover Cars  offers great options to rent a car in Beirut.

Insurance: Safetywing  is a cheap travel and medical insurance that also covers COVID-related issues.

Local tours: You can reach almost every destination on a day-trip from Beirut.

The above 10-day itinerary contains a mix of natural and cultural travel attractions and enables you to discover the whole of Lebanon. You can extend your stay to rest on the beach and stroll around Beirut. There are plenty of things to do in Lebanon. Despite being a small country, you can even spend two weeks there.

I hope you found this extensive travel guide about Lebanon useful. Please leave a comment on that and tell me if you have questions about that.

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by Agnes Simigh

I’m a passionate tour guide and travel writer, who is curious to discover places that seldom catch the attention of the media or that are misrepresented. My goal is to inspire you to choose off-the-beaten-track destinations by sharing objective and detailed information. I believe that it is mainly the lack of “intel” that keeps us away from incredible places. And that just shouldn’t be the case.

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Must-see attractions in Lebanon

National Museum of Beirut

Located on the former Green Line, this is Beirut's major cultural institution. Its impressive, magnificently displayed collection of archaeological…

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Under the St Joseph university, this atmospheric and beautifully designed museum presents an extraordinary collection of exquisitely selected and…

Main Square

The main square is a showcase of fine Arab architecture, including the Mosque of Emir Fakhreddine Maan, built in 1493, and, behind it, a cobbler's souq…

An enticing blend of tradition and modernity, the web of narrow streets of Tripoli's port quarter makes for wonderful strolling. The Phoenician city stood…

St George Crypt Museum

When a bomb fell on the Orthodox cathedral in 1975, the only silver lining was that it revealed these ruins beneath. Though the area is small, an…

Beiteddine Palace

Sitting majestically on a hill surrounded by terraced gardens and orchards, Beiteddine Palace is one of the highlights of the Chouf Mountains. This…

Jeita Grotto

One of the Middle East's greatest natural wonders, the stunning Jeita Grotto cave system extends around 6km into the mountains 18km, northeast of Beirut…

Producing a range of wines made with grapes from its three vineyards (one at Basbina in the hills above Batroun, one in Jezzine and another in the Bekaa…

Khan Al Khayyatin

One of the most beautiful buildings in the old city, this semi-open vaulted-roofed khan was formerly a Crusader hospital and is today a beautifully…

Sursock Museum

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Mleeta Resistance Tourist Landmark

An intriguing mix of memorial, museum and theme park, this resistance monument at Mleeta, on Mt A'mel near Nabatieh, celebrates and commemorates Hezbollah…

Mohammed Al Amin Mosque

Now the city's major landmark, this huge, striking amber-coloured blue-domed mosque near Martyrs Sq was opened in 2008 and has four minarets standing 65m…

Luna Park is a rickety old amusement park, with all the attendant charms and nuisances, at which most Western tourists turn up their noses. Bypass the…

Pigeon Rocks

These limestone outcrops just offshore are prime selfie territory and a Beirut landmark. They are impressive; one has an archway eroded through it. A…

Robert Mouawad Private Museum

The world would be a poorer place if it didn't host idiosyncratic cultural institutions such as this one. Conceived and funded by jeweller and collector…

Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles

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Archaeological Museum of the American University of Beirut

The AUB Museum was founded in 1868 and is one of the oldest in the Middle East. On permanent display is its collection of Lebanese and Middle Eastern…

Hammam Al Jadid

While certainly not new – Hammam Al Jadid was built around 1740 – it was in use until the 1970s and is very well preserved. It was donated as a gift to…

Madrasa Al Qartawiyya

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Serail of Youssef Chehab

On the main street opposite the main square is this beautiful 18th-century palace, which now serves as the town hall (look for the two carved lions above…

Aïshti Foundation

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Khan Al Misriyyin

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Taynal Mosque

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Planet Discovery

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Hammam Ezzedine

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Horsh Beirut

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Issam Fares Institute

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Al Omari Mosque

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Sursock Palace

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Sanayeh Public Garden

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Dar El Nimer

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Beit Beirut

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Great Mosque

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Between the old town and the sea, sections of what is labelled the Phoenician sea wall still stand. It actually dates from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD…

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Souq Al Attarin

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American University of Beirut

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St George Greek Orthodox Cathedral

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8 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Lebanon and Itinerary

Does discovering the most beautiful places in Lebanon as well as an itinerary going along with it sounds like a good plan for you? If so, this post has exactly what you need to plan your trip to this magnificent country.

Lebanon is a beautiful and geographically varied country, with the Mount Lebanon mountain range crossing the country from North to South, the Mediterranean Sea along the West coast offering sumptuous sunsets and exceptional panoramas, vegetation as diverse as it is lush, delicious fruit and vegetables in abundance, and an extraordinary cuisine which delighted our taste buds! And if you like history, you’re in for a treat in Lebanon! There are traces of civilization dating back to age of Antiquity and beyond! For a long time the region belonged to the Phoenician civilization, and was in turn conquered by Assyrians, Babylonians, Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, Mongols, and Ottomans.

In Lebanon, we met up with our friend Mirella. It was wonderful to see her and to spend quality time with her family!

Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Lebanon

This place left us completely in awe. Baalbek , also known as Heliopolis in Ancient Greece, is an ancient site with gigantic temples dedicated to the god, Baal. The temple of Bacchus is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman temples. The temple of Jupiter was the Roman Empire’s biggest temple, of which only several columns and a colossal base remain. Smaller than the others, the temple of Venus is the third attraction of the site. Together they form an extremely impressive archaeological ensemble which would make the cities of Athens and Rome blush!

Baalbek – Temple of Bacchus

The Cedars of Barouk

We went to visit the famous cedars of Lebanon in the Chouf, on Mount Barouk. As the national emblem of Lebanon, the cedars are protected today. They once covered a greater part of Lebanese territory. The wood of this tree is reputed to be resistant and rot-proof. It was used by the Phoenicians to build their boats. Later, the king Solomon used it to build his temple in Jerusalem. We unfortunately didn’t have time to go and admire the “Cedars of God” which are found in Bsharri, in the north of the country. But the ones we did see were beautiful, including the one which inspired the cedar on the Lebanese flag, which you can see on the photo below.

Cedar at the Chouf

Sidon, have you heard of it? I imagine so if you’ve read the Bible. It’s mentioned several times, including in the book of Genesis. Jesus is even said to have gone there to preach with his apostles. It is often associated with Tyre, the neighboring town in the south. We visited the maritime fortress, built by the crusaders in the 13 th century, as well as its souk and its soap museum.

Sydon Sea Castle

Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, is a monumental city which contains half of the country’s inhabitants. It’s famous for being one of the most ancient cities in the world. We visited the Raouché (Pigeon Rock), and the American University of Beirut, the most prestigious university in the Middle East and where our friend, Doctor/Professor Mirella, teaches.

American University of Beirut

Beirut Raouche

The sumptuous Beiteddine Palace dates from the 18th century and was the seat of the Emirate of Mount Lebanon. Perched on a cliff in the region of Chouf, it’s a very photogenic place. I obviously had to have a bit of fun taking some cliché snaps.

Beiteddine Palace

Byblos is the birthplace of the Phoenician civilization, and was the 2nd most ancient city in the world after Damas. Traces indicate that Byblos, which was once called Gebal, has been occupied since 8000 BC, in the Neolithic period! The first alphabet, created by the Phoenicians, was devised in Byblos. The Phoenicians exported papyrus from Egypt to Greece, the Greeks decided to name the city Byblos (which means papyrus in Greek). We went on a boat tour around Byblos to admire the sunset.

Port of Byblos

Sunset on Byblos

Jeita and Jounieh

The Jeita Grotto is an enormous system of caves with a multitude of stalactites and stalagmites, including the biggest known stalactite in the world. It’s a Lebanese national symbol, and made it to the 14 finalists in the competition of the 7 new wonders of the world. Yep, the Lebanese are pretty proud of it! I unfortunately don’t have any photos of the interior of the caves, as cameras were forbidden.

Near Jeita, you can find Jounieh , a town by the sea. We took the cable car to go to Harissa and take in the whole bay of Jounieh. It’s a magnificent viewpoint on the Mediterranean and the coast of Lebanon.

Jeita Grotto

Jounieh Bay

For a better preparation

Here are the places we visited :

• Baalbek and its ruins
• Barouk and its cedars
• Jeita and its caves

Impressions

Even though the geopolitical situation in Lebanon is relatively stable, the tension there is palpable. The only country whose official religion is Christianism in the Middle East, Lebanon is at the hear of ideological conflicts, with the Sunnis (Saudi Arabia and co.) on one side and Shias (Iran and co.) on the other, not to mention endless friction with the neighbor to the South (Israel). This is all accentuated by the recent flood of 2 million Syrian refugees, who have joined the existing population of 4 million, not counting the 500,000 Palestinian refugees who have lived there for the last 50 years.

If Lebanon gives the impression of peaceful religious cohabitation, the reality is quite different. In fact, the different religious denominations don’t mix, and keep to their respective neighborhoods and territories. The only possible cohabitation is between Christians and the other religious groups. I can assure you that driving through the Hezbollah district is very impressive. When you see enormous black flags every 20 meters on the side of the motorway you know you’ve entered their territory and you can sense the charged atmosphere. Luckily there are plenty of Lebanese military all around to give a small feeling of security. In other words, it’s a feeling of controlled chaos.

Accommodation and transportation

We spent time in the village of Damour, close to our friend Mirella and her family, who took care of us.  As a change, I didn’t have to think about any of the trip’s activities because Mirella took it into her hands to plan everything! From sunrise, her and her parents made sure we weren’t lacking for anything . They were exceptionally generous. We therefore used Damour as a base for our daily excursions.

Beach at Damour

Mirella found us this hotel just a stone’s throw from her place, and we rented a little Hyundai Grand i10 to get around.

Our hotel and rental car

I do have to slide in a comment regarding driving in this country. I can say that driving in Lebanon is psychologically challenging and I had to make myself drive badly to avoid accidents . If I drove in a western country the way I drove in Lebanon, I would have picked up 10 offenses a minute. To survive, I had to do overtake zig-zags on the motorway, forget the indicators, honk left right and center, jump red lights and stop signs, and take one-way streets in the opposite direction. Just remember that in Lebanon, lane markings are never respected. Emergency stop lanes are used for parking and overtaking, a 2-lane road is used as a 3-lane road, and a 3-lane road as a 5-lane road. So, to avoid having to permanently monitor all of my mirrors, I chose to drive as far left as possible and as fast as possible. Although I think the only offense I didn’t commit was speeding, as there was very little room to do so due to the heavy traffic. As a result, I’m proud to say that I returned the car without a single new scratch. And Mirella, who initially doubted my ability to drive in Lebanon, even had her father congratulate me for being such an excellent driver HAHAHAHAHA!

Lebanese cuisine is honestly one of the best in the world. Not surprising that our kids didn’t ask for McDonalds during our stay in Lebanon. They even found their 3 rd favorite restaurant, after McDonalds and Burger King!

A Lebanese Mezze

After visiting Turkey, we found Lebanon to be relatively expensive. But thinking about it, it’s still pretty cheap. Our expenses for the 8 days were as follows:

• 1278.00 USD;
• 160.00 USD per day;
• 40.00 USD per person per day.

In detail :

In a nutshell

Thanks to Mirella and her family, Lebanon is certainly one of the countries which has excited us the most during this world tour, and it is not without shedding a tear that we left it. And yes, we strongly recommend you to visit this wonderful country, as long as the political situation is relatively stable.

Don’t miss our next destination : the Hellenic Republic !

==> Download all our photos of Lebanon for free!

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I would also like to take this opportunity to share with you  the summary of our exceptional world tour as a family !

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LEBANON , Middle East

10 epic things to do in lebanon you can’t miss.

Lovely, lively, lush, large-hearted Lebanon. What an amazing place! So many things to do!

Honestly, if I could think of more superlative adjectives beginning with L, I’d be likely to go on and on about this Middle Eastern gem of a country situated along the Mediterranean Coast.

The treasures that lie in store in this small nation are honestly astounding and a real testimony to the human spirit and its desire to heal, recover and regrow after years of war.

That’s not to gloss over the complexities that still exist in Lebanon, but only to pay respect to this sensational country, which quickly shimmied its way into my heart and onto my list of top global favourites!

Yes from swimming in the sea to skiing in the snow, feasting on fatoush and roaming rich Roman ruins, this list of 10 epic things to do in Lebanon will have you falling in love in with this beautiful county in an instant too.

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• The Complete Lebanon Packing List
• Travelling Lebanon? 25 Things You Need to Know
• How to See the Best of Lebanon in 48 Hours

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#1 Hiking the Qadisha Valley

The Qadisha Valley is one of Lebanon’s most stunning natural reserves, which in this country, really is quite a claim.

Located in the north of this tiny nation, it’s easy to day trip to the Qadisha from the capital Beirut and enjoying some marvellous walking trails through the landscape here is definitely one of the best things to do in Lebanon.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling lazy, driving through the valley to take in the views and perhaps stopping at the rock-hewn monastery of Qozhaya, which is dedicated to St Antonio, also makes for a top day trip.

I really loved the hiking I did with Trekking Lebanon in this country and highly recommend this company for their professionalism and expertise.

DISCOVER MORE: The Perfect 7 Day Lebanon Itinerary

#2 Snapping the Cedars

The national tree and emblem of Lebanon (it’s even on their flag!) the Cedars are famous across the country and beyond.

Now concentrated almost entirely in a reserve in the north of the country – the park that protects them, doubles as one of the premier skiing resorts in Lebanon.

Situated at altitude, even visiting here in the summer can be a slightly chilly affair with the cool alpine air, but with near-guaranteed blue skies, hiking among these fabulous trees, whilst admiring the clever sculptures of local artist Rudy Rahme is certainly one of the best things to do in Lebanon.

Because it’s impossible to catch public transport to the Cedars, I visited this gorgeous area with Explore Lebanon Tours , who offered me an amazing day out from start to finish.

#3 Sunset at Byblos

So if you hadn’t heard, Lebanon combines its lofty mountainous views, with some stellar ones of the dazzling Mediterranean sea too, and never was there a better place to take in the coastline of this country than in Byblos.

Also known as Jbail, the is meant to be one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, and the old souks and traditional streets here are some of the nicest in the country.

It’s no question therefore that enjoying a summery stop in Byblos is one of the must do things in Lebanon and at sunset is a particularly nice time to do just that.

I highly suggest enjoying a drink and taking in the amazing ocean views from Kina Handcrafted bar – an undeniably amazing spot!

#4 Get Ruined at Baalbeck

The premier Roman ruins in Lebanon, the archaeological site of Baalbeck actually ranks as one of the finest in the world and it’s therefore not surprising it’s made its way onto my list of the best things to do in Lebanon.

With temples built on an enormous scale and an air of still being slightly undiscovered due to its rural setting, getting to Baalbeck is a must on any trip to the Middle East.

LEARN MORE: Solo Female Travel in Lebanon: Is It Safe?

#5 Eating Your Heart Out!

Ok, so now we’re really talking – yes eating as much as you can, as often as you can is, undoubtedly, one of the most epic things to do in Lebanon.

Honestly, I think this is the country where I’ve enjoyed the local cuisine most – perhaps why Lebanon found its way into my heart so quickly!

And this is coming from a vegetarian, so hold onto your horses if you’re a meat eater!

No point hiding that I’m a  huge fan of Middle Eastern food anyway, but honestly, the hummus, baba ganoush, fatoosh, t abbouleh and saj here were off the Richter!

Honestly, I could go on and on, but I won’t.

Just go and try it for yourself.

And try not to put on 3kg – which is apparently quite a regular thing for visitors spending only a week in this country!!!!

#6 Beirut-ing

If there was ever a city that was more surprising, more vibrant, more youthful than Beirut, I haven’t found it yet.

Known as the Paris of the Middle East, this colourful capital oozes an extreme amount of character and cool.

From crumbing atmospheric architecture to hipster coffee shops and yoga studios, stunning coastal views to marvellous museums and galleries, Beirut has it all as far as I’m concerned and I just couldn’t drag myself away.

In fact, I ended up spending the whole of my trip to Lebanon in Beirut and simply day tripping from there, with my absolute favourite part of the city being the uber-fun Gemmayze / Mar Mikhael suburb.

READ MORE: Top 10 Free Things to Do in Beirut, Lebanon

#7 Day Tripping to Tripoli

And in complete contrast to Beirut, but no less amazing for it, is Lebanon’s second city – Tripoli.

A world apart from the liberal world of hipster Beirut, Tripoli feels far more traditional and, well, Middle Eastern (whatever that means!).

From the bustling souks to the winding cobbled streets, not to mention the food sellers on the pavement and the crumbling buildings all around, what Tripoli lacks in modernity, it more than makes up for in soul.

I loved exploring this very local-feeling city and highly recommend a day trip to Tripoli as one of the best things to do in Lebanon.

#8 Get Underground at Jeita Grotto

And moving on from urban attractions to natural wonders, one of the most epic things to do in Lebanon is to head to Jeita Grotto – an amazing cave structure that is both startlingly huge and very beautiful.

