Lebanon Travel Guide

Lebanon Travel Guide

A rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, never ending beaches and unique hospitality are the best reasons to plan you next vacation in Lebanon.

Lebanon Travel Guide – Geography

A country blessed with a strategic location at the Mediterranean Sea, mild climate and breathtaking scenery, Lebanon is one of the most visited states in western Asia. Its snow capped mountains, wonderful beaches; rich natural reserves and ancient culture are the main tourist attractions.

There are four seasons with warm summer, cool fall and spring and cold winter with heavy snow especially in the mountains. The climate is perfect for receiving tourists all year around, offering great conditions for winter sports, water sports and many outdoor activities during spring and fall.

The mountainous landscape is predominant, represented by the Anti-Lebanons and Mount Lebanon with its highest point in Qornet Es-Saouda 3090 m. Only a thin line of coast line stretching from north to south on the Mediterranean shore breaks the imposing scenery created by the high peaks of the mountains.

Lebanon also has three islands: Sanani, Ramkine and Palm Island, mostly natural reserves and popular tourist attractions without any modern facilities.

Historically, Lebanon used to be a part of ancient Phoenicia and its inhabitants were famous navigators.

Lebanon Travel Guide – Flora and Fauna

Lebanese flora is very diverse and is conditioned by the landscape, varying from the subtropical one along the coast line to the arid and alpine one from the highlands. Cedar forests are a symbol of Lebanon, even if, due to extended exploitation throughout the years, these forests are scarce. Some other characteristic species are the olive trees and the Aleppo pines.

Tourists arriving here and willing to meet the local flora and fauna can visit some of the many natural reserves from both continental and insular Lebanon. The most representative protected areas are the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, Palm Islands Nature Reserve and Tyre Coast Nature Reserve.

Lebanon Travel Guide – Tips for Tourists

Due to its diverse scenery and the four season climate, Lebanon is a tourist destination all year around, offering great accommodation on its warm beaches, snowy mountains or cultural cities. For anyone interested in visiting this country, it is important to know that a visa and a valid passport are required for all travelers. Visas must be obtained before arrival from local embassies or consulate offices.

The regional currency is the Lebanese pound or lira which can be easily converted at any local bank, hotel or airport.

The official language is Arabic but English and French speaking tourists will not have any problems.

Lebanon Travel Guide – Transport

The main transport infrastructures are located on the Mediterranean coast and most of the tourists arrive here by plane or by sea. The main international airport is the Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport, and the main ports are Beirut, Tripoli and Tyr. There are also ferries linking Lebanon with other mediteranean neighbor countries.

Tourists mainly travel by car using the local rent a car services or by local airline companies.

Lebanon Travel Guide – Resorts

Lebanon is the ideal place for water sports, winter sports and for sun and sea worshippers. And speaking about sun and sea, the perfect spot to spend the vacation that you always dreamed of is Eddé Sands. The resort offers spa and wellness centers, exotic hotels, and modern facilities all in spectacular scenery. Suitable for couples, families or singles the resort accommodates travelers in a variety of hotels and “cabanas”; all equipped with indoor Jacuzzi, private gardens, outdoor pool and magnificent sea view. The hotel also organizes different outdoor water connected activities like diving, water skiing, trips to the nearby natural reserves in order to observe the many species of the marine and insular flora and fauna. The location of the resort is a paradise for any birdwatcher or diver.

A suitable option for anyone willing to accommodate in the country’s capital city is the four stars Mayflower Hotel in Beirut. It is usually visited by business men due to the well equipped rooms, high quality service and all specific facilities needed for a business trip.

For the ones willing to have a more active holiday there are about six ski resorts in the country with numerous ski slopes to choose form. The Intercontinental Mzaar Resort & Spa is located in the Lebanon Mountains, offering great accommodation and a multitude of indoor and outdoor activities in all seasons.

Lebanon Travel Guide - Cuisine

The Lebanese cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean, Arab and French influences. The main ingredients are lamb, fish, seafood, fruits, diary products and spices. They are famous for their mezze, a sort of appetizers consisting of fatayer, pastries stuffed with meat, hummus, bean puree, lebneh, a yoghurt sauce and more.

Some more traditional Lebanese dishes are the Samkeh harra, which is marinated grilled fish, Shawarma, lamb meat cooked on a big rod and served with tomatoes, pickles and different sauces; Siyyadiyeh, which is spiced fish with rice and Shish taouk, which is marinated chicken meat and then grilled.

Most of these dishes are cooked in every Lebanese house but they can also be served in traditional restaurants or on the street as a type of fast food.

As a conclusion, Lebanon is a country full of colour and variety ready to satisfy even the most demanding guests, a place where every traveller can find acomodation, activities or landscape for his own taste.