Lebanon has an amazingly diverse environment, with many of the popular attractions found in nature. From the well-recognized Pigeon Rocks to the country’s world class vineyards, Lebanon does not disappoint. There are also several important historical sites worth a visit. The Gibran Museum is extremely popular with literatary buffs, while the Baalbek ruins offer travelers a well-preserved idea of ancient Roman life in the region.
Pigeon Rocks
One of Lebanon’s most famous landmarks, Pigeon Rocks is an incredible natural formation in the Mediterranean Ocean. The rocks jut out of the sea and arch together, making for a spectacular sight. They are best viewed at sunset or sunrise, which are also the best times for taking photographs. While they can be viewed from the pathway leading the sea to city, there are also opportunities to take a boat and get an up-close look at these natural wonders.
Address: Raouche, Beirut
Phone: n/a
Website: n/a
Jeita Grotto
Another impressive natural formation, the Jeita Caverns, or the Jeita Grotto as it is more commonly known, is a collection of underground caves. Comprised of two chambers, the upper and lower grottos, the caves boast amazing examples of ancient stalactites and stalagmites. The lower area has a beautiful underground lake which, when lit, is simply magical where tourists are allowed to swim during one of the boat tours. Located to the north of the capital, the caves make for a welcome excursion away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Address: Northern Beirut
Phone: n/a
Website: http://www.jeitagrotto.com/
Gibran Museum
Lovers of history and poetry will adore the Gibran Museum in Lebanon. This biographical museum is a tribute to one of the country’s greatest sons – Kahlil Gibran, author of The Prophet and one of the most important philosophical thinkers of his time. It is home to several paintings, private manuscripts, original furniture, and Gibran’s tomb. The building is located near Kadish Valley, which is filled with gorgeous cedar trees and makes for great daytrip.
Address: Bcharre
Phone: n/a
Website: http://leb.net/mira/
Vineyards of the Bekaa Valley
An absolute must when in the country is to go wine tasting. Lebanon has a great tradition of wine-making and nowhere better can this be seen than in the vineyards of the Bekaa Valley. The heart of the Lebanese wine industry, the region is covered in healthy, juicy grapes that are simply waiting to be harvested among a beautiful landscape of rolling hills.
Address: Bekaa Valley, Southern Lebanon
Phone: n/a
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Ruins of Baalbek
The ruins in the historically significant town of Baalbek are impressive remains of the Roman era. Significantly scaled up, but intricately detailed, these memories are a wonder of the ancient world. The most popular archeological sites are the well-preserved temples of Jupiter, Venus and Bacchus where people used to go to pray to the gods.
Address: Bekaa Valley, Southern Lebanon
Phone: n/a
Website: n/a
Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve
The largest nature reserve in the country covering an area over 200 square miles, Al Shouf is famous for its abundant cedar trees. While these are the main attraction for most visitors, the reserve is also home to a large variety of flora and fauna. Outdoor-enthusiasts will be pleased by the plethora of hiking trails in the park which provide ample opportunity for seeing the majestic inhabitants up close.
Address: Chouf District, Southeast Beirut
Phone: +961-5-350-250
Website: http://www.shoufcedar.org/
National Museum of Beirut
One of the most impressive museums in Lebanon, the National Museum of Beirut boasts a wonderful collection of archaeological finds and historical texts which tell the story of the country’s interesting and complicated past. Exhibits are organized in chronological order, from the prehistoric times to the Mamluk period. Every hour, on the hour, a short documentary is screened which shows how the staff managed to preserve the museum’s contents from the civil war.
Address: Cnr Rue de Damas & Ave Abdallah Yafi Horsh, Beirut
Phone: +961-1-612-295
Website: http://www.beirutnationalmuseum.com/