A short distance from Beirut, heading to the Grotto in an afternoon will give you ample time to take in the 2 caves here and include a boat trip, cable car ride and a short explanatory film.

And take the time you should, because this is a very unique attraction, one of the Middle East’s greatest natural wonders and is well worth the Uber fare to get here from Beirut – especially if you can round up a few more travellers to share the costs with!

#9 Marvel at the Beiteddine Palace

A 19 th century mansion, Beiteddine Palace still radiates with opulence, despite being largely destroyed during Lebanon’s years of conflict.

A real mix of architectural styles, the outer courtyard here is a truly beautiful spot to stop and take in the world, not least thanks to the sensational views it affords.

There’s also some amazing Byzantine mosaics here that shouldn’t be missed and a popular festival in the summer that is a real highlight.

#10 Head South to Sour

And finally, number 10 on my list of epic things to do in Lebanon is to head to Sour, the most southernly city in this country.

Situated on a gorgeous strip of coast, and also known as Tyre, this authentic location is full of wonderful history and coastal views.

Boasting Roman ruins and bustling souks too, it’s no wonder this city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

The main beach here is lovely, with great swimming and free access (not a given in Lebanon sadly) and there’s some awesome local eateries that line the sand too.

My favourite is right at the end of the strip and is called Cloud 59 – head here for a well-priced feed and / or a sunset beer after your day on the sand.

It’s no surprise that many locals and expats head to Sour / Tyre for their Lebanese staycation and it’s only a matter of time before it becomes a popular holiday spot for international travellers too.

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Mini Travel Guide to Lebanon

When to Visit Lebanon?

The best time to visit Lebanon in my opinion is during the Spring or Autumn months – March through May or September to October.

This is when the weather is warm and pleasant for sightseeing, beach days and hiking, but without the humidity of the high summer season.

Best Budget Accommodation in Beirut

And the best place to stay in the Mar Mikhael area on a budget is Hostel Beirut.

With an awesome location, a roof terrace, guest kitchen and some of the best-priced beds in the city, check out Hostel Beirut here .

Travel Insurance for Lebanon

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

5 Essential Packing Items for Lebanon

#1 Lebanon Bradt Travel Guide – A great guidebook for the maps and background info on this layered and complex country, Bradt make a great job of covering this off the beaten track destination.

#2 Camera – I highly recommend the Sony A6000 mirrorless camera , which is small, compact and ideal for adventurous travellers.

#3 Walking Shoes – There’s going to be a lot of sightseeing in Lebanon, so good day shoes are a must. I love my New Balance trainers , which are city friendly and super comfy.

#4 Bikini – When you see that glistening Mediterranean Sea, there’s no question you’ll want to dive straight into it. Don’t hold back and come prepared to Lebanon with a beautiful Rip Curl Bikini .

#5 Small Day Backpack – With hiking and historical day trips a plenty in Lebanon, having a backpack to house your camera, sunscreen, water, snacks and guidebook is a must here and the Bobby Anti Theft Backpack is ideal for the job – I can guarantee it!

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So that’s my list of 10 epic things to do in Lebanon you can’t miss.

Have you visited this little gem of a country too?

Did you fall in love just as much as me?

Tell me all…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

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The top 8 places to visit in Lebanon

Middle East

Lebanon is probably one of the places during my travels around the Middle East that impressed and surprised me the most. It is like a mix between Europe and the Middle East and there are so many beautiful places to visit in Lebanon. While the countryside doesn´t look middle eastern at all, more like the Swiss or French Alps, the cities remind me of other Middle Eastern countries and the beaches are like taken from the Greek Islands. The climate? Well, there is snow. And then there is the extreme heat. Lebanon has a rich history as well as a young crazy culture filled with non-stop parties and meeting new people. The culture is unique compared to its’ neighboring countries in the Middle East. Maybe it´s because of the mix of the two main religions, 50 % Islam and 50 % Greek Orthodox. Lebanon was nothing like I expected it to be, but I loved every bit of it. Here is my full summary of the best places to visit in Lebanon and if you see these and nothing ells you can consider your Lebanon bucket list fulfilled. 

When to go | Visa and entry regulations | Where to stay | Top places to visit in Lebanon | Beirut | Jeita grotto | Byblos | Tyre | Harrissa | Baalbek | Anjar | Visit the cedars of god | My top tips

The best time to visit Lebanon is in spring between April and June or in autumn, between October and December. The summers get extremely hot in Lebanon, temperatures reach over 100° F / 40°C. And yet, surprisingly, the winter months get very cold with snow. During spring and autumn, the weather is pleasant and both June and October still offer opportunities to hit the beach.

Visa and entry regulations

Residents of the US and EU get a visa upon arrival. The same goes for Gulf countries in the Middle East and Malaysia. To be sure about the visa regulations for you, check here .

Beware that you shouldn´t go to Lebanon after having been in Israel, as “Israeli citizens or any other person who holds any passport bearing stamps, visas, or seals issued by Israel are strictly prohibited from entry to the Republic of Lebanon and may be subject to arrest or detention for further “inspection.” If you´re planning on visiting both countries on the same trip, make sure to visit Lebanon first, as Israel doesn´t have any restrictions when it comes to tourists having visited Lebanon before entry to Israel.

Where to stay

OK, there is no point sugar-coating it, accommodation in Lebanon is expensive. Budget backpacker places start from 30 USD per night. Baalbek and Tripoli offer slightly cheaper options. Lebanon is really small and everything can be visited as a day trip from Beirut. You will also save money on accommodation if you stay in Beirut hotels and make day trips to all the popular destinations, as the prices at the places I recommend here are generally higher than in Beirut town.

Budget accommodation:

Hostel Beirut  is really one of the best hostels I´ve stayed in. It´s lively, friendly, truly a place where it is easy to meet new people and share travel experiences. It´s located in the Geitawi area, so while the street itself is picturesque and quiet, it is very close to both shopping, nightlife and restaurants. The perfect place!

Mid-range accommodation:

Hamra Urban Gardens  is amazing! Rooftop terrace with a pool, nice clean rooms and close to the beach. The breakfast buffet is amazing offering plenty of middle eastern specialities. I honestly can´t find anything negative about this place.

Luxury accommodation:

Saifi Suites is elegant and located in the heart of Beirut. The staff is super friendly, the rooms are impeccable and spacious and it´s just a 2-minutes-walk from the pulsating nightlife in the Gemmayzeh area.

Top places to visit in Lebanon

Beirut is one of the most vibrant cities in the Middle East. Take a stroll along the seaside promenade Corniche at sunset to get a real glimpse of Beirut life. At Corniche the fishermen and coffee vendors mix with crews of  jagal  (wealthy posers) peacocking in their expensive cars.

Join a walk guided tour such as Walk Beirut , to get a feel for the history of the city. If you want to know more about the history and architecture of Lebanon you will also find the national museum of Lebanon here. You should also visit the Al-Omari Mosque or hit the crazy Beirut nightlife in the areas Mar Mikhael and Gemmayzeh. Beirut is the city that has it all. A great nightlife, plenty of delicious Lebanese food and wine and it´s still a hub for both culture and history.

2. Jeita Grotto

Located right outside of Beirut, making it a nice city break and day trip is the Jeita Grotto. It is a spectacular underground system consisting of two separate cave systems intertwined with one other. The lower cave system is only accessible by boat, while the upper grotto, reached by cable car, is home to the world’s largest stalactite. Sometimes the lower grotto can be closed due to high water levels, so make sure to check http://jeitagrotto.com/ before you go.

The caves formed over millions of years and both grottos are full of breathtaking crystallized limestone formations in different colors and sizes. It was nominated as one of the seven Wonders of the World due to its historical significance dating back to the early 1800s.

There are several ways to get to Jeita Grotto from Beirut, but my recommendation is to take a taxi or Uber for around 20 min and at a cost of 15 USD. The entrance fee to Jeita Grotto is 29 USD and worth every penny, taxi included. Jeita Grotto is located close to both Byblos and Harissa, making it easy to combine in a guided tour .

Byblos is probably one of the most beautiful places in Beirut. A seaside village and an ancient Phoenician city north of Beirut. It is famous for being the birthplace of the written word and the Old City of Byblos has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check out the iconic Crusader castle built in 1108, hit the beach and visit the Old Souk (market), whether it’s for souvenirs, spices, street food or the hedonistic nightlife. Eat meze at Beit Nazha ,  authentic Lebanese food at a reasonable price, both cooked and served with lots of love. It was honestly so good I went back a second time. Try the fatteh hummus, layers of chickpeas toasted Lebanese bread, fresh yoghurt garlic & pine nuts and you´re in food heaven.

Tyre means sour in Arabic, but there is nothing sour about the fourth largest city in Lebanon. The beautiful seaside location, Roman ruins and some of Lebanon´s best beaches. It is filled with old mosques and churches, lots of restaurants in quirky alleys, meet local people at the open-air markets. Tyre is the place to get a taste of the real local culture and is really a must-visit when in Lebanon. The hospitality is so welcoming, you feel right at home. The waters pristine (I even swam with turtles!) and it is packed with archaeological sites to visit.

5. Harrissa

Even if Harrissa isn´t as famous as other cities in Lebanon it really has a wow factor and I would definitely say it´s a hidden gem. In Harrissa you find the Shrine and statue “Our Lady of Lebanon” an important pilgrimage site that draws millions of faithful both Christians and Muslims from all over the world. It overlooks the Bay of Jounieh, on a high pedestal on top of a mountain with a spectacular view. For 3.50 USD one way or 5.50 USD round trip you can take the famous cable car  up to the top to get a beautiful view over the city. The teleferique (cable car) is one of the oldest tourist attractions in Lebanon and it´s open 10 am -10 pm during peak season and 10 am to 6 pm in the off-season.

Baalbek is all about them Roman Ruins. And they will probably be some of the best ones you´ve seen in your life. In this 8000-year-old city, you will find the temple of Bacchus with 42 columns, which is one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world. You also have the impressive temple of Jupiter, with its impressive entrance, high altar and huge square lined with many beautifully decorated side rooms. Inside the temple of Jupiter, there´s the Great Court which is 135 meters wide and 113 meters long made out of pink granite imported from Egypt. It is free to enter, however, I would recommend going on an organized tour , from Beirut. The ancient city of Baalbek Lebanon is located in the somewhat dangerous Beqaa Valley (formerly a part of the Beqaa governorate) and some countries advise against going there. I, however, felt very safe. But I strongly advise against visiting on your own. The streets are lined with military posts that ask everyone where they are going and what their business is. There´s often a language barrier as they don´t speak English or French. The Beqaa valley is also home to hundreds of refugee camps and the situation can very quickly escalate into fights between the police and the refugees. Baalbek is also controlled by the militant group and political party Hezbollah.

Anjar is a fascinating city in the Bekaa Valley. Anjar is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was established during the Umayyad period by Caliph Walid Bin Abed Al Malak at the beginning of the 8th century. The ruins of Anjar include the walls of the Umayyad palace, harems, a mosque, the great palace of the Caliph, thermal baths, and many pillars which include some elements of the Roman architectural style. Outside Anjar stands the Tal El Nabi Mosque, which is built on top of a small hill overlooking the Bekaa Valley. It is well worth a visit and the view over Anjar and surrounding villages is magnificent.

Apart from the ruins and the mosque, there isn’t much to do in Anjar. It is advised that you combine your visit to Baalbeck with Anjar  as both sites can be done in one day. Preferably do it as a day trip from Beirut.

8. Visit the cedars of God

The Cedar tree is the national emblem of Lebanon. Unfortunately, civilization has wiped out most of the Cedar forests found around mount Lebanon. You can still view the last remaining ones in the Cedars of God. In this ancient forest, now protected as a world heritage site, you can see the majestic trees in all their glory. A peaceful forest, 2000 meters above sea level and a welcome sanctuary after a few days of sightseeing. There is no entrance fee to the forest, although donations are welcome. The forest is closed on Mondays.

9. Pigeon rocks

Pigeon rocks are two arched stone formations just off the coast in Beirut. You’ll easily spot them at sunset because you are likely to find a crowd of people posing in front of them. Personally I wouldn’t go out of my way to see this site as the others I mentioned are much more interesting and impressive. However, if you find yourself seaside off of Binhai Avenue in Beirut, swing by and snap a pic for the gram or maybe of other people taking pics for the gram.

My top travel tips

1. While Arabic is the national language of Lebanon, almost 20% of the population speak French. There is also a large population of Armenians who speak their native language. In most cities, and definitely in Beirut most people speak English. However, once you head to the countryside, English isn´t commonly spoken, so make sure to brush up on some Arabic or French phrases.

2. As some countries advise against traveling to certain parts of Lebanon, always make sure to check the recommendations valid for your nationality and make sure your travel insurance cover traveling to sites like Harrissa and Baalbek.

3. What makes Lebanon so interesting is the mix of a lot of different religions, mainly Christianity and Islam. They have learned to live side by side for many years, and mostly accept each other. Visit both churches or mosques, but refrain from voicing your religious viewpoints or get into religious debates.

4. Just as you shouldn´t engage in religious debates, don´t engage in political ones either.

5. There´s a large military presence in areas of Lebanon with lots of checkpoints. Make sure to have your documents with you at all times as they might be checked.

6. If you´re taking pictures and there´s a possibility to capture military or police, make sure to ask them if you can take a picture and make it clear that they will not be in it.

7. In some areas, due to political instability in neighboring countries, it is best to check the current situation before going there. This especially applies if traveling to areas bordering Syria.

8. The Lebanese people are friendly and eager to help. It is a safe country to travel to, but make sure to keep your wits about you and follow my recommendations above.

Which of the places to visit in Lebanon are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below.

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12 Incredible Places to Visit in Lebanon

Nestled along the eastern Mediterranean coast, Lebanon is a small nation—about a quarter the size of Switzerland—jam-packed with a diversity of things to see, do, and experience.

From its beaches to its ancient ruins, age-old cedar forests, bustling markets, and scenic mountains, Lebanon holds great appeal with its variety of beautiful places, many of them designated UNESCO World Heritage sites .

Pair all of this with amazing food, a friendly and hospitable population, and an agreeable climate, and Lebanon makes a great Middle East travel destination for families.

The country has a fascinating history stretching back more than 7,000 years. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, and the French (among others) all left their marks here.

Today, the nation’s 18 different religious groups (all of which have representation in parliament) make Lebanon quite religiously diverse in comparison to other Middle Eastern nations.

Lebanon has seen its fair share of violence and upheaval over the course of its more recent history, and sectarianism still remains an ongoing issue. However, most of Lebanon remains safe and feasible for family travel, with English, French and Arabic all widely spoken.

Best Way to Get to Lebanon

Bordered by Israel to the south and Syria to the east and north, crossing overland into Lebanon can be difficult and complicated.

The best and safest way to get to Lebanon is to fly directly to Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport (BEY).

As well as the national airline MEA (Middle East Airlines), BEY is serviced by airlines including Etihad, Emirates, Saudi, Air France and Lufthansa.

Best Places to Visit in Lebanon

Below are some of the top places to see in Lebanon that you’ll find to fit into a family itinerary visiting this small but vibrant country.

Lebanon’s cosmopolitan capital on the coast, Beirut, is an energetic, chaotic and dazzling feast for the senses. From the country’s recent economic crisis to the devastating Beirut port explosion of 2020, which destroyed some of the most vibrant neighbourhoods, the capital has experienced some hard times in recent years.

However, this is a city that rewards those who take the time to explore it with vibrant neighbourhoods, interesting architecture, and great restaurants. With a diverse population, Beirut is quite culturally open and welcoming to visitors.

The city’s long, wide corniche along the sea is ideal for renting bicycles or for taking a stroll to people watch or see the sunset. The famous Pigeon Rocks are a must-see. Burj Hammoud, the Armenian Quarter, is a great place to taste some local specialities while watching artisans at work and in their shops.

Visit the National Museum of Beirut which has some fascinating archaeological pieces from Lebanon’s incredibly layered history and learn more about the incredible story of how its relics were protected from 15 years of civil war.

Browse the higher-end boutiques in Saifi Village, Downtown Beirut, or visit the Souk al Tayeb in Mar Mikhael for authentic locally-sourced meals while picking up souvenirs made by local designers and artisans at its Saturday market.

You can find our complete guide to visiting Beirut with kids here .

How to get there:

Fly to Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport, which is about a 20-30 minute taxi ride from Beirut’s centre. As Lebanon is a small country, Beirut makes an easy base from which to organize day trips around the rest of the country. For the most convenient travel, it’s best to rent a car or book taxis in advance.  

Beirut does not have a well-organized public transport system. While there are some minibuses, their routes and schedules can be difficult to access. It’s, therefore, easier and more convenient to travel throughout Beirut by pre-booked taxi.

Companies like Allo Taxi are recommended, and apps like Uber and Bolt are widely used.

2. Harissa & the Télépherique

A stone’s throw from Beirut is the town of Jounieh, sitting north on the coast, from where you can take the Téléferique, a roughly 10-minute cable car ride up to Harissa. The ride offers some lovely views along the coast.

At the top, take a funicular up to Harissa, the location of the Our Lady of Lebanon , a large white-painted bronze statue of the Virgin Mary, arms outstretched. A site of pilgrimage for many Christians, the area offers more beautiful views, which you can take in from one of the area’s cafés. This is an easy half-day trip from Beirut.

