Things To Do With Your Foreign Friends Around Lebanon
I have had many foreign friends that came to Lebanon to spend summers here, but after doing the main tourist attractions, I wouldn’t be left with many ideas. So I started asking around and researching until I was able to do a full program over three weeks. Here are some of my favorites:
1. Those (expensive) relaxing beach resorts
Although these are quite expensive, they can be some very cool places to chill in. I would highly recommend Lazy-B in Jiyeh. This place is one of those very chill and relaxing places. Iris Beach Club is also an option, but it is more of a party beach resort. They serve very tasty cocktails and play some loud music. Both have breath-taking views, it merely depends on what atmosphere you are looking for.
If you go a little up north, you will find Jbeil and its beautiful sandy beaches. Abou Philippe and Eddé Sands are pretty good locations. They both have entry fees, but you will definitely enjoy some warm sand and clear water.
2. Those (cheap) relaxing semi-public beaches
It all depends on whether or not you feel like driving. But having your foreign friends over is a pretty good excuse to do so. Batroun has one of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in the country. I would highly recommend Ô-Glacée and Tonic Bar.
Ô-Glacée has a cold natural pool that is linked to the sea, therefore, when you go swimming in the sea, you get both warm and cold currents. You also can simply grab a drink, relax in the cold pool and have a lovely chat or dance with your friends. There is no entrance; however, a minimum charge of $10 is fixed.
In order to enter Tonic Bar, simply go through White Beach but grab a nice beach bed in the wooden colorful bar on your right. There is an entry fee of LBP 7,000 and you are expected to consume something from their kitchen/bar. Both have very nice beaches, so be sure to try them both.
Batroun is great, but Sour also has a wonderful beach. Just get behind your wheel and drive to Al-Fanar. It is a hotel/restaurant that has a breath taking location right by the sea. You can spend the whole day, have lunch and drinks. The sea is apparently the cleanest one in the country and there is this vibe that you do not want to miss. There is no entrance fee, you simply pay for what you consume.
Ixsir is one of the most recent wineries in the country, founded in 2008, and is located a little outside of Batroun. You can simply call the winery and book one of their free tours. It has very developed equipment and has won many prices for being environmental friendly. At the end of the tour, there is some wine tasting and you can also enjoy an open buffet, for $50/person, on their beautiful terrace.
4. Balou Balaa’
Balou Balaa’ is a waterfall located in Tanourine. You can park your car in a parking close by and go for a walk around the place. It is not very much of a hiking expedition; however, running shoes are recommended over flip flops. Next to the waterfall, there are some small shops selling drinks and snacks, so you can have something to munch on while you relax in this beautiful peaceful scenery.
5. Douma
Douma is one of my favorite villages in Lebanon. It is also located up north, not far from the Ixsir winery and Balou Balaa’ (I would recommend doing them all in one journey). It is very authentic and it hides some old Lebanese architecture. It would be nice to spend a night in one of their hotels: Douma Hotel or My Stone Cellar. Just go have a walk around the village and be sure not to miss Chalhoub Restaurant and their famous seafood salad.
Le Montagnou is a famous hotel in Kfardebian (Faraya) usually under high demand during the ski season. However, this place is as gorgeous in summer as it is in winter. Located on a hill, it has a breathtaking view of the mountains and valleys from where you can enjoy a unique sunset. You can always show up earlier as it also has a relaxing infinity pool that you can access all day long. The food there is unequalled, simply delicious.
7. The unavoidables
There is no need to mention that Jeita Grotto, Beiteddine Palace, Baalbek and Jbeil’s old souks are unavoidable. If your guests happen to be there at the right time, you may want to take them to one of the shows from the Baalbek festival: the ambiance will make you shiver. And if you’re in Jbeil, do not forget to pass by Pepe’s Fishing Club by the old port for some delicious seafood or Lebanese food.
Pierre and Friends is a very cool beach bar/restaurant located in Batroun. You can spend a day by the beach or show up for some drinks at night. Once it’s dark, the lights start to reveal the crystal blue color of the water to go along the chill atmosphere by the beach. If you happen to be there on the weekend, you will probably enjoy dancing until late in the night.
Garten is one of the unavoidables when it comes to Beirut’s nightlife scene. It is an outdoor nightclub in Biel that plays deep house/techno music. It is quite the unique experience to spend a Saturday night there. You can even go early on some nights for a film projection before the real dancing. Nothing is comparable to a beautiful sunrise while you are still dancing to those beats.
Villa Badaro is by far one of my favorite bars/restaurant in Beirut. The vibe is chill but the place remains quite classy. The food there is delicious and it is a perfect place for a drink and some chatting.
