Seven Lebanese Tourist Destinations Every Local Should Visit
Excluding Jeitta, Google’s Points of interest for Lebanon exclude most of the mentioned spots. It’s a damn shame because they are beautiful areas that most of us are unaware of.
Here are a couple of touristic activities that are actually cool and that you should consider doing. C’mon, it’s like going on a vacation in your very own country.
Jeitta Grotto is the number one tourist spot in Lebanon and a finalist again this year for the “New 7 Wonders of Nature” competition. Jeitta is one of the most picturesque, awe-inspiring scenesin Lebanon. The longest cave in the Middle East, it is made up of a lower and upper limestone, and has a wondrous accumulation of stalactites and stalagmites. In fact, the longest stalactite known to humans is found in Grotto.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Keserwan Tel.:+9619220840 jeitagrotto.com
2. The Teleferique to Harissa (Photo via Pinterest.com)
Our Lady of Lebanon, located in the mountainous village of Harissa, is an important pilgrimage site that is also a must-see locale for its beautiful atmosphere and views. A mere nine-minute gondola lift (on the teleferique) takes you through a scenic journey from the lively city of Jounieh up to the quiet surroundings of Harissa. Enjoy the panoramic views of Jounieh Bay and spend the day walking through the beautiful village.
Random fact about Our Lady of Lebanon: The statue of Virgin Mary was originally made in France out of 15 tons of bronze.
The City of Falls is a touristic landmark that most foreigners would willingly pay a ticket to Lebanon just to see. Sadly, most of us don’t even know where it is. Located about 40 kilometers from Beirut, Jezzine is a natural paradise with endless green peaks, orchards, pine trees and vineyards. The must-see spots there are the waterfalls, the cliff with a panoramic view of the mountains and trees, Emir Fakhr-al-Din’s (a Druze prince) cave, and the Marian shrine.
Embark on this cultural journey as early as possible and make the best out of your weekend in this beautiful area.
We go to this cold little village in the mountains of North Lebanon mainly to ski – and skiing is pretty awesome there – but it’s also worth visiting the area during the spring and summer months to check out the Gibran Museum and the Cedars of God.
We proudly flaunt our cedar trees and little do we realize that the only place in Lebanon with original Cedars (deforestation, I’m looking at you) is in Bcharre. The hike to this forest is an easy one, and there are always authorized guides to escort you there. Not far from this forest is a museum dedicated to our favorite poet – Gebran Khalil Gebran. His tomb is found in this museum, alongside his manuscripts, furniture and paintings of him.
Random fact about Bcharre: Aramaic, a language of the ancient Semitics, was spoken in Bcharre until the late nineteenth century. That is why, perhaps, the people from Bcharre are said to have a very distinct Lebanese accent.
Tannourine isn’t only the bottled water we take with us to the gym. It’s actually a beautiful strip of land up in Northern Lebanon with an enormous reserve of 60,000 trees, from cedars to pine, and a rich variety of animals, from the owl to the soon-to-be-extinct hyena.
Additionally, there’s a naturally deep sinkhole, three natural bridges, an open cavern, and (!!!) a waterfall. We’re not even close to being done: Tannourine also has a 500-year-old house which serves as an example of ancient Lebanese architecture, an abandoned monastery, and churches from the era of the Crusaders. Just wow.
Not far from Ehden or Zgharta lies Lake Bnachii, an artificial lake surrounded by an almost surreal landscape. Enjoy a picnic by the lake and surround yourself with the olive, peach and blackberry trees, ducks and birds.
After your relaxing encounter with nature, make your way to the various restaurants located on the outskirts of this lake and don’t forget to visit the Museum of Stuffed Animals with its 3,000 preserved animals that range from — wait for it — polar bears to zebras.
Enjoy a wonderful hike in the holy valley of Qannoubine and take (spiritual) breaks in between to visit the ancient caves, convents, hermitages and monasteries along the way. Between the wild plants and endless trees, you will find streams of cold, drinkable water that, if the weather allows for it, are perfect for a bath.
Want more? Get your fill of ancient roman ruins, lush, green areas and all the must-see landmarks of Lebanon in our Guide to Major Tourist Attractions.