Jounieh is about a 30-minute ride up the coast road from Beirut by car or taxi.

3. Jeita Grotto

Located about 22km from Beirut, the Jeita Grotto makes a nice day or half-day trip from the capital; it appeals to both kids and adults. The grotto itself, an impressive array of stalactites and stalagmites, is divided into the upper and lower caverns.

The upper cavern can be reached by a short cable car ride and toured on foot. The lower cavern is particularly fun as it can be toured via a boat ride through a strikingly clear and well-illuminated lake.

Apart from the grotto there are some restaurants and cafés at Jeita where you can easily grab lunch or a snack.

Jeita is about a 30-minute drive north and east of Beirut, conveniently reached by car or taxi. 

4. Deir al-Qamar

About 40 km southeast of Beirut, Deir al-Qmar is a pleasant little village nestled in the lush Chouf mountains. Perched along the edge of a picturesque valley, the village’s distinctive stone houses and winding cobblestone back streets make it a lovely place to take a break from the hustle of Beirut.

The village’s expansive main square with a fountain in its centre is bordered by the Fakhreddine Mosque, which dates back to the 15 th century. Another quirky feature of the town is the Marie Baz Wax Museum, which contains 150 figures important to the history of Lebanon. Cafes and restaurants are all located within walking distance.

A visit to Deir al-Qamar also works well in tandem with a visit to the Beiteddine Palace , which is located opposite the village, across the valley.

The most direct way to get to Deir al-Qamar is to either take a taxi or rent a car. A roughly 40-50 minute drive from Beirut, Deir al-Qamar can easily be a day trip or an overnight.

5. Beiteddine Palace

The palace, one of Lebanon’s most famous attractions, was built over 30 years (1788-1818) by Emir Bashir Shihab II, Lebanon’s final ruling prince. After changing hands a couple times between the Ottomans and the French during their ruling periods, it was later made into the presidential summer residence following the country’s independence from France in 1943.

It combines Italian and Arabic architecture and makes for a couple hours of fun exploration. The palace also boasts impressive views of the valley. As with many of the historical sites in Lebanon, there is not much explanation offered on-site, so it’s best to hire a guide to gain a better understanding.

Beiteddine is an easy day trip from Beirut and also works well as an overnight or weekend trip combined with Deir Al-Qamar or the Chouf Cedars Reserve.

Beiteddine is about a 40-50 minute drive from Beirut and the easiest way to get there is to drive or take a taxi.

City Sightseeing Lebanon , which runs hop-on, hop-off bus tours in Beirut, also runs day trips to the palace from Beirut, including stops at Deir el Qamar and Shouf Cedars Reserve (more on that below!)

One of Lebanon’s gems and top sites, Byblos (or Jbeil) is an ancient coastal city. With a history that dates back 7,000 years, Byblos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Its old city, hemmed in by a stone wall built during the Crusades, is a UNESCO world heritage site . This is also where the Phoenician’s 22-letter phonetic alphabet was born, the foundation of our modern alphabet.

Byblos’s souk has plenty of places to eat and shop (mostly tourist shops). A wander through the souk can lead you down to the old port to admire the fishing boats and dine seaside.

At Byblos Archeological Site, you can see layers of history that date back to the Phoenicians and span the Greek, Roman and Crusader periods. It’s quite extensive and provides beautiful views of the sea and the coastline.

Byblos is an easy day trip from Beirut and also an ideal weekend or overnight getaway. There are also many beaches next to the port city, making it an easy place to pair with a beach escape.

Byblos is about 45 minutes north of Beirut by car. It can be great to combine with stops at Harrisa and Jeita Grotto along the way for a full day adventure north of Beirut.

Batroun is another coastal city primarily known as a summer resort destination. Just north of Byblos it also boasts a pretty harbour and a picturesque souk in its old city, which is perfect for a wander.

The town also has an ancient Phoenician wall and attractive churches like St. Stephen’s Maronite Cathedral at the old harbour and the Our Lady By the Sea Greek Orthodox Church. Batroun is also known for its citrus trees, and any visit to the old city should include a stop at the famous Hilmi’s Lemonade.

Batroun has a great variety of beaches. Although many of them are rocky, there are some beach resort options with sand beaches if that’s your preference. There are also plenty of places to eat fresh fish and other seafood along the sea, although many outside the city centre may require a short taxi ride. For scuba divers, excursions off the coast are also available.

A short trip 4km inland from Batroun is the Moussalayha Castle, said to date back to the 17 th century, which can make for a fun excursion. Its steep steps wind their way up to the top, rewarding climbers with some great views.

Batroun is about an hour’s drive from Beirut and 15 minutes north of Byblos  along the coastal road.

Farther north along the coast lies Lebanon’s second-largest city, Tripoli. It has a remarkably different feel from Beirut, significantly more Arabic than the capital’s eclectic mix. Tripoli is less touristy than other cities in Lebanon, but it still has quite a bit to offer to visitors.

The Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles (or Qala’at Sanjil), is a fortress that overlooks the old city and a fun place to explore plenty of hidden rooms and corners. The site also houses the Northern Lebanon & Akkar Museum , which gives an interesting historical overview of the region. To make the most of a visit here it would be best to hire a guide at the site.

Nearby, the citadel is the city’s old souk. Wander the labyrinthine passageways, and you can watch artisans working on their respective crafts and shop for anything, from authentic wooden backgammon sets to spices to tasty treats. (Tripoli is well known for its desserts.)

The port area of the city called El Mina is quieter, with many narrow alleyways and streets to explore, many of which are closed to cars. Nearby is a long promenade along the seaside.

During July and August it’s possible to do a half-day trip to the Palm Islands Nature Reserve , a group of 3 small, flat islands with UNESCO protected status due to their delicate and unique flora and fauna.  

85 km north of Beirut, Tripoli is about a 1.5 hour drive from Beirut along the coast.

Connexion Transportation & Tourism offers coach bus trips between Beirut and Tripoli about 7 times daily on weekdays and 3 times per day on Saturdays and Sundays. It is best to check beforehand as their schedule changes from month to month. 

Another city on Lebanon’s coast, about a 45-minute drive south of Beirut, Sidon (or Saida) has a more authentically Arab feel with a fantastic old-style souk to explore.

The arguably biggest attraction, however, is the Crusader Sea Castle (Qalaa al-Bahr), built on top of a Phoenician temple, which dates back to the 13 th century and is actually located offshore, but is connected to land by a stone causeway. A short walk from the castle is the Khan al-Franj , a caravanserai from the 17 th century, impressively restored and open to visitors.

Nearby, the Great Omari Mosque , which was originally a church for the Knights of St. John, has an impressive courtyard and is worth visiting. Sidon’s Soap Museum is also surprisingly interesting journey through the manufacturing process of the product that Sidon was once known for.

South of Beirut along the coastal road, Sidon is about a 45-minute drive from the capital.

Lebanese Transport Co also has coach buses that travel between Beirut and Saida, usually about once per hour.

10. Baalbek Archeological Site

Perhaps less known than other sites in the Middle East, Baalbek (ancient Heliopolis) holds some of the most impressive Roman ruins in the world and they are a must-see for visitors to Lebanon. About two hours northeast from Beirut by car, the ruins of the temples of Baalbek are a treasure trove to behold.

The site itself dates back to the Phoenicians. It was later taken over by the Greeks before it became part of the Roman empire where its structures were built over the course two centuries.    

The Temple of Bacchus is certainly one of the most impressively intact temples you will find anywhere globally. The Temple of Jupiter was once the largest in the Roman Empire, though only six columns remain now.

While Baalbek is located near the Syrian border, in the part of the country where Hezbollah’s presence is strong, it is generally considered a safe place to visit with children and one of the best places to visit in Lebanon. Multilingual guides are readily available for hire at the site entrance, where a small entry fee is payable.

One of Lebanon’s most popular tourist sites, Baalbek can be easily reached by taxi hire or car rental. In addition, many tour operators organize day trips to the site and the surrounding area, such as the city of Zahlé or Anjar, from Beirut.

See some suggested tour operators which can be conveniently booked using Viator

11. qadisha valley.

The Qadisha Valley (Kadisha Valley) is one of the most stunning parts of Lebanon and a must-see for nature lovers and hikers. It is a natural gorge that cleaves the land in half. The valley is dominated by dramatic cliffs, scenic mountains views, and a river that snakes along its floor. There are many hiking opportunities here, and several small companies offer guided tours.

As an area inhabited by early Christians fleeing persecution, there are many monasteries cut into the rocks that can be visited today, along with some grottos, like Notre Dame de Lourdes and Qadisha Grotto. Qadisha was also home to one of Lebanon’s most famous sons, the poet Khalil Gibran whose former home and tomb, also carved into the rock, is now a museum.  

The village of Bcharré sits above the valley and offers splendid views of the valley, with accommodation if you want to make this an overnight. Qadisha is also located near the Cedars of God and the Tannourine Cedar Forest Nature Reserve.

Bcharré is about a 1.5 hour drive from Beirut.

12. Cedar Forests

The cedar tree is Lebanon’s national treasure, woven into the cultural tapestry of the country’s identity. (There’s even a cedar tree on the nation’s flag.)

Unfortunately, these majestic trees, previously abundant in Lebanon and used by the Phoenicians, the Egyptians, the Romans and the Ottomans, have been whittled away over the last century due to resource exploitation and deforestation. Today, a handful of protected reserves remain, but they are a great experience for nature lovers. 

The most well-known reserve is Cedars of God (Arz Al-Rab), just five km from Bcharré, which is home to some of the oldest trees in Lebanon, some dating back nearly 2,000 years. It is a small preserve but with an impressive array of trees and well-marked paths.

The Arz Tannourine Nature Reserve , south of the Qadisha Valley and around 85 km from Beirut, has several hiking trails ranging in length from between 2-4.5 km. While rockier and more demanding than the other preserves, it has some of the largest cedar trees in Lebanon and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Chouf Cedar Reserve , a protected Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, is Lebanon’s largest nature reserve and extends over three cedar forests (Barouk, Masser Al-Chouf and Ain Zhalta). The Chouf Cedar Society offers different activities like hiking, bird watching, and mountain biking within the reserve. The reserve features trails for all levels, including a specific 300-meter trail for people with physical disabilities.

The most convenient and reliable way to access any of these three reserves is by car. From Bcharré, the Cedars of God can easily be reached by a short drive or taxi ride.

The Arz Tannourine Nature Reserve can be reached by car or taxi from Beirut.

The Chouf Cedar Reserve is about an hour’s drive southeast from Beirut.   

More on Visiting Lebanon

Don’t miss our further family-friendly guides to exploring Lebanon with kids:

• Best of Beirut with Kids
• Review of the Gefinor Rotana – family-friendly hotel apartments in the heart of Beirut

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The Family Travel in the Middle East team of travel writers are all parents based in the Middle East, sharing first hand experiences and reviews from across the region to help you plan your next family adventure.

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The Best Places to visit in Lebanon

This post is about the best places to visit in Lebanon. Lebanon is a small, but incredibly diverse country in the Middle East, bordered by Syria, Israel and the Mediterranean Sea.

Why visit Lebanon

There are a lot of places to visit in Lebanon, especially considering its small size. I was surprised by the amount of things to see and do in Lebanon and by the easy of travelling in this off the beaten path country. Tourism infrastructure is still in its infancy and its bad security image is probably the cause that there are few other tourists.

But Lebanon is one of the most liberal and culturally diverse countries in the Middle East and it is relatively safe to visit. This is largely due to its history as a cosmopolitan center of trade as well as its multicultural nature. Lebanon has a diverse population with Christians, Muslims, and Druze communities, as well as smaller groups of Jews and Armenians.

As a result, Lebanon has a relatively tolerant and pluralistic society with a relaxed attitude towards different beliefs. What they all share in common js a heartwarming hospitality towards travellers.

The landscape of the country is just as diverse as its people. Mountains, hills, ancient cedar tree forests and a beautiful Mediterranean coastline with beaches and underwater caves. If you love outdoor activities, Lebanon will not dissapoint you. You can swim, hike and even ski in winter.

There are also many historical places to visit in Lebanon. Sidon and Byblos belong to the oldest cities in the world and are over 6000 years old. The country also has lots of Roman Ruins. Other great civilizations that once ruled Libanon are the Phoenicians, the Ummayads, the Abbasids and the Ottomans.

What is it like to travel in Lebanon

So what is it really like to travel in Lebanon? Truth is, that it is both surprisingly easy, but at the same time difficult. Lebanon is maybe not the best destination if you are a novice traveller. Tourism infrastructure is basic, especially outside Beirut. There are not a lot of tour operators and the choice in budget hotels is small. Furthermore, the security situation can change quickly. It is important to keep yourself up to date with the latest news.

That said, if you have experience travelling in the Middle East, you will find that you don’t need a tour operator. There is enough public transport that makes travelling around Lebanon not that difficult. I managed to travel in Lebanon for a week with public transport and used Beirut as a base. Beirut has enough options for backpackers. The country is small enough to make day trips to the best places to visit in Lebanon on your own.

For more practical information about travelling in Lebanon and whether it is safe to visit Lebanon, I recommend my post about backpacking Lebanon

The best places to visit in Lebanon

Below you will find an overview of the best places to visit in Lebanon as an independent budget traveller. They are in safe places of the country. I visited all of them using the public minivans with the exception of the Qadisha valley. This is the only place where I can certainly recommend having your own transport to fully explore this beautiful area.

Cosmopolitan Beirut

Beirut is a liberal and cosmopolitan city and among the top places to visiut in Lebanon for lovers of food, culture and history. It used to be called the Paris of the Middle East. That was, untill sectarian violence between the different religious groups, caused a civil war from 1975 till 1990. The city has recovered and is returning to its former glory with a brand new center full of expensive designer stores.

Beirut remains a melting pot of cultures, with a diverse population of Muslims, Christians, and other religious groups. This cultural diversity is reflected in the city’s architecture, cuisine, and customs.

Before exploring Lebanon, take your time to explore Beirut with all of its diverse neighbourhoods. You have lively Ashrafieh, posh Gemmayze and hip Hamra. All are vibrant areas with nice shops and restaurants, but each with its own unique culture and atmosphere.

Beirut also has a long and fascinating history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Stone Age. The city was home to numerous civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans.

How to visit Beirut

Things to do : Al Amina mosque, Martyrs square, American University of Beirut gardens, The Corniche, Pigeon Rock, Roman Baths, National Museum of Beirut

Getting around:  Getting around Beirut is easy. There are minivans and shared taxi’s. A shared ride is a servees and the driver will pick up and drop off other passengers on the way. You just tell the driver your destination and he will either accept you if he is going the same way or not if your destination is too far off.

Beirut is also the perfect place to explore Lebanon. Because Lebanon is not a big country it is easy to visit most places as a daytrip from Beirut. For destinations outside of Beirut there is the Cola intersection   with buses heading south of the country and Charles Helou   for buses heading north of the country.

Accomodation : budget travellers can stay in the Grand Meshmosh Hotel or the Hamra Urban Gardens . They are basic hotels woth dormitories in safe areas of Beirut. For a bit more luxury and private I can recommend the Beverly Hotel Beirut ot the Parisian hotel .

Jounieh and Our Lady of Lebanon

The Mediterranean coastline around Jounieh is very popular with local tourists. There are plenty of resorts and casino’s. I came here not to go to the beach, but to see the Lady of Harissa.

The Lady of Harissa is a statue of the Virgin Mary that stands atop a mountain overlooking the city of Jounieh in Lebanon. The statue is also known as Notre-Dame du Liban in French, which translates to “Our Lady of Lebanon.” It was built in 1907 and stands at a height of 13 meters (43 feet). It is illuminated at night, making it a prominent landmark visible from many parts of Beirut

Just south of Byblos in Jounieh you can take a cable car up the mountain where you can visit Our lady of Lebanon. It is an important pilgrimage site for Lebanese Christians. It is also popular among Lebanese tourists that come here to enjoy the stunning views over the sea and the town below.

How to visit Jounieh

Things to do : Cable Car, Our lady of Lebanon

Logistics:  You can easily combine this with a daytrip to Byblos. The buses between Byblos and Beirut pass through Jounieh, ask the driver to let you out in Jounieh and walk to the cable car.

Accomodation : You can stay in either Byblos or Beirut.

Byblos (Jbeil)

Byblos, also known as Jbeil, is an ancient coastal city that is among the top places to visit in Lebanon for lovers of history. It was an important city for the Phoenicians that ruled the town more than 7000 years ago. Some claim that Byblos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Throughout it’s history it has been a major center of trade, culture, and religion. The archeological sites and ancient ruins are a testament to its rich and diverse past.

Byblos has an old Crusader castle, Roman ruins and a medieval harbour. Nowadays Byblos is a small town that is predominantly christian. The old city has lots of character with its seaside location and restored bazaar. It is a picturesque area with the narrow streets of the old market, colorful buildings, and quaint cafes. From the cute mediterrean port you can take boat trips to the sea.

Byblos is located on the Mediterranean coast and has beautiful beaches. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports at popular beaches such as Edde Sands and Jbeil Public Beach.

