Lebanon… the land of sacred nature… a land where natural beauty is intertwined with the sanctity of Christ and monasteries. This article will guide you to the most beautiful experiences that fill a person with awe and wonder… from travel experiences in northern Lebanon to visiting the statue of Our Lady of Lebanon, the rare gem that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.
1. Travel to Northern Lebanon… Where the Sacred Valleys and Most Stunning Scenery Await
Although all of Lebanon’s nature is beautiful, refreshing the soul and filling it with enchanting air, the experience of travelling to northern Lebanon multiplies the enjoyment of the natural surroundings.
The remarkable Qadisha Cave, as well as the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve and the Laqlouq area, are among the most beautiful natural destinations that can be visited on a trip to northern Lebanon.
Lake Chawan and Lake Bcharre are likewise two lakes that greatly add to the pleasure of travelling to northern Lebanon.
The Khalil Gibran Museum, the Taxidermy Museum, the Great Mansouri Mosque, and the magical Qannoubine area with its monasteries and historical landmarks are among the finest experiences that can be had in northern Lebanon.
2. Enjoy a Trip to Mount Harissa and See the Statue of Our Lady of Lebanon
The Harissa area overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is located approximately 16 kilometres from Beirut, specifically in the city of Jounieh, north of Beirut.
What adorns this place and makes it famous is the statue of the Virgin Mary, which stands at the summit of this mountain. Four monasteries were built on this mountain, making it a sacred site for Lebanese people and Christians from all over the world. This bronze statue, which weighs 15 tonnes and whose head is also crowned with a golden crown, can be seen from the farthest distances in the city.
What further adds to the pleasure of this experience is the route one takes to reach the statue, as one can follow the mountain trail or take the cable car. This destination is not only a spiritual one but also a natural experience that offers visitors unparalleled panoramic views.
3. Spend Enjoyable Time Near the Baatara Waterfall in Northern Beirut
Although Lebanon’s stunning nature leaves a person at a loss as to which natural sites to recommend visiting, going to Baatara Cave is one of the places that has amazed millions of foreign tourists. The Baatara Waterfall descends into a cave formed across three levels, meaning that the waters of this waterfall, over millions of years, bored through the earth and created a wide opening through three layers of ground.
This rare phenomenon, which took millions of years to come into being, is one of the most awe-inspiring and wondrous things a person can witness. Although enjoying the view of this breathtaking scene is the finest activity at this destination, one can also try rowing on the small lake formed by this waterfall.
4. Try Various Activities at Beirut Souks
If you are a fan of bustling markets and seeing the culture of your travel destination in all its facets, do not forget to visit Beirut Souks.
Beirut Souks is a commercial district located in the heart of Beirut and serves as the beating economic heart of the city. Beirut Souks offers you a choice of more than 200 shops displaying a variety of goods from different brands.
Open-air shopping as well as indoor markets, and sampling various local and international foods, are among the other experiences that can be had at Beirut Souks.
There are also entertainment and play facilities for children, which help ease the fatigue of shopping for families and mothers in particular.
5. Feast Your Eyes on Jeita Grotto… One of the Strangest Caves in the Middle East
Jeita Grotto is considered one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena that can be seen near Beirut. This cave, located twenty kilometres from Beirut, is believed to have been inhabited by humans in prehistoric times
. This cave consists of two sections: the lower grotto and the upper grotto. A cable car is used to reach the upper grotto, while small boats are the means by which visitors explore the hidden depths of the lower grotto.
The geometric shapes created by the stalactites and stalagmites that took thousands of years to form, the solemn silence, and the lighting design installed in the cave to create a fantastical atmosphere are among the most beautiful things that can be enjoyed in this grotto.
6. Shop at Byblos’s Traditional Market, Inherited from Thousands of Years Ago
The old market of the city of Byblos is one of the most beautiful markets that can be visited in Lebanon. This market, which is renowned for having been founded thousands of years ago by the Phoenicians, has seen successive cultures pass through its stone passageways and chambers with their wooden doors.
What distinguishes this market from other Lebanese markets is that all the goods on display are produced by Lebanese people. Colourful, small handicrafts, as well as wooden paintings and unique items, are among the finest goods that can be purchased from Byblos market.
Popular cafés serving Lebanese coffee are among the other places that can be visited in the traditional Byblos market. The pleasure of shopping in the traditional Byblos market is one of the experiences undertaken by most tourists who visit the archaeological site of Byblos.
7. Try Winter Sports in Kfardebian: The Largest Ski Resort in the Middle East
The Mzaar Kfardebian area is located 44 kilometres from the capital Beirut. The mountains of Kfardebian rise to approximately 1,800 metres above sea level. This resort, which covers an area of approximately 80 kilometres, may be the largest ski and winter sports trail in the Middle East. There are 42 slopes of varying altitudes in this area, covered in snow from December through April.
In addition to the winter sports that can be enjoyed in this area, there are other activities such as hot-air ballooning and cable car rides; furthermore, the pleasure of climbing this mountain in spring and breathing the fresh air is no less appealing than climbing it in winter.
8. Don’t Miss the Night Tours of Beirut
Night tours in the city of Beirut are among the most beautiful experiences recommended in Lebanon. In addition to Lebanon’s souks and Hamra Street, the beaches are among the most beautiful places visited by most tourists when going to Lebanon.
You can try the most delicious traditional Lebanese food on the beaches, as well as light snacks from street vendors. The beauty of the Beirut Corniche, which is a haven for lovers and young people, is multiplied — some prefer to drink coffee there while others prefer to smoke a hookah.
The Beirut Corniche combines tranquillity and activity at the same time in the evening… the spots far from the restaurants are the best places for walking and reflecting on life, while the spots near the restaurants provide people with hours of fun and activity.