How to visit Byblos

Things to do : The Crusader castle, Roman Ruins, Old Souq, Marcus Cathedral

Logistics:  Byblos is the perfect day trip from Beirut. From Beirut’s Cola intersection & Charles Helou station there are frequent buses to Byblos, also known by locals as Jbeil (1 hour). Alternatively you can use Byblos as a more quiet alternative to base yourself in Lebanon.

Accomodation : There are no real budget places in the ancient center of Byblos. The Ahiram hotel is within walking distance of the old town of Byblos.

Sidon (Saida)

Sidon, or Saida, is another fascinating city in Lebanon that is among the oldest cities in the world. It has a long history dating back to the Bronze Age over 6000 years ago. Numerous civilizations such as the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans developed Sidon into an important center of trade in the region.

Sidon is home to several well-preserved archeological sites that are worth exploring, including the Sidon Sea Castle and the Temple of Eshmoun.

The personal highlight for me was the lively and bustling bazaar. When I think of the middle east I imagine exotic bazaars with the smell of spices, friendly merchants, delicious Lebanese street food and tea stalls. The bazaar in Sidon was exactly that.

With the lack of tourists it is as authentic as it can get. no souvenirs, but fresh food and vegetables, muslim fashion, barbers, meat shops, bakery’s and delicious food.

How to visit Sidon

Things to do : Sidon Sea castle, Temple of Eshmoun, Exploring the bazaar

Logistics:  From Beiruts cola intersection there are frequent buses to Sidon, also known as Saida (1 hour).

Accomodation : There are not a lot of accomodation options in Sidon. It is best to visit Sidon on a day trip from Beirut.

Tyre (Sour)

Tyre, also known as Sour, is a historic coastal city in southern Lebanon. The old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is renowned for its well-preserved Roman ruins, including the ancient Roman columns, the Triumphal Arch, and the Roman Hippodrome.

Tyre has the largest and best preserved example of a Roman hippodrome, a stadium for horse racing and chariot racing. Actually just a large open field, but there are some well-preserved mosaics that are very beautiful.

Besides Roman ruins, Tyre is also known for its religious diversity, with both Christian and Muslim communities that have a vibrant local culture. Don’t miss the Christian neighbourhgood with its colorful homes and the nice port on the Mediterranean sea. This area of town is full of nice boutique hotels and there is a relaxed atmosphere.

Tyre has delicious food, particularly fresh seafood. You can sample traditional Lebanese dishes such as tabbouleh, hummus, and kebabs, as well as fresh fish and other seafood dishes.

How to visit Tyre

Things to do : The Roman hippodrome, the Christian neighbourhood and the Port.

Logistics: From Beirut’s Cola intersection there are frequent buses to Sour/Tyre (2-3 hours)

Accomodation : It is not cheap to stay in Tyre, but if you have the money you can stay in the boutique hotels Dar Alma or Dar Camelia . You can easily visit Tyre on a day trip, but if you have the money I do recommend to stay for one night in the old town.

Baalbek and the Bekaa valley

Another highlight of my time backpacking Lebanon was my visit to Baalbek in the Bekaa valley. Baalbek has one of the best preserved Roman Ruins in the Middle East that reminded me a lot of Jerash in Jordan .

In Greek and Roman times it was called the city of the sun (Heliopolis) and it was an important place of worship. The acropolis has several temples of which the temple of Bacchus is one of the best preserved. Especially when you consider that they are over 2000 years old.

A visit is well worth the effort, not only for the roman ruins, but also for the picturesque scenery. Baalbek is located in the beautiful Bekaa Valley, surrounded by lush green mountains and vineyards. Unfortunately it is also a Hezbollah stronghold and close to the border with Syria and therefore you should inform about the security situation at the moment. Read more about my visit and how to visit Baalbek .

How to visit Baalbek

Logistics: From Beirut’s Cola intersection there are frequent buses to Baalbek (2-3 hours)

Accomodation : The best hotel is the historic and upmarket Palmyra hotel . It is in a renovated old home and has lots of charm, but probably not within the average backpackers budget. The Kanaan group hotel offers cheaper places to stay.

Bcharré and the Qadisha valley

The Qadisha valley, or the Holy valley, was another highlight of my time in Lebanon. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural history. The valley is in a beautiful gorge with monasteries and cave churches. Actually this was the only place where I felt a daytrip was not enough.

First of all, The Qadisha Valley is a peaceful and tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, with fresh mountain air and a serene atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation and meditation.

Second of all, The Qadisha Valley offers a range of outdoor activities. It has stunning natural beauty, with dramatic rock formations, deep gorges, and crystal-clear streams. There is a variety of wildlife, including birds of prey, wild boar, and mountain goats. Visitors can hike along scenic trails such as the Lebanese Mountain trail and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Bcharré, the main town in the Qadisha valley is a charming place from where you can do several treks to explore the christian churches and monasteries in the valley below. There are a number of Maronite villages. The Maronites are a Christian community from Lebanon. They are named after Saint Maron, a 5th-century monk who established a monastery in the Qadisha valley.

How to visit the Qadisha valley

Logistics:  From Beiruts Dora roundabout there are buses to Bcharré (2-3 hours) every two hours. This was the only place where I would have wanted to spent more time and where it is better to have your own transport.

Accomodation : The Tiger House Guest House is one of the few budget options in Bcharre. It is pretty basic, but a good base to explore the area.

Places Not to visit in Lebanon

The subject of safety in Lebanon could be a whole different article and there is no straightforward answer. Lebanon is relatively safe compared to its neighbours (Syria and Israel), but the political situation is fragile and complicated. Lebanon is not a country to visit without reading about its history . You should get yourself up to date with the most recent developments.

Despite these warnings I still recommend to visit Lebanon. Throughout my week in Lebanon I always felt safe. The people in Lebanon are very kind and helpful. Furthermore, the best places to visit in Lebanon are all in safe parts of the country.

Update : as of 2023 the security situation in Lebanon has unfortunately detoriated due to rampant inflation, increasing poverty and crime. The country is in a deep financial and economic crisis with water and electricity issues as a result. There was even a cholera outbreak in october 2022.

Places to avoid in Lebanon

There are some areas in Lebanon that you should avoid. Luckily they also don’t really have any touristic sights so you are not really missing out on something.

Hezbollah areas : Hezbollah is a prime target for both ISIS and Israel. This includes the Shia neighbourhoods of Southern Beirut, the Southern border with Israel and the Bekaa valley. The first two have no tourist appeal anyway, but for the Bekaa valley read my post on visiting Baalbek . You can visit Baalbek, but be careful about the rest of the Bekaa valley

Tripoli : clashes between the Sunni and Alawi Muslims in Tripoli are not uncommon. I did visit Tripoli and when I was there it was peaceful, but there were clashes the week before and it was still very quiet in the streets. There was a bit of a tense atmosphere and a large military presence.

Refugee camps : Almost a quarter of the population in Lebanon is a refugee. There are a lot of Palestinian refugee camps and in recent years also Syrian refugee camps. Its better not to visit a refugee camp on your own. They are not tourist destinations, but if you really want to go, come with an established organisation such as the Shatila child and youth center .

Border areas : avoid getting close to the border with Syria and Israel.

Disclaimer : This post about the best places to visit in Lebanon contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

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18 Places of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Lebanon

Photography enthusiast and adventurer Areej Khaddaj reminds us how stunning Lebanon is, and why so many travelers are amazed by its natural beauty. Here are 18 images of truly outstanding places around the country.

Akoura – Mount Lebanon

Photos – Areej Khaddaj

 Afqa – Mount Lebanon

Ammiq – bekaa, cedars – north lebanon.

Chouwen – Mount Lebanon

Damour – Mount Lebanon

Deir Mimas – Nabatieh

Falougha – Mount Lebanon

Iaat – Bekaa

Jezzine – South Lebanon

Kefraya – Bekaa

Laqlouq – Mount Lebanon

Mchati – Mount Lebanon

Mlita – Nabatieh

Qamouaa – North Lebanon

Palm Island

Qaraoun – Bekaa

Taanayel – Bekaa

Follow Areej Khaddaj’s Instagram page.

Unlocking the Beauty of Keserwan

Where to eat healthy food in and around beirut, you may also like, spotlighting products of shouf, experience the best of keserwan, food specialties of batroun, 10 hidden destinations in lebanon that you must..., where to brunch in and around beirut, water sports to challenge your inner adrenaline junkie, where to dine by waterfalls, rivers and lakes..., mini guide to baalbeck, beit jedde: mtein’s magical guesthouse and community project, more than a winery: ardoum in magical mtein.

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Best Places to Visit in Lebanon

Looking for Best Places to Visit in Lebanon There is a whole other world to visit in Lebanon than its two significant, beautiful cities Beirut and Tripoli; the nation is wealthy in regular fortunes. Numerous individuals, unfortunately, don’t get as much as they ought to out of their visit to Lebanon. However, they can change that with this rundown of the most delightful towns to visit.

Lebanon’s urban areas have been in presence for a long time and have been home to antiquated human advancements. Whose proof is in the compositional remains, earthenware, and recorded materials.

Although the urban communities have been impacted by the different individuals who settled inside there in various periods. While these old urban communities have changed following providing food for present-day development. Portions of the customary social legacy have been held in historical centers and inside the urban areas.

Table of Contents

10 Best Places to Visit in Lebanon

The Capital of Lebanon’s city, Beirut having a population of 1,916,100 individuals is the most crowded city of Lebanon. Its rich social legacy has created over hundreds of years of association with various individuals from different nations and social orders. This antiquated city is the most significant business port in Lebanon with business exchanging focuses, banks, and neighborhood and unfamiliar organizations. People specially visit Beirut due to its famous museums including the National Museum of Beirut. Beirut has facilitated many sports and gaming activities that were Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium , The Pan Arab Games in its arenas, and the Beirut Municipal Stadium .

Having a population of 229,398 individuals Tripoli is one of the Best Places to Visit in Lebanon and also the second-most crowded city situated in the northern locale of Lebanon. Tripoli is an ancient city with an extraordinary archeological significance because of its rich compositional legacy that has created during the time of its reality.

The city has significant vacation spots such as Palm Islands Nature Reserves and the clock tower, having beautiful mosques, temples, and churches, many educational institutes. Tripoli filled in as a significant money related focus and a port during the early hundreds of years of its foundation and has stayed a significant port in Lebanon.

Sidon is the third most crowded city in Lebanon. The city existed from ancient occasions through modern times conveying with its proof of the way of life of its occupants through their different designs, stoneware, and figures.

Sidon has significant trading offices, schools, places of worship, health centers, mosques, and amusement centers. Like many other cities in the world, this city has a thread of pollution that is the major issue in this city. This is because of throwing away the harmful materials in seas and influencing the lives and nature of fish and other aquatic animals.

Tyre is one of the biggest cities in Lebanon that has existed in ancient times. The island city was a casualty of attacks by different rulers consistently. After it is establishing in around 2750 BCE, Tyre developed to turn into a prosperous trading center. Tyre was famous for the creation of a purple color or dye. The city, in the end, fell with the death of the Roman Empire.

The city has been assigned as UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its huge job in history and classical engineering. The absolute most ancient buildings in Tyre face the danger of decimation through wars and present-day advancement.

Zahle the biggest city in the Beqaa Valley is truly a significant traveler goal. one of the Best Places to Visit in Lebanon and is one of the most beautiful spot to visit in Lebanon. To visit beauty such as Souq el Blatt. This city is rich in the best spots that one should include in his to-to list.

Additionally, its commonwealth and general magnificence make it an ideal place to visit invocations.

Lebanon known for its great seashores Lebanon is known for its great seashores and summer vibe; nonetheless, Akkar is the place that is still an unexplored beautiful place to visit in summers because of its pleasant mild weather that it gets in the mid of the year.

The town of Kobayat has probably the biggest green breadths in Lebanon, in addition to it’s an old town and a decent spot for strict the travel industry it has a few houses of worship and religious communities. This town is famous for its Lebanon’s Mountain Trail, which associates a few spots along the North and towards the south. At long last, Kobayat is home to the Kobayat Summer Festival, an eagerly awaited performance, and makes for a decent base from which to investigate the various towns in the zone.

Bcharri is the name of Phoenician means Place of Ishtar. It is one of the most astonishing towns in Lebanon. The way that it’s an early Phoenician settlement is just one reason to visit; the town is likewise home to the Gibran Khalil Gibran Museum, an irreplaceable asset trove loaded up with original copies, things, and furniture brought once again from the creator’s New York home.

Besides, the town neglects the Kadisha Valley and gives access to its cavern. Bcharri is at the focal point of Lebanese the travel industry on account of the Cedars of God, a cedar tree saves and spot for skiing.

For the most part a hotel town, Laqlouq is lovely in both the winter and summer, as the ski resort transforms into an end of the week escape with the adjustment in seasons. Laqlouq offers several outings invocations and weekends.

You should visit the Baatara Gorge Waterfall, the Afqa Cave, and the town of Annaya. The initial two are astonishing nearby regular fortunes, and Annaya is a significant Christian site.

It is a wonderful city in Lebanon for the celebration of many religious festivals. Harissa is one of the beautiful places to visit in Lebanon. The most famous of the sculpture here is of Virgin Mary looking out for Mount Lebanon. Pronounced by Pope Pius IX, the wonderful holy place was raised to pay tribute to the 50th commemoration of the “Faultless” origination authoritative opinion. This asylum of a Christian wonder should be on your rundown of must-visit locales in Lebanon.

Jannet Chowen

Jannet Chouwen and a little window into paradise in Jbeil is a much-welcomed sight. Its beautiful nature makes it special and famous places to visit in Lebanon. Swimming exercise, climbing trips, and hiking tours occur in this brilliant open place. If you want peace then you will not find such peace anywhere else than through the valleys, rivers, and waterfall.

CNN News For the Blast in Beirut

The death toll from a massive explosion in the capital Beirut on Tuesday had reached 78 , Lebanon’s health minister has told the Reuters news agency

There are many people missing now. People are asking the emergency department about their loved ones and it is difficult to search at night because there is no electricity. We are facing a real catastrophe and need time to assess the extent of damages,” Hassan told Reuters

Dated : 05/08/2020

Time : 2:26 AM

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Best Places to Visit in Lebanon That Aren’t The Typical Hotspots

What is incredible about Lebanon is its small size that allows you to go from North to South in around 3 hours! And despite it’s small size, there are many amazing places to visit in Lebanon!

The Lebanese coast is only 200km. But also,  Lebanon is incredibly diverse in terms of landscape and community . That even during early Spring, you can go skiing up in the mountains in the morning, then one hour later you can go down to the coast enjoying a relaxing afternoon on the beach.

The best places to visit in Lebanon that aren’t Beirut, Baalbeck or Byblos. Nor Tripoli, Tyre or Tannourine

If you want to avoid the typical list of places to visit in Lebanon , then follow this list of things to do in Lebanon that are often missed by tourists.

1) Faraya: Learn to ski in one hour

A Lebanese village located in Kesrwan district in Mount Lebanon, Faraya is home to the best ski station in Lebanon (beside the Cedars). But what makes Faraya more tempting, is it’s central location only 42km away from Beirut which makes it a perfect place to spend a fun skiing day. There are also chalets for rent nearby for very  affordable prices  to spend a weekend, which will give you a magical winter feeling, that you will even forget you are in a Middle Eastern country. This is where I learned how to ski for the first time. You rent your equipment and an instructor for one hour, then you are ready to hit the slopes 😉

2) Barouk: Eco-tourism in Lebanon

Barouk is a village in the Chouf district (the home of the Lebanese Druze community) just 55 Km South of Beirut. Barouk has the largest natural reserve in Lebanon , Al Chouf Cedar Nature Reserve, an important Eco-tourism area. The reserve has the oldest Cedar trees in the world, in addition to different species of wild mammals, birds and plants. Barouk is very famous for its apples and fruits. This is also where I saw the biggest tomato ever (really huge as shown in the photo). It is grown naturally and served in the village open air restaurants. Definitely one of the places that should figure on the top of your list while visiting Lebanon.

3) Jeitta Grotto: Get lost in the caves

One of the most  fascinating caves  I’ve ever seen in my life, with limestone and colored crystals formed over thousands of years. The lower cave could only be visited by boat, while you can walk through the upper cave and contemplate the different shapes and shades formed naturally. The caves are located in Nahr Al Kalb valley, only 18km North of Beirut.

4) Batroun: The vibrant night life

A coastal city and one of the oldest cities in the world, Batroun is 50km North of Beirut. A beautiful summer resort, but what is more interesting about Batroun is it’s  vibrant night life , with many pubs, clubs and restaurants just by the sea. It’s also a better alternative for Beirut to spend an unforgettable New Year’s Eve.

5) Laqlouq: The wild life

A small mountainous village located 69 Km North of Beirut, reaching Laqlouq is not an easy ride. The road is bumpy, stony and very narrow but you will enjoy one of the most  breathtaking sceneries  all the way up, that will keep on stopping your car just to take some shots. Laqlouq has a very well maintained Ski station during winter. Although not as big as Faraya, but still very enjoyable. In Summer, you can enjoy horseback riding in the middle of the green mountains.

6) Ehden: For the adventurous ones

In the heart of Mount Lebanon Zgharta district, the town of Ehden is 110 km ride from Beirut. The town is known for its numerous cultural activities and festival, specially around Summer. In addition to its high quality restaurants and  exceptional pubs and clubs . But the most interesting feature of Ehden is its adventurous activities. The city offers a variety of adventurous activities all year around, from paragliding to zip lining, snow camping, hiking and more.

7) Bnachii Zgharta: Relax by the lake

Still in Zgharta district and around 80 km from Beirut, Bnachii is a small village nicknamed ‘Little Paris’. The highlight of this  charming little village  is its lake surrounded by mountains, where you can enjoy a day riding a boat or pedalo and tasting some Zgharta specialties, like Kebbeh Zgharteya. Unlike the normal small fried Lebanese Kebbeh, the traditional Zgharta Kebbeh is a huge round shape mixture of bulgur and minced meet and stuffed with solid pieces of fat then grilled. You will need to pierce the ball to release all the fatty ingredients that melt during the grilling process. An extremely heavy meal, but worth a try.

8) Hamat: Our Lady of the Light

A village located atop the Historic cape of Theoprosopon, 48 km North of Beirut and between the ancient cities of Batroun and Tripoli. The village is home to one of the most sacred places in Lebanon, the shrine and monastery of Saydet El Nourieh (Our Lady of Light). It is a popular Christian pilgrimage site, where pilgrims and tourists come to enjoy one of the most  beautiful view of the bay  and the crystal clear water atop the historic bay.

9) Annaya: The Miraculous Saint Charbel

Annaya is located on a hill in Mount Lebanon, 54 km North Beirut in Byblos district. Annaya is mainly visited for the St Maron Monastery belonging to the Lebanese Maronite Order. This where also home to the hermitage of one of Lebanon’s most venerated Saints, Saint Charbel. The hermitage and monastery include a showcasing of Saint Charbel’s life in the hermitage, as well as exhibitions of his belongings and his numerous miracles which include healing paralysis. Saint Charbel’s tomb was reopened many times after his death and on several years, and it is said that his body was remained intact, and his clothes were bearing a blood like liquid.

10) Jezzine: The waterfalls

Located in the South, approximately 40km from Beirut, Jezzine is a charming town surrounded by mountains and pine forests. Considered more of a summer resort, the district highlight is the waterfalls of Jezzine. The area also offers many religious and archeological sites.

11) Hermel: Adrenaline rush in Al Assi River

This would be considered the longest trip from Beirut. Hermel is situated 142 km up North from the Lebanese Capital. If you are into rafting and canoeing, this is the perfect place for you! Enjoy some  adrenaline rush  on Nahr El Assi, with breathtaking scenery.

12) Anjar: The Umayyad Ruins

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Anjar is a town in the Bekaa area, 58 Km from Beirut. The city was built by the Umayyad Caliph Walid I and it’s the only city in Lebanon that has ruins from the Umayyad Dynasty. Nowadays, Anjar inhabitants are mainly from the Armenian community, so you will find many interesting Armenian churches to visit as well.

South African writer and blogger looking for the awesome in travel, food and delicious wine. Collector of passport stamps.

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• 7 Illinois Towns that Were Ranked Among US Favorites in 2024

Boasting some of the nation's most unique states and biggest cities, the American Midwest is a mesmerizing tapestry of landforms with all kinds of small towns. Whether you're hankering for an escape from Chicago or out of state, Illinois' top gems offer a unique medley of the region's history, culture, and nature. Echoing the past through civil war sites, Lebanon is a former stop along the Underground Railroad, as is Princeton, home to the painting-like Hornbaker Gardens.

Rockton offers another natural sojourn amid preserves, with its charming shops for knick-knacks and treats, as well as the "Historic Auto Attractions," while the serene Fabyan Forest Preserve Japanese bestows a sensual experience in the Dutch -settled town of Geneva. Venturing beyond the cityscape, you will discover picturesque meadows and river towns that compel even worldwide travelers, starting with Galena, an architectural jewel of the Prairie State.

Once home to President Ulysses S. Grant , wandering the cobblestone streetscape of Galena frames your discoveries in a vintage painting. Resonating tales of the bygone era against the preserved 19th-century architectural marvels, Galena's legacy from lead mining comprises your "historical experiences" and the charming Main Street with its inns, local shops, and eateries. Visitors can browse for one-of-a-kind gifts, home decor, and antiques, among the other miscellanea that catch your eye at Tin-Pan Alley Antique Mall and handmade crafts at the Country Crafts & Store. Cross the scenic Galena River for an insightful tour of the Civil War general's and then the 18th US president's residence. In addition, the Galena & US History Museum vividly displays American history for every age, while the Old Blacksmith Shop offers a live demonstration of age-perfected skill.

If you love root beer as much as this north Illinois town with an affinity for these non-alcoholic suds, stop by the unique Museum of Root Beer, and after, enjoy a frosty mug of sweet suds at the adjacent Root Beer Revelry. Others know Galena as a wine destination with plentiful quality wineries, like the iconic Galena Cellars. Vineyards Winery is at its prime for the harvest season to receive visitors for a stroll before taste testing at Rocky Waters Winery and settling with a glass at Massbach Ridge Winery. Galena on the Fly offers an unforgettable sunrise experience to see the town and patchwork landscape under the first rays, lighting the Mississippi River horizon. Extinguish the hunger bug with an empanada or a box of macaroons, both of which Bakehouse excels at, while Klein’ Market Bakery sells homemade pies and Bread & Vine—perfect to stock up for a picnic by the river.

Geneva, a small urban town along the Fox River shores, greets visitors with a vibrant spirit and a festive feel along its Dutch -inspired streets. Waking up early one day is worth the crowd-free landscape that transports you straight overseas with meticulously crafted houses and a calming atmosphere. The Fabyan Windmill stands as a symbol of the charming culture—a whisper of a time gone by and the promise of a day filled with cultural attractions. For lunch, settle for a sense of the culinary scene at Fiora's restaurant, where delectable Italian cuisine is made from locally sourced ingredients, or at the farm-to-table Atwater's by the river, both sporting European digs.

From tasty treats and fun family pursuits to town greens and golf courses, revealing the town's true character and love for entertainment, St. Peter Catholic Church is an absolute must-experience during a service. Dryden Park features a playground, while magnificent experiences continue at the serene Fabyan Forest Preserve Japanese Garden , a real retreat for the senses that throws you into the Far East. After a stroll along the picturesque riverside from the Trailhead, Illinois Prairie Path, Geneva Spur, or Gunnar Anderson Forest Preserve with cultural landmarks, make a stop at the treasure trove of history, the Geneva History Museum, with interesting artifacts that narrate Geneva's up-and-coming.

Just about 30 miles from St. Louis, Missouri, Lebanon is one of the state's prettiest college towns. The McKendree University campus is largely responsible for this aura. Narrating its backstory through an architectural neverland, a walking tour of the historic district discloses the tales behind these lovingly preserved buildings from the time that Lebanon was a stop along the Underground Railroad. Enjoy the youthful vibe and the small town appeal, including the nearby university bookstore and the Looking Glass Playhouse. Flaunting Horner Park in the northern corner, this cozy wildlife spot under an old-growth canopy features a vast fishing pond, nature paths, and sports fields.

Having once welcomed Charles Dickens, the unique Mermaid House Hotel is a charming bed and breakfast and a historic landmark steeped in folklore about hosting Abraham Lincoln around the same time. Catch an exciting game at Leemon Field, in the heart of town, while the nearby McKendree Metro Rec Plex offers a whole itinerary in chance of forecast, from swimming to ice hockey, diving, and water polo. Many get excited by the opportunity to browse through manuscripts and artifacts for insights into the town's evolution at the McKendree University Archives and Special Collections, and all gather to enjoy the impressive views from the Bell Tower.

The serenity of this small town is ironically loud, making Nauvoo unmissable along the banks of the gushing Mississippi River. As the former home of an early Latter-day Saints community, Nauvoo's allure lies in its expression of this historical significance through charmingly preserved buildings. Upholding a piece of forgotten history, the eye-catching Nauvoo Temple and the Joseph Smith Historic Site offer the literal embodiment of Lebanon's culture. Its heirloom, the breath-taking temple, is an edifice of enduring faith, while the latter site features restored homes, workshops, and gardens that transport you straight back to the 1840s. Disappear amid natural sights and sounds at Nauvoo State Park, a beautiful outdoor space to relax mind, body, and soul, with trails for the active.

Promising a fun time to unwind, Baxter's Vineyards & Winery offers a tranquil ambiance through its lush vineyards that yield exquisite wines. At sundown, enjoy a quiet conversation with a loved one over a glass at Press House Winery. Many experience a gush of feeling alone on the Trail of Hope while retracing the steps of driven-out pioneer saints, while the Nauvoo Historical Society continues the journey through its artifacts and stories from the past. The exquisite hand-painted murals and period antiques at Rheinberger House Museum will surely lift your spirits, while the freshly baked aroma from Nuvoo's Scovil Bakery of delicious cookies beckons visitors in for a tour of an 1840s chef lifestyle while successfully filling your stomach with delights and treats for family back home.

Home to a landmark red-covered bridge and the Lovejoy Homestead, Princeton bursts with character and charisma. Tour the Owen Lovejoy House, a stop on the Underground Railroad , and find not one but two covered bridges just on the outskirts. The old-timey main street poses a backdrop for selfies while browsing through shops and antique malls. A trademark of remarkable preservation of its rich heritage as an essential Amtrak station, the vintage town feels lost amid yet complements its surrounding natural beauty. Boasting numerous scenic bike trails to seek solace in nature, the picturesque Matthiessen State Park is a real playground for adventures and photography, with its stunning canyons, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails.

Nearby, the painting-like Hornbaker Gardens frames nature lovers and couples in with flowers, water features, and various plants, like daylilies and hostas, to saunter along on a peaceful afternoon. The vibrant Art District showcases local artworks and unique crafts, while the Bureau County Historical Society Museum delves into the region's past, including pioneering exhibits and tales as well as Native American heritage. Commemorate your visit to Princeton, a cradle of history, with a selfie across the Red Covered Bridge spanning Big Bureau Creek. The whimsical serenity at Soldiers and Sailors Park transports you to a fairyland with art installations and memorials, while the nearby Hennepin Canal Parkway offers a picturesque hike for the active type.

Drenched in the greenery of the surrounding preserves like Roland Olson Forest Preserve and Kinnikinnick Creek Nature Preserve to the east, Rockton is steeped in history. Most known for its "Historic Auto Attractions," this eclectic collection of famous cars, TV memorabilia, and artifacts from American presidents delights families, car lovers, and historians alike. After a stop at the iconic Blackhawk Farms Raceway, take a stroll back in time through Macktown Forest Preserve, with its brick buildings in the heart of town. The sprawling Hononegah Forest Preserve across the river offers a delightful place to escape the midday heat. Why not make this woodland on the Rock River, just a hop from downtown, your summertime natural retreat with sports fields, a boat launch, picnic shelters, and even campsites?

Filled with local shops for gifts and treats like candy and chocolate at Sugar Britches and ice cream stores, Deedee's Mn. Street Coffee will become your morning tradition to browse through decor for sale while enjoying a locally procured high-quality coffee. Don't miss the family-owned Gem Shop in a custom design studio and Ric-Rac Embellishments & Gifts. Families enjoy a quick detour just north to Riverside Park in Beloit, with charming and comic large-scale creatures painted in vibrant colors, as well as a pond with fountains, paddle boats, picnic facilities, a playground, and live lawn events. From the open trails through Atwood Homestead Forest Preserve by the Rock River to the lush footpaths at Carl and Myrna Nygren Wetland Preserve, you'll be ready to unwind in affordable luxury at DC Estate Winery to the east.

St. Charles

This historic riverside town, neighboring Geneva to the north along the Fox River, has something for your impromptu escape year-round. Revealing its artsy character and significance in American history with an architecture-filled downtown, find nature nearby at the waterfront Pottawatomie Park with full and mini-golf, a pool, boat rentals, and a native garden. Across the river, take a stroll along the accessible boardwalk at the Ferson Creek Fen Nature Preserve or the Ferson Creek Park with a playground, where Ferson Creek flows into the river. The scent from Alexanders Cafe 64, a daytime cafe and bar, will beckon you in for breakfast or a sandwich to-go, serving cocktails in a contemporary space with a fireplace. Whether you're in for the easily scenic St. Charles River Trail or aiming at St. Charles Trail Head to hit the Great Western Trail, don't miss the town's most iconic cultural attraction.

Arcada Theatre, a 1920s gem, delights patrons with performances, cabarets, musicals, and classic movies, along with a full-service bar serving up homemade sangria. Don't miss Hoarders Trading Post, a record store, and see what piece of furniture catches your eye at the top-rated Trend + Relic. After checking off landmarks like the Beith House Museum and the iconic Hotel Baker, take a horse-drawn carriage ride with Noble Horse. Snug against a wide part of the river, the canopied Norris Woods Nature Preserve is drenched in serenity, while Garfield Farm Museum displays 1840s farming life through interactive experiences. Just north, the 67-acre Fow River Bluff West Forest Preserve offers an off-leash dog area, trails, and access to fishing. Take the Fox River Paddlewheel Riverboat or embark on a relaxing riverboat cruise when the city lights paint the water's surface.

From the Arcada Theater in St. Charles to the Mermaid House in Lebanon, which hosted Dickens, Galena on the Fly captures the essence of the patchwork over the Mississippi as the horizon bears the sun into the heavens. Nauvoo, the salt of the earth town, adds yet another dimension to the mélange with its breathtaking temple and the Trail of Hope. Together with Geneva, these two towns have leverage as favorite wine destinations in Illinois, just in time to visit for harvest season!

These towns, tangled within prairie lands, state parks, and rivers, pulse with authenticity through every brick and cobblestone. In St. Charles, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, the Fox River Paddlewheel Riverboat or a relaxing riverboat cruise as the sunset paints the water's surface. Each town, worthy of a spot among the best, is just a puzzle piece of the state and the greater Midwest mosaic. The neighbors of St. Charles and Geneva will get you two towns down in completing the picture.

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5 Animal Sanctuaries You Can Visit. The Cuteness Factor Is Ridiculous.

You can stay on-site at these animal sanctuaries and farms, where the puppies, cats, llamas, and pigs are as happy to see you as you are to see them

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Animals are awesome. Not only are they cute and furry, but interacting with four-legged creatures has major health benefits. Just petting a dog can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Interactions between people and animals can boost levels of oxytocin, the same feel good hormone that’s present in mothers bonding with their babies.

Not all of us can take care of a pet 24/7, but we still long for interaction with them. That’s why these resorts and sanctuaries that help save animals are so magical—they want you to come hang out with them.

These are my five favorites where you can interact with different species, from alpacas to kittens, in serene settings, helping to further the cause of animal rescue while boosting your own spirits.

1. Ojo Santa Fe

Santa fe, new mexico.

Puppy Patch might be the happiest two words in the English language, and you can visit this wonderful place at Ojo Santa Fe , a full-service spa and resort on 77 acres, located 15 miles southwest of downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico. In addition to early-morning yoga and thermal-pool soaks, Ojo partners with Espanola Humane, a local animal shelter, to foster rescue puppies, and you can frolic with them in the resort’s grassy Puppy Patch (open daily from 9:30-11 A.M. and 5-6 P.M.). All of the puppies are up for adoption.

Ojo is also home to a flock of silkie chickens, a breed of hen that is known to be particularly soft and playful. The resort hosts a daily Chicken Chat in the outdoor coop, where you can learn about the birds and feed them fresh greens and veggies. Rumor has it that the chickens actually purr like cats when you pet them.

The 77-acre property also offers some solid high-desert hiking, with two miles of trails traversing arroyos and rock outcroppings while delivering views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains (overnight rates start at $298).

2. Red Robin Song Sanctuary and Guest House

New lebanon, new york.

You don’t know charisma until a 700-pound pig sidles up to snort hello. That’s what happens at Red Robin Song Sanctuary , a rescue outfit for domestic and farm animals on 85 acres bordering the Berkshire Mountains of upstate New York. Red Robin Song’s impressive array of “guests ” also includes yaks, rabbits, goats, a donkey, and a mini horse.

“Most people have never seen animals like these in person before,” says Red Robin’s founder, Lisa Robinson. “We rehabilitated orphan beavers for a while. So many animals need to be rescued and need a forever home.”

Currently, Red Robin houses almost 50 different animals. Guests to the farm get a full tour that includes education about the drawbacks of a meat-based diet and commercial animal farming, while also spending time with many of the friends on site.

“You get a chance to meet the animals you might normally eat,” Robinson says. “And we respect the animals and the kind of interaction they want.”

For instance, some rabbits are skittish and only want to be admired from afar, and a few Tibetan yaks that were rescued from a meat farm aren’t quite ready to mingle with guests. But the goats are super social and many of the dogs are psyched to hike with you on the sanctuary’s 85-acre property.

Visitors can come for the day or stay overnight at the Red Robin Guesthouse , a three-room vegan bed and breakfast (from $162 a night), where proceeds directly support the rescue endeavor. In addition to the property’s immediate 85 acres of ponds, pastures, and woods, the adjacent 447-acre Hand Hollow Conservancy offers more than two miles of hiking trails.

3. Atlanta Alpaca Treehouse

Atlanta, georgia.

The Alpaca Treehouse packs a mighty punch in a small space. The property, which sits in East Atlanta in the midst of the South’s largest city, is only 3.5 acres, but it’s loaded with four alpacas, four llamas, and two guanacos. (A guanaco is a South American camelid similar to a llama, but typically only found in the wild.) All of the animals were rescued and on hand to interact with guests at the property’s treehouse, made from reclaimed wood and tucked into a lush bamboo forest.

“We started with chickens, and they were the gateway livestock to these other animals,” says Kara O’Brien, owner of the Alpaca Treehouse. “Llamas and alpacas are so smart. They’re just under dolphin intelligence. They communicate clearly with me and each other. They’re like big, teenaged smart cats. They’re hilarious. Each has radically different personalities.”

Stay at the treehouse and you can watch the herd of llamas and alpacas from your window, feed them baby carrots out of your hand, or take a yoga class with them. “One of our llamas, Figgy, actually goes into the yoga room and does yoga. She’s obsessed with it,” O’Brien says.

All of the proceeds from the one-bed Treehouse bookings (from $385 per night) go to rescue more llamas, which O’Brien then works to place in permanent homes.

4. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Kanab, utah.

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, is the largest no-kill sanctuary in the country, housing more than 1,600 animals, ranging from cats to parrots to pigs, on a 3,000-acre property in Utah’s canyon country 45 minutes south of Zion National Park . Visitors can take the free daily Grand Sanctuary tour to learn about the ins and outs of caring for and rehabilitating the animals, or download the app to go on a self-guided tour. You can also volunteer to work in one of the care centers, hanging out with cats, picking up after bunnies, or tending to pigs.

If you feel a connection with a particular dog, you can even schedule a hike together on the sanctuary’s three miles of trails, which traverse red rock canyons and creeks, where you’ll find overlooks, Pueblo ruins, and a cave filled with water on adjacent BLM land. A stream runs through the property, making for a fun and splashy adventure.

The sanctuary has a welcome center, cafe, and store, and a variety of overnight lodging if you want to spend more than an afternoon. Best Friends Roadhouse is a 40-room hotel in downtown Kanab with a fenced-in dog park, splash zone, and slide-out pet beds (rooms from $133), and the sanctuary just updated its 18 on-property RV sites (from $61 a night).

If you score a room or RV site, you can even host a sleepover, giving a dog or cat a night away from communal living and you an opportunity to see if you’re compatible for full-time adoption. Proceeds from lodging help support the rescue mission.

5. Animal Place

Grass valley, california.

This 600-acre sanctuary in Grass Valley, California, which focuses mostly on farm animals, has rescued or re-homed almost 30,000 hens alone, not to mention numerous roosters, goats, turkeys, pigs, dogs , and even pigeons. Currently, more than 300 farm animals live at Animal Place , which sits in the Sierra Nevada foothills in an area that’s most famous for its gold-mining history.

Guests can take a guided 1.5-hour tour of the facility ($20 donation, book in advance) to learn more about the animals and the rescue process, while also spending time with some of the more social residents, like goats, sheep, bunnies, and pigs. Drop-in visitors can embark on a self-guided tour of the sanctuary on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. (but that does not allow contact with the animals). Keep an eye out for special events, like a Paint ’n’ Sip, where you drink bubbly and paint one of the cute farm animals.

Animal Place runs a guest house with enough bedrooms to host six to 10 people for stays up to a week. It’s a single-family home with three bedrooms and a central kitchen and living room. You can rent it by the bedroom (from $75 a night) or the entire house ($750 a night). Each stay comes with a free 30-minute tour where you’ll meet up to two species of animals. The guest house is currently being renovated, but is expected to be open for bookings in October.

6. Golden Dog Farm

Jeffersonville, vermont.

Golden Dog Farm is not an animal rescue, and has no overnight option, but if you like hanging out with adorable dogs in a beautiful setting, put this small farm on your list. The place is a family-owned maple-syrup facility (also producing honey and fruits) in Vermont’s Green Mountains 10 miles from Stowe Mountain Resort.

If you book a visit in advance at Golden Dog Farm, you can interact with the dogs. Yes, the dogs are popular and you need a reservation. There are two options; sign up for the Golden Retriever Experience ($80), which is essentially a playdate with at least 10 doggy cuties in a pasture on the farm where you can play ball, frolic, or just snuggle (while getting your share of social-media images).

Or book a slot for the Friday and Saturday night Wines and Wags, where a Master Sommelier discusses grape growing in Vermont while guests sample local wines—and then you get to play with the dogs. Yes!

Graham Averill is Outside magazine’s national-parks columnist. The best part of his day is walking his own rescue dog every morning.

For more by Graham Averill, see:

The 10 Best Bike Towns in America, Ranked

8 Surf Towns Where You Can Learn the Sport and the Culture

The Best Ways to Get Outside in West Virginia

The 10 Best National Parks in Canada

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The 55 Most Beautiful Places in the World

From cloud forests to glacial lakes, these destinations are the world's best sights to see.

Anne Olivia Bauso is a travel writer and hotel expert based in New York City. She has written hundreds of hotel reviews, from 5-star Ritz-Carlton properties to treehouse eco-resorts in the jungle.

From sky-blue lakes in Canada to sandstone beaches in Seychelles, beauty abounds in every corner of the Earth. Focusing largely on national parks , mountains, beaches, deserts, and other natural wonders , we’ve compiled the world's most beautiful places to inspire your next dream destination. 

• Best tourist destination: Iguazú Falls, Argentina and Brazil
• Underrated hidden gem: Fairy Meadows National Park, Pakistan
• Best for families: Grand Canyon, Arizona
• Best for couples: Anse Source d'Agent, Seychelles
• Best for solo travelers: Railay West Beach, Thailand

Join us for a journey to some of the most beautiful places in the world, like the red rocks of the Grand Canyon and the abundantly colorful Great Barrier Reef.

Iguazú Falls, Argentina and Brazil

Altogether, the 275 cascades on the Argentina-Brazil border form a mind-blowing, panoramic waterfall. The overwhelming sight of Iguazú Falls, combined with the sound and energy of water rushing at up to 450,000 cubic feet per second in the rainy season, is pure magnificence.

Fairy Meadows National Park, Pakistan

Tahreer Photography / Getty Images

Near the foot of the world's ninth-highest mountain (Nanga Parbat), Pakistan's Fairy Meadows offers sublime mountain scenery and wildlife, including brown bears, markhor, and Himalayan ibex. To get to Fairy Meadows, you’ll have to hire a Jeep but be forewarned, the road there is not for the faint of heart.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

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Offering some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet, the Grand Canyon truly merits the term "breathtaking." The vast geologic wonderland, one mile deep and up to 18 miles across, displays countless layers of colorful rock and practically hypnotic vistas.

Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles

Pinpointing the most beautiful Seychellois beach is like splitting hairs, but Anse Source d'Argent gets extremely high marks for its sugar-white sand framed by dramatic granite boulders and sparkling aquamarine water. The sweet shoreline is relatively secluded from the resort crowds on La Digue Island.

Railay West Beach, Thailand

Dmitrii Guldin / Getty Images

On the Railay peninsula's west side, Krabi's famous karsts meet a simply stunning jade-green lagoon. The vertical cliffs block access from the Krabi mainland, making Railay reachable only by boat, adding to its incredible appeal.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

There's no better way to experience Patagonia's rugged natural beauty than in Torres del Paine National Park . The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to its namesake granite towers (the park's name is a combination of the Spanish word for “towers” and the Tehuelche word for “blue”), as well as sparkling lagoons and otherworldly glaciers.

Bagan, Myanmar

It's hard to truly grasp the magnitude of Myanmar's Bagan Archaeological Zone , dominated by thousands of temples, pagodas, and stupas. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site on a bike, or for an eagle's-eye view, take a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise to see the temples scattered across the lush landscape.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Costa Rica

This magical, misty, and well-preserved cloud forest in northwestern Costa Rica is a successful template for sustainable ecotourism. Along with its sister cloud forest, the Santa Elena Reserve, Monteverde is a practically untouched paradise home to thousands of plant, animal, and bird species (including the radiant quetzal), visible from jungle paths and nail-biting steel bridges hanging over the canopy.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia

One of the world's largest waterfalls, Victoria Falls spans the Zimbabwe and Zambia borders. As a destination, "The Smoke That Thunders," as it is known in the Bantu language family, is a hub for white-water rafting, helicopter rides, big-game safaris , and other thrilling adventures.

Whitehaven Beach, Australia

Whitehaven Beach mesmerizes from above with swirls of white and blue hiding amid the offshore islands of Queensland. Part of Australia's Whitsunday Coast, the star attraction is remarkable for its amazing combination of pure silica sands and vivid blue-green waters.

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

On a dirt road near the west coast town of Morondava is a stretch of tall and ancient baobab trees unique to Madagascar, and all that remains of a once-dense forest. The centuries-old giants are especially magnificent cast in the light of a sunrise and sunset.

Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia

The world's largest salt flat covers 4,000 square miles of the Bolivian Altiplano. In the dry season, it's an endless white sheet of salt tiles made all the more dazzling by clear, sunny skies. From December to April, however, regular rains create a mirror effect that merges lake and sky. No matter when you see it, Salar de Uyuni is one of the most captivating sights on earth.

Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam

With hundreds of jungle-covered karst cliffs rising out of emerald green waters, Hạ Long Bay is a photographer's dream. Hop on a boat or kayak to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site 's beautiful islands and surreal cave systems.

Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

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Lake Atitlán in the Sierra Madres offers a combination of Indigenous culture and waterside serenity. It likely comes as no surprise that a place this tranquil is also a popular destination for yoga retreats. Cross the gorgeous crater lake by boat and explore various pueblos, shop local markets for Mayan crafts, and sleep in treehouse accommodations.

Le Morne Brabant, Mauritius

A freestanding basaltic mountain hulking over a bright blue-green Indian Ocean lagoon certainly makes for spectacular scenery. When viewed from above, the surrounding sand and silt form an optical illusion that appears to be a massive underwater waterfall at this mythic place — and there is a fascinating history to uncover. Thanks to its isolation and near-inaccessibility, Le Morne sheltered people who escaped enslavement during the 18th and early 19th centuries.

Acadia National Park, Maine

From rocky shorelines shrouded in mist to conifer-cloaked mountainsides, Acadia National Park is a wild place of sea, stone, and forest. Visitors flock here to hike, fish, climb, camp, and experience the end-of-the-world feel in New England's only national park.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The mighty Okavango , the largest inland delta in the world, is a vast network of winding waterways and animal-attracting lagoons. Navigating through reed-studded channels in a mokoro (traditional canoe) and spotting hippos, leopards, and elephants is one of the world's great travel experiences for nature lovers.

Maasai Mara, Kenya

This famed wildlife preserve (next door neighbor to the Serengeti) is one of the world's most enchanting ecosystems . The Mara's golden grasslands stretch to the horizon, interrupted by graceful acacia trees and rumbling throngs of wildebeest and zebra — and their stalking predators.

Beautiful Forests Around the World

Cat island, the bahamas.

Cat Island is a secret nirvana hiding in plain sight in the Bahamas . Sparsely developed and off the main tourist track, Cat Island is resplendent in miles of nature trails and wondrous pink sands sprawling under the Caribbean sun. Far from the mega-resort scene of busier islands, the mood on Cat Island is very laid back, so expect to find local vibes and small family-owned hotels.

Zhangye National Geopark, China

Distinct rolling bands of orange, cream, yellow, brown, and russet against jagged mountain peaks make this geological anomaly in the Northwestern province of Gansu look like a psychedelic scene on Mars. Boardwalks have been built throughout the park allowing visitors to see the stripes up close.

Glencoe, Scotland

The Scottish Highlands are filled with astonishingly scenic glens, but Glencoe Valley is perhaps the most famous (and infamous, due to a brutal 17th-century massacre that marked a pivotal moment in Scottish history). Today the valley is a haven for hikers, mountaineers, and whisky lovers — the 19th-century Ben Nevis Distillery is a short drive away.

Mount Kōya, Japan

The Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi founded this mountaintop temple town in 819. Today, the sacred and serene place is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains more than 100 temples, including the head temple Kongobuji, featuring gorgeous gilded sliding doors and ceilings carved with flowers. Within the ancient complex is a mausoleum and cemetery surrounded by a cedar forest with old-growth trees up to 600 years old.

Dead Sea, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel

Name aside, the Dead Sea is a lake and one of the world's saltiest, at that. (In fact, the saline water has such a high density that it keeps bathers afloat.) Set between Jordan, Palestine, and Israel at the Earth's lowest elevation, it's known for its beautifully clear and tranquil waters (with nearly 10 times more saline than the ocean) and its surrounding mineral formations, sandy beaches, nature preserves, natural pools, and waterfalls.

Zion National Park, Utah

Elisabeth Pollaert Smith /Getty Images

Glorious Navajo Sandstone cliffs, rainbow-colored canyons, and incredible biodiversity make Zion one of the most popular (and most scenic) national parks in the U.S. Utah is famous for its many gorgeous national parks, but in Zion, you can enjoy unique hikes like The Narrows, a slot canyon trail following Virgin River upstream — just make sure you go in the right season .

Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

Dominated by a 3,000-square-mile ice cap of the same name, Vatnajökull is a chilly, Icelandic wonderland of caves, craters, glacier-filled calderas, and waterfalls. Perhaps the most famous cascade is Svartifoss, plunging over hexagonal lava-rock columns.

Pamukkale, Turkey

Pamukkale's electric-blue thermal pools and white travertine formations, naturally formed by slowly crystallizing calcium carbonate, make for gorgeous vacation photos. Its location is quite remote, so you will need to set aside a day or two for this special trip, but with steaming hot waters and a name that translates from Turkish to "cotton castles," it's worth the experience as well as the view.

Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Hawaii

Nā Pali translates to "the cliffs" in Hawaiian, a deceptively simple name that might not fully prepare travelers for the epic glory on display on the Kauai coast. The staggering coastline is too rugged and vertical for road access, so the only way to see it is by boat, air, or seriously intense hiking trails.

Table Mountain, Cape Town

Ascending iconic Table Mountain tops the to-do list for most travelers in Cape Town. Adventurous hikers can go on foot, but there's also an aerial cableway that gently sweeps up to the 3,563-foot summit. Either way, the top offers insane panoramic views of the South African capital and the Atlantic.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Built nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Incan citadel whose engineering ingenuity and head-spinning views rival the extraordinary beauty of its Sacred Valley setting. It may be a hotspot for tourism now, but the rest of the world has only known about its existence since it was rediscovered in 1911.

Lucerne, Switzerland

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Picture a serene alpine lake fringed with soaring Alps. Now add in a walkable medieval town and you've got the setting for this long-popular Swiss destination . Don't miss Mount Pilatus (via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway) and the Rigi for nature trails and a famous viewpoint overlooking three lakes.

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia

The Blue Ridge Parkway may lack Highway 101's ocean scenery, but it trades Pacific views for peaceful Appalachian beauty. Stretching 469 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park , the 45 MPH, no-trucks route winds past overlook after overlook, letting road-trippers marvel at the mountains' dreamy blue hue.

Pulau Tioman, Malaysia

This isn't a tropical island getaway with a wild party scene or a string of upscale resorts. Pulau Tioman is more of a floating nature preserve, with local character and a strong sense of environmental conservation (coral rehab and sea turtle preservation are major focuses for the island's Juara Turtle Project ). The island, off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the South China Sea, is popular for its dive sites, shipwrecks, and tropical rainforest.

Damaraland, Namibia

Damaraland region is an almost mystical vision of red-earth desert plains, flat-topped mountains, a petrified forest, and well-preserved ancient Bushmen rock paintings. Though it looks like a scene from Mars, Damaraland is rich in wildlife, home to lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and the critically endangered black rhino.

Matira Beach, French Polynesia

The South Pacific calls up many visions of spectacular beaches . The otherwordly Bora Bora 's Matira Beach gets singled out for its miles of pearly white, flour-fine sand, and breathtaking bright turquoise lagoon.

Cirque de Gavarnie, France

Cirque de Gavarnie is a popular hiking destination in the Pyrenees and one of the most beautiful in France . Called "the Colosseum of Nature" by Victor Hugo, the Cirque is a ring of sheer granite mountain walls enclosing a picture-perfect green valley. It's astounding even before you add in three-tier Gavarnie Falls pouring over a 922-foot drop.

Shark Bay, Australia

Shark Bay: where the red earth of Australia's westernmost point meets the teal waters of the Indian Ocean. The bay is home to one of the largest and richest beds of seagrass in the world, as well as rare stromatolites — rocky-looking, cauliflower-shaped microbial reefs and some of the oldest life forms on Earth.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

The Lofoten archipelago bursts dramatically out of the Norwegian Sea. Between the jagged peaks and steep slopes are quaint fishing villages, secluded coves, scenic backpacking and biking trails, and dreamy white-sand beaches. You can even get there by train via the Ofotbanen , a luxury rail service that takes you from Oslo up to the Arctic Circle.

Los Cabos, Mexico

Flanked by the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, Los Cabos ' symphony of natural features — desert, mountains, sea, and plenty of sunshine — and yes, raucous party scene, have made it one of the most popular vacation destinations in North America. Its cobalt-blue waters are a hub for diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and whale watching.

Taormina, Sicily

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Taormina has all the elements for a gorgeous Mediterranean destination : ancient ruins, a charming old town, and a setting backed by Mount Etna, an active volcano you can summit by foot. One of the highlights is visiting the beach of Isola Bella, a small storied island that you can walk to during low tide.

Dal Lake, India

The snow-capped Zabarwan Range rises above Kashmir's romantic Dal Lake, a long-time Himalayan escape for Indians fleeing the south's heat. During the summer, veranda-clad cedar houseboats bob along the lake's western edge while floating markets and brightly painted taxi boats drift by.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The world's largest barrier reef is an unrivaled experience for snorkelers and divers. The sensational underwater world is made up of 2,900 individual reefs, 900 islands, and a mind-boggling diversity of marine life.

Wulingyuan Scenic Area, China

Thousands of tapering quartz sandstone formations spiral skyward in this 100-square-mile stretch of karst terrain in China's Hunan Province . Beneath the towers lie valleys, streams, waterfalls, caves, natural bridges, and dense green forests.

Banff National Park, Canada

Canada's oldest national park showcases the majesty of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. Banff is known for its staggering peaks, dense pine forests, hot springs, animals — grizzlies, bighorn sheep, and moose all call the park home, and almost eerily azure glacier-fed lagoons, such as the postcard-perfect Peyto Lake.

Wadi Rum Reserve, Jordan

Wadi Rum is a stunning red desert landscape filled with canyons, dunes, mountains, springs, archeological sites, and stone archways. Brave hikers can cross the largest, Burdah Rock Bridge, which is more than 200 feet above the ground.

Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, New Zealand

Glaciers carved this awe-inspiring valley , leaving behind craggy peaks with sheer drops into glistening waters. Part of UNESCO World Heritage Site Te Wahipounamu , the South Island's Milford Sound is blessed with waterfalls, rainbows, rainforests, and a diversity of wildlife — everything from black coral to bottlenose dolphins, with seals and even penguins in between.

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Blissfully isolated 217 miles off the Brazilian mainland, this lovingly preserved archipelago offers pristine beaches and clear waters abundant in marine life perfect for world-class snorkeling. The remote island is also a hub for honeymooners looking for a slice of paradise.

The Algarve, Portugal

Surrounded by the Atlantic to the south and west, Portugal's Algarve region looks and feels like a wild respite. Wind-sculpted cliffs and headlands frame big, sandy beaches popular with surfers and dotted with secret coves and grottoes.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Solitary Mount Kilimanjaro is one of Africa's most stunning icons, rising more than 19,000 feet from coffee and banana farms up to snowy volcanic peaks. Along the way to "The Roof of Africa," hikers trek through distinct climate zones, from rainforest to high-altitude desert to the arctic-like summit.

Mount Fuji, Japan

Both an active volcano and an emblem of serenity, Mount Fuji is one of the world's most magnificent sights. You can hike to the sacred landmark's summit for sweeping views or simply gape at it from Lake Kawaguchi and elsewhere in the beautiful Five Lakes region . Head to the spa town of Hakone in winter to pair crisp Fuji views with steaming hot springs.

Li River, China

The Li River carves through the lowland farms and jagged karst terrain of northwestern Guangxi, creating some of China's most picturesque scenery (the area is so pretty, it appears on the 20 yuan banknote). A four- to five-hour river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the most popular way to experience Li River, though travelers wanting more autonomy can rent bamboo rafts or hike — the natural moon-shaped arch of Moon Hill makes a glorious lookout.

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como has been one of Italy's most popular vacation spots since the time of the Roman emperors. This unabashedly high-rolling resort area still attracts a posh crowd with its lush gardens, cinematic palaces and villas, and sun-soaked alpine shores. Take the funicular to the tiny village of Brunate for an amazing panorama.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Like so many of Earth's most stunning sights, Crater Lake is the result of earth-altering, volcanic forces. Its 1,943-foot depth makes it the deepest lake in the U.S. , filled with mesmerizingly deep blue waters fed by rain and snow. View its perfection from hiking trails, boat tours, and the 33-mile Rim Drive around the caldera. Keep in mind, some attractions like boat tours and the scenic Rim Drive close for the winter season.

Big Sur, California

Makito Umekita/Travel + Leisure

Even considering California's 840 miles of monumental coastline, it's hard to rival the beauty of Big Sur . Thick redwood forest, foggy canyons, and rocky cliffs tumbling into the Pacific define this area (the name refers to both the town and the coastal region), made all the more famous for its freewheeling NorCal vibes and Old Hollywood history.

Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee

With half a million acres split by Tennessee and North Carolina, this famous park 's wondrous mountain scenery encompasses hardwood forests, steep-sided ravines cut by rivers and streams, and brilliant wildflowers in bloom from spring to fall. Hikers have 150 trails available to them, from the Appalachian Trail’s Charlies Bunion hike to the more challenging Rainbow Falls route.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

The scenery alone — waterfalls, calderas, misty bamboo forests — makes Volcanoes National Park a worthy contender of any travel list. The mystical setting is all the more special for hosting buffaloes, birds, golden monkeys, and the elusive mountain gorilla.

Related Articles

If you like waterfalls, here are the top five state parks across Pennsylvania to see them

With tropical storm season soon approaching, late summer and early fall are excellent times to chase waterfalls across Pennsylvania.

While the commonwealth has had a dry summer, rainstorms will soon be coming and refilling streams and rivers across the region.

Road trip ideas: Try these Pennsylvania adventures before summer ends

From hiking along a trail to enjoying some of the views from public roadways, there are numerous waterways to enjoy across the Keystone State.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has 124 state parks and the agency explains why these are the top five for those wanting to see waterfalls.

Hickory Run State Park

Hickory Run in White Haven, Carbon County, has a natural 25-foot waterfall along Hawk Falls Trail.

While you’re there you can visit Stametz Dam and view the Lehigh Gorge along the Fireline Trail.

Hickory Run, that’s occupies 15,990 acres of land, has more than 40 miles of hiking trails, three wilderness areas and Boulder Field, a National Natural Landmark.

Plan a roadtrip: Pennsylvania has 124 state parks, here are the 10 that have the most visitors

Ohiopyle State Park

Ohiopyle , located in Fayette County in the Laurel Highlands, is known for whitewater rafting in the summer months on the Youghiogheny River through the Laurel Highlands. There are numerous waterfalls including some you can see from the visitor’s center.

In addition to viewing the five different waterfalls, you can sit in the creek bed and ride on the water along two natural slides on Meadow Run. Hikers can go a short distance on the Great Gorge Trail to the Cucumber Falls which is a tall cascading waterfall over a rocky area.

Johnathan Run Trail is another passage that takes visitors near several waterfalls including Johnathan Run Falls.

Leonard Harrison State Park

Leonard Harrison , part of the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania experience in Wellsboro, Tioga County, has a series of waterfalls along Little Fourmile Run. It’s located across the canyon from Colton Point State Park.

If you are planning a visit, remember to bring your fishing gear. The park is known for its fishing opportunities for trout, smallmouth bass and panfish in Four-Mile Run, Marsh Creek, Stoney Fork Creek, Asaph Run and Straight Run.

More: 2 million acres, 8 forests. It's all in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Ricketts Glen State Park

Ricketts Glen has several trails that lead to 22 waterfalls including the Ganoga, which carries water over a 94-foot-high drop. The waterway is part of a National Natural Landmark. The 13,193-acre park is located in Luzerne, Sullivan and Columbia counties.

The park has three parking lots that provide access to the Falls Trail System via the Highland Trail, Glen Leigh and Ganoga Glen sides of the trail.

For those who don’t like to walk far, Adams Falls is about several hundred feet from the Evergreen parking lot off State Route 118.

Trough Creek State Park

Trough Creek in Huntingdon County encompasses 541 across a scenic gorge through Terrace Mountain. The creek flows into Raystown Lake.

It’s known for Abbot Run and a suspension bridge that lead visitors to Rainbow Falls and Balanced Rock.

More: These beaches, summer attractions are worth the drive, says the Pa. parks dept.

Brian Whipkey is the outdoors columnist for USA TODAY Network sites in Pennsylvania. Contact him at [email protected] and sign up for our weekly Go Outdoors PA newsletter email on this website's homepage under your login name. Follow him on Facebook @whipkeyoutdoors .

Middle East Crisis Palestinian Authority Leader’s Visit Highlights Turkey’s Unique Role in Gaza Conflict

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Abbas meets with Erdogan at the start of a 2-day visit.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey has called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel a “bloodsucking vampire” because of his approach to the war in Gaza. He declared a day of mourning when the Hamas political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in an apparent Israeli assassination . And he has praised Hamas, which many Western countries consider a terrorist group, as an “ organization of liberation .”

Yet Turkey officially supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, seemingly contradicting Hamas’s goal of wiping Israel off the map.

It is into this complex mix that President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority stepped on Wednesday, meeting in private with Mr. Erdogan in the Turkish capital, Ankara. He is also expected to address Turkey’s Parliament on Thursday.

Since the start of the war in Gaza, Turkey has staked out a position that Turkish officials and analysts say is driven by support for the Palestinians, anger at the war’s high civilian toll and domestic politics. Turkey recognizes Israel diplomatically, unlike many other Muslim-majority states, and wants to play a role in ending the Gaza war, while its leaders simultaneously stand up for Hamas, a group dedicated to Israel’s destruction.

Sympathy for the Palestinians is widespread in Turkey’s otherwise polarized society. Many Turks are genuinely horrified by the vast destruction and civilian deaths, so politicians across the spectrum have more to gain from criticizing Israel than from speaking about its security concerns.

Officials in and close to Mr. Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party also have personal relationships with Hamas leaders that go back many years. Mr. Erdogan knew Mr. Haniyeh personally. His foreign minister and former intelligence chief, Hakan Fidan, met Mr. Haniyeh often and sometimes passed messages to him from the United States, Jeffry L. Flake, the departing U.S. ambassador to Turkey, told reporters this week.

Last week, during a news conference with his counterpart from Montenegro, Mr. Fidan set aside his normally staid style to lash out at Israel.

“The perpetrators of the massacre in Gaza shouldn’t remain without punishment,” he said. “Those murderers should be held accountable sooner or later at international courts.”

He also criticized countries that send military aid to Israel. He didn’t name them, but the United States is by far the biggest supplier of weapons to Israel.

“It is pretty clear who is escalating the tension,” he said. “Stop the habit of sending the bill to the wrong place. The road to peace and calm in the Middle East comes through reining in the craziness of Israel.”

It was not immediately clear whether Mr. Abbas’s invitation to Ankara was part of a specific Turkish policy proposal. Mr. Abbas heads the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and seeks a two-state solution with Israel. United States officials have suggested that the authority — a fierce rival of Hamas — could help govern Gaza after the war, an idea Mr. Netanyahu has rejected.

Complicating the picture, Mr. Erdogan told members of his party last week that before Mr. Haniyeh’s assassination, Turkey had been planning to invite him to address the Parliament too.

Despite the harsh rhetoric, Turkey has not cut diplomatic ties with Israel, although they have been scaled back and Turkey has announced the suspension of trade.

Turkey has also proposed that it serve as a “guarantor” of a Gaza cease-fire with Hamas in an arrangement under which the United States would secure Israel’s compliance. But that proposal has not gained traction.

Mr. Flake said that despite Mr. Haniyeh’s death, Turkey and the United States still shared the same goal.

“You can imagine that it has been difficult, but we’re both, our two countries, seeking the same thing: a cease-fire that will lead to some kind of enduring peace,” he said.

But the anti-Israel and pro-Hamas statements by Turkey’s leaders have made it hard for Turkey to play a central role in cease-fire negotiations as Qatar and Egypt have, Mr. Flake said.

“In terms of playing a mediating role, the rhetoric makes it very difficult,” he said.

— Ben Hubbard and Safak Timur reporting from Istanbul

Key Developments

Israel approves a new settlement site in the West Bank, and other news.

Israeli planning authorities on Wednesday formally signed off on Nahal Heletz, a new Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, one of several set to be authorized in the coming months. In June, Bezalel Smotrich, a powerful far-right member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition and settler leader, pushed for measures that would expand settlements , which much of the international community views as illegal, in exchange for agreeing to release hundreds of millions in frozen Palestinian revenues. Mr. Smotrich has said Israel ought to rule the West Bank indefinitely without granting its Palestinian residents equal rights . He also opposes a cease-fire with Hamas in Gaza, and last week the White House sharply rebuked him for making what it called “ridiculous charges” against a U.S.-brokered proposal.

Israeli forces have conducted 40 attacks in Gaza over the last 24 hours, hitting infrastructure and militants “who posed a threat” to Israeli troops, the military said on Wednesday. Gaza’s Ministry of Health said that 36 people had been killed and 54 others were wounded over the same time period, bringing the death toll since Oct. 7 close to 40,000 people. The Health Ministry does not distinguish between combatants and civilians. Israel’s military said last month that it had killed or apprehended 14,000 combatants in the enclave since the war’s start, but it did not say how it had arrived at that number, or how it had distinguished combatants from civilians. Critics of the war contend that Israel is too quick to identify any man killed as a fighter.

Diplomats called for a cease-fire at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday focused on an Israeli airstrike on Saturday that hit a school compound in northern Gaza where more than 2,000 displaced Palestinians had sought shelter. The Gaza Civil Defense emergency service said more than 90 people were killed in the strike at Al-Tabaeen school in Gaza City. Diplomats, who also called for a hostage release, said the war must stop to end human suffering and to prevent a wider war. “Ten months since the start of the war, the threat of further regional escalation is more palpable, and chilling, than ever,” said the U.N.’s top political chief, Rosemary DiCarlo.

Iran sharply criticized three European leaders who had called for restraint in the crisis with Israel, saying Tehran reserved the right to defend its sovereignty. Nasser Kanaani, a spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said in a statement on Tuesday that they had ignored Israeli “crimes and terrorism” against Palestinians and in the Middle East. On Monday, the leaders of Britain, France and Germany had urged Iran and its allies not to retaliate for the assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran because it could disrupt efforts to reach a cease-fire in Gaza.

Because of an editing error, an earlier version of the headline with this article misstated the location of a new Israeli settlement. It is in the West Bank, not in Gaza.

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A top U.S. official visits Lebanon in a bid to avert a war between Hezbollah and Israel.

Amos Hochstein, one of President Biden’s most trusted national security advisers, met with Lebanese officials in Beirut on Wednesday and called for a cease-fire deal in Gaza that he said would enable a diplomatic resolution between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and “prevent an outbreak of a wider war.”

The Biden administration has been working to tamp down regional tensions and avert a war between Israel and Hezbollah. Mr. Hochstein, who has become the de facto U.S. envoy in the quest to end the conflict along the Lebanon-Israel border , is one of a number of administration officials who have fanned out across the Middle East this week in a bid to nail down a cease-fire deal for the war in Gaza and stave off an attack by Iran and its proxies against Israel.

Cease-fire talks are set to take place in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday and are expected to include top intelligence officials from Egypt, Israel and the United States, as well as the Qatari prime minister. The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said in a statement on Wednesday that he had approved the departure of the delegation to Doha and its mandate to negotiate.

Hezbollah, Iran’s most powerful regional proxy, has repeatedly said that only an end to Israel’s war in Gaza will lead it to cease its cross-border attacks. And on Wednesday, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that Iran would not bow to international pressure from its enemies, state news media reported. Mr. Khamenei said the goal of the pressure was to make Iran retreat but that “tactical withdrawal, whether military or political, economic or propaganda, will bring the wrath of God.”

Mr. Hochstein met with Lebanon’s speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri, an influential Hezbollah ally who passes messages back and forth between U.S. officials and the militant group. Afterward, he told reporters, “We continue to believe that a diplomatic resolution is achievable because we continue to believe that no one truly wants a full-scale war between Lebanon and Israel.” Mr. Hochstein warned, however, that there was “no more time to waste and no more valid excuses from any party for any further delay.”

Mr. Hochstein was on his fifth trip to Lebanon since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza more than 10 months ago, when Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel in solidarity with Hamas. Since then, the fighting along the Lebanese-Israeli border has killed over a hundred civilians, displaced more than 160,000 people in both countries and threatened to expand into an all-out war.

The killings last month of top Hezbollah and Hamas leaders have intensified fears of a wider regional conflagration, with the region on edge awaiting the expected retaliation against Israel from Iran and Hezbollah.

“We have to take advantage of this window for diplomatic action and diplomatic solutions,” Mr. Hochstein said in Beirut on Wednesday. “That time is now.”

Mr. Hochstein’s sense of urgency was echoed by the British, German and United States ambassadors to Israel, who on Wednesday met with relatives of hostages taken in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel to call for a cease-fire deal and the return of about 115 captives, dead and alive, believed to be in Gaza. They said that a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas could stave off a wider conflict.

A deal would create “a pathway” for stability in the region, said Jack Lew, the American ambassador to Israel. Steffen Seibert, Germany’s ambassador, added that a deal could “start changing the reality of war into a new reality of peace, of new beginnings.”

Farnaz Fassihi and Ephrat Livni contributed reporting.

An earlier version of this article misspelled the surname of the German ambassador to Israel. He is Steffen Seibert, not Selbert.

— Euan Ward reporting from Beirut, Lebanon

Israel draws global condemnation after a cabinet minister’s proclamations at a holy site.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right national security minister, led a group of his supporters in prayer on Tuesday at a holy site in Jerusalem that is revered by both Jews and Muslims, violating a historical political arrangement and drawing condemnation in Israel and from around the globe.

Mr. Ben-Gvir was seen in videos online singing songs at the holy site, the Temple Mount, where two ancient Jewish temples were located. The site is known to Muslims as the Aqsa Mosque compound and the place from which the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. The longstanding agreement governing the site is that Jews may visit but not pray there, and much of the international community does not recognize Israel’s claim to East Jerusalem, where the site stands. “Our policy is to allow prayer,” Mr. Ben-Gvir said in a video he posted.

The purpose of the visit was also political. In the video, Mr. Ben-Gvir added that Israel must win the war in Gaza rather than attend meetings in Egypt and Qatar — a reference to the upcoming cease-fire negotiations set to take place on Thursday. “This is the message: We can defeat Hamas and bring it to its knees,” he said.

Mr. Ben-Gvir and a crowd estimated at about 2,000 inflamed tensions with leaders across the world and in Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel assailed Mr. Ben-Gvir on Tuesday, in the latest sign of friction between members of the country’s fragile governing coalition.

“It is the government and the prime minister who determine policy on the Temple Mount,” Mr. Netanyahu’s office said in a statement, noting that there was no “individual policy” for any minister and that Mr. Ben-Gvir’s decision represented “a deviation from the status quo.”

The actions were taken around the world as a provocation, particularly given that diplomats have been scrambling to calm tensions in the Middle East and hoping that a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas would prevent a further escalation of the conflict following the assassinations last month of a Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and a Hamas leader in Iran. Israel has claimed responsibility for the death in Lebanon and is widely believed to have been behind the one in Iran. Both Iran and Hezbollah have vowed to retaliate.

In a briefing with reporters on Tuesday, Vedant Patel, a deputy spokesman for the State Department, called Mr. Ben-Gvir’s actions “unacceptable” and noted that the move “detracts” from efforts to reach a cease-fire agreement “at a vital time.”

Qatar, which has been among the nations mediating the negotiations between Israel and Hamas, condemned the prayers at the holy site as an attack “on millions of Muslims around the world.” It warned in a statement from its Foreign Ministry on Tuesday that the move could negatively affect the cease-fire talks .

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry also issued a statement condemning Mr. Ben-Gvir’s decision . It called the move “a provocation to the feelings of Muslims around the world, especially in light of the continuing war and acts of violence against defenseless Palestinians.”

Josep Borrell Fontelles, the European Union’s high commissioner for foreign affairs, also issued a statement “strongly” criticizing “the provocations” by Mr. Ben-Gvir. And France’s Foreign Ministry decried Mr. Ben-Gvir’s defiance of a “longstanding ban on Jewish prayer at the Al-Aqsa mosque,” urging Israel to respect the status quo. “This new provocation is unacceptable,” the French ministry said.

For years, the Israeli government has quietly allowed Jews to pray at the site, but in the videos from the scene on Tuesday, dozens of Jewish visitors are seen fully prostrating themselves in prayer. Some religious officials inside Israel expressed alarm at the flagrant violation.

Moshe Gafni, chair of the religious party United Torah Judaism, said Mr. Ben-Gvir was damaging the Jewish people and defying the dictates of generations of Israel’s chief rabbis. Michael Malchieli, Israel’s religious affairs minister and a member of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, said Mr. Ben-Gvir’s actions were an “unnecessary and irresponsible provocation against the nations of the world.”

Mr. Ben-Gvir, a settler whose government responsibilities include oversight of the police, has not been circumspect about his expansionist aims or his opposition to a Palestinian state. He strongly opposes a cease-fire with Hamas, and his decision to lead a group to the sensitive site for prayers just as negotiations were set to resume underscored disagreements within Israel over the wisdom of striking a deal and halting the war in Gaza.

There are about 115 hostages — dead and living — believed to still be held in Gaza. Relatives of the hostages on Tuesday accused Mr. Ben-Gvir of repeatedly trying to thwart a cease-fire deal, saying the minister was endangering the chances of bringing their captive family members home.

— Ephrat Livni

No breakthrough emerges, but the talks are expected to continue on Friday.

Mediators and Israeli negotiators met into the night on Thursday in Qatar, trying to find a formula for a cease-fire in Gaza even as the Middle East braced for an anticipated retaliation against Israel by Iran and its allies that could ignite a broader armed conflict.

The Biden administration and its allies had called for the meeting last week, seeing a Gaza cease-fire agreement as the best hope to avert or curb the expected Iranian-led reprisals for the recent assassinations of Ismail Haniyeh , the political leader of Hamas, and Fuad Shukr , a top Hezbollah military commander.

Officials from the United States, Qatar and Egypt met with an Israeli delegation in hopes of finding a way to bridge the significant differences between the two sides remaining after months of on-again-off-again talks. Hamas leaders, accusing the Israeli government of negotiating in bad faith, had said they would not participate, though Qatari officials were expected to bring them any new proposals from the Israeli side.

There was no immediate breakthrough on Thursday, but no breakdown in the talks either. An Israeli official briefed on the negotiations said that the Israeli delegation would remain overnight in Doha, Qatar’s capital, and that the talks were expected to continue on Friday in an attempt to bring the sides closer.

A White House national security spokesman, John F. Kirby, called the talks a “promising start” and said the United States also expected them to go on for a second day.

A Hamas political official, Hussam Badran, put out a statement restating the group’s long-held positions that any agreement must include a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent cease-fire.

International pressure has been rising for months for some kind of deal to end the suffering in Gaza and allow for the release of hostages. The Gazan Health Ministry reported on Thursday that the Palestinian death toll in the war had surpassed 40,000. The ministry’s figures do not distinguish between combatants and civilians. Israel’s military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said on Thursday that Israeli forces had killed more than 17,000 combatants.

But prospects for a breakthrough still appear remote, leaving the Middle East facing a precarious moment. The United States has sent stealth fighter jets, a carrier group and a guided-missile submarine to the region in anticipation of an Iranian-led attack.

The issues still unresolved include who will control the Gazan side of the enclave’s border with Egypt and how Israel can prevent armed Hamas fighters from returning to northern Gaza, which has been largely depopulated during the war.

Hamas officials have said Mr. Netanyahu’s government is not genuinely interested in reaching a cease-fire, pointing to the assassination of Mr. Haniyeh in Tehran and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s toughened stands on several points . “Hamas believes the Israeli occupation is trying to buy time with more negotiations,” said Ibrahim al-Madhoun, an Istanbul-based analyst close to Hamas.

In Israel, Mr. Netanyahu’s far-right coalition allies continue to insist that Israel rule Gaza indefinitely and have already denounced the latest Israeli proposal as tantamount to surrender. If Mr. Netanyahu moves ahead with the deal, his governing coalition could splinter, potentially ending his political career .

Mr. Netanyahu himself has equivocated, saying he supports the three-stage proposal even as he promises the Israeli public an “absolute victory” over Hamas. Relatives of hostages held in Gaza have argued that the prime minister has prioritized his hold on power over signing a deal to free their loved ones.

Yaron Blum, a former Israeli security official who previously led the country’s effort to bring home hostages, said that even if the current talks were successful, they would be just the start of a protracted process of hashing out the details of a deal. But if the talks go poorly, the region could descend into a wider confrontation, he said.

“If everyone doesn’t work in the coming days until white smoke comes out, I don’t see it coming together going forward,” said Mr. Blum. “But there’s still a chance now, because every side realizes that they need to advance.”

Mr. Kirby said the American delegation was led by the C.I.A. director, William J. Burns, and President Biden’s Middle East envoy, Brett McGurk. Israel’s delegation is being led by the head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, David Barnea. The other principals in the talks are the head of Egyptian intelligence, Abbas Kamel, and Qatari prime minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani.

The stakes at the talks are particularly high for the families of the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza. Over 40 of the 115 hostages are now presumed dead, according to the Israeli authorities.

“Every second there are hostages held in captivity is a severe risk to their lives,” said Jon Polin, the father of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, one of eight Israeli-American hostages. Three of them have been declared dead by the Israeli authorities.

In Gaza, most of the enclave’s more than two million people have been displaced, many repeatedly, and are living in tents or temporary lodgings. Finding enough food and safe drinking water is often a daily struggle, and swaths of the coastal enclave have been reduced to rubble.

Anas al-Tayeb, who lives in Jabaliya, just outside of Gaza City, said many there rejoiced in July, the last time mediators said cease-fire talks were progressing. But just a few days later, the Israeli military again stormed neighborhoods in Gaza City.

Mr. al-Tayeb said Israel and Hamas were both responsible for the failure to reach a deal. He wondered why Hamas had declined to accept any of the previous Israeli cease-fire proposals, which have broadly adhered to the three-stage framework.

“Those same conditions were offered before in previous rounds of negotiations,” said Mr. al-Tayeb. “So why didn’t they take it then?”

Rachel Goldberg-Polin, Hersh’s mother, said she believed it was time for everyone to agree to a “true compromise.”

“Not everyone is going to agree,” she said. “But everyone has interests and everyone gets a little bit of the interests they’re looking for. Let’s make that happen and move forward.”

— Aaron Boxerman and Adam Rasgon reporting from Jerusalem

Here is a timeline of Gaza cease-fire talks.

Israel’s war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip has lasted more than 10 months, with only one weeklong pause in fighting, in late November. That cease-fire led to the return of more than 100 Israeli hostages captured during the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and raised hopes among mediators and the international community that another deal would follow.

Those hopes have been dashed repeatedly over many months of unsuccessful efforts by mediators. In the interim, tensions in the Middle East have risen, particularly in recent weeks after the assassinations of a Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and a Hamas leader in Iran, prompting vows from Iran and Hezbollah to retaliate against Israel.

World leaders eager to avert a wider full-scale war say they believe that an agreement between Israel and Hamas could prevent an escalation. Still, even the most vocal champions of a cease-fire admit that closing a deal will be tough. On Monday, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, on his ninth trip to the region since the war began, said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel had accepted a “bridging proposal” put forward by mediators last week, and he urged Hamas “to do the same.”

But officials in Israel and Hamas have said the plan left major disagreements unresolved and voiced skepticism over the likelihood of an imminent deal.

Here’s a timeline of recent talks:

May: President Biden calls for an end to the war.

Declaring Hamas no longer capable of carrying out a major terrorist attack on Israel, Mr. Biden on May 31 pressed for hostilities in Gaza to end and endorsed a new cease-fire plan that he said Israel had offered to win the release of hostages.

“It’s time for this war to end, for the day after to begin,” Mr. Biden said that day. Calling it “a decisive moment,” Mr. Biden put the onus on Hamas to reach an agreement, saying, “Israel has made their proposal. Hamas says it wants a cease-fire. This deal is an opportunity to prove whether they really mean it.”

June: U.N. Security Council passes a cease-fire resolution.

The United Nations Security Council on June 10 adopted a cease-fire plan backed by the United States, with 14 nations in favor and Russia abstaining. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the American ambassador to the United Nations, said that the United States would work to make sure that Israel agreed to the deal and that Qatar and Egypt would work to bring Hamas to the negotiating table.

The resolution followed the same framework that Mr. Biden had endorsed, outlining a three-phase plan that would begin with an immediate cease-fire, the release of all living hostages in exchange for Palestinians being held in Israeli prisons, the return of displaced Gazans to their homes and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The second phase called for a permanent cease-fire with the agreement of both parties, and the third phase consisted of a multiyear reconstruction plan for Gaza and the return of the remains of deceased hostages.

July: Talks in Cairo, Doha and Rome.

When American negotiators met in Doha for talks with Egyptian, Qatari and Israeli officials in early July, some American officials were hopeful that progress was being made. Their optimism persisted when talks continued July 12 in Cairo.

The discussions included two contentious issues: whether Israel would agree to end the war, withdraw from Gaza and respect a permanent cease-fire; and whether Hamas would agree to give up control of the enclave. Both Israel and Hamas were wary about whether the other side was ready to make concessions.

On July 28, negotiators reconvened in Rome . The meeting came as Israel fired on southern Lebanon, responding to a rocket strike from Hezbollah the previous day that killed 12 children in the village of Majdal Shams in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights.

Even as fears intensified that a regional war could escalate, negotiators remained stuck over a few key issues, particularly the extent to which Israeli forces would remain in Gaza during a truce and the length of any halt to the fighting. Hamas wanted a permanent truce, while Israel sought the option to resume fighting.

As the month ended, the crisis in the Middle East deepened. Hezbollah confirmed that one of its senior commanders, Fuad Shukr, was killed in an Israeli strike on a suburb of Beirut, the Lebanese capital, and Hamas accused Israel of killing its political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, while he was in Tehran for the inauguration of Iran’s new president. Iranian officials and Hamas would say later that Israel was responsible for the assassination, an assessment also reached by several U.S. officials, but Israel has not acknowledged involvement.

John F. Kirby, a White House spokesman, said on July 31 that it was “too soon to know” what impact the developments might have on negotiations but noted that the United States was still in contact with Egypt and Qatar.

August: A ‘final’ proposal.

President Biden and the leaders of Egypt and Qatar on Aug. 8 said that they were prepared to present a “final” cease-fire proposal , saying in a joint statement that “the time has come.”

“There is no further time to waste nor excuses from any party for further delay,” they said, adding, “As mediators, if necessary, we are prepared to present a final bridging proposal that resolves the remaining implementation issues in a manner that meets the expectations of all parties.”

Israel sent a delegation to two days of talks on that “bridging proposal,” which ended in Qatar on Friday and were expected to resume this week in Cairo. Hamas did not attend the talks, but some of its officials responded critically.

Before meeting Mr. Netanyahu on Monday, Mr. Blinken said the talks represented “probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a cease-fire, and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security.”

Israel and Hamas, however, appeared to remain divided on significant points.

A new Israeli settlement in the West Bank will encroach on a World Heritage Site, activists say.

A new Israeli settlement planned for construction in the occupied West Bank will encroach on Palestinian land recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, Israeli peace activists say.

Much of the international community views Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal, and many were established illegally under Israeli law, but tolerated by the government.

Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right finance minister and a settler himself, gave preliminary approval to the new settlement, Nahal Heletz, in June, and the country’s planning authorities signed off on it on Wednesday.

But the area designated for the settlement was much bigger than what was shown in a plan the government published in July, according to an Israeli advocacy group, Peace Now, which closely tracks settlements. The new plan claims over 150 acres rather than the 30 acres announced previously, and all of it is on UNESCO-designated territory, the group said.

Mr. Smotrich, who is part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition, has pushed for measures that would expand Israeli settlements in the West Bank in exchange for the release of funds withheld from the Palestinian Authority, which partly administers the territory.

Peace Now accused Mr. Smotrich of disregarding the UNESCO Convention in a statement on Wednesday. Israel is a party to the World Heritage Convention, though it left UNESCO in 2019, accusing the multilateral organization of trying to minimize Jewish ties to the land of Israel. It also objected to the organization’s acceptance of Palestine as a member state in 2011.

Peace Now said that the Israeli authorities were accelerating new claims over West Bank land in an effort to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Tor Wennesland, the United Nations’ special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, said in June that signs of expedited settlement expansion — and the retroactive legalization of West Bank outposts initially established in violation of Israeli law — undermine prospects for a two-state solution.

That is one of Mr. Smotrich’s stated goals. In a post on social media on Wednesday about the newly approved settlement, he said he would continue to fight what he called “the dangerous idea” of establishing a Palestinian state.

The territory being claimed for the Nahal Heletz settlement is adjacent to the West Bank village of Battir and encroaches on its surrounding area, which UNESCO has designated a World Heritage site because of its terraced farming, irrigation system and architecture, according to the agency’s website.

The World Heritage Convention is the most widely accepted international conservation treaty. There are nine World Heritage sites in Israel.

“UNESCO is closely following the state of conservation of the World Heritage property,” the UNESCO World Heritage Center said in a statement in response to a query about the planned new settlement.

Last month, the governing body of the organization took note “with concern of the reports of ongoing illegal constructions, settlements and other developments within the property and its buffer zone” and asked “all parties to avoid any action that would cause damage to the property.”

Vedant Patel, a State Department spokesman, responding to a question about the new West Bank settlement plans at a news briefing on Thursday, said the United States “certainly” opposed the advancement of settlements in the West Bank. “The Israeli government’s settlement program — we find that to be inconsistent with international law,” he said.

In July, the International Court of Justice issued a nonbinding opinion declaring that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and its settlements there, violated international law. The court called for Israel’s presence in the territories to end “as rapidly as possible” and said that Israel was obligated to provide full reparations for the damage it had caused. Mr. Netanyahu dismissed the opinion as “ absurd ” in posts on social media , saying: “The Jewish people are not occupiers in their own land.

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