Photo by Jean Hatem
In Batroun you can enjoy both the sea and the mountains in a matter of a few minutes. Just 11 km from town is an easy, picturesque trail along the aptly named Walnut River that is lined with walnut trees. Alternatively, experienced hikers can start at the village of Rashkida and continue to the Beksmayya Bridge before ascending to Kfarhay where the monastery of St. Maroun is located. There is a ton of water to enjoy here, including the Daleh, El Ghawawit and El Toufah Springs (pack a picnic with a bottle of wine from one of the local vineyards that have completely sustainable practices).
180 bolted climbing routes amongst 12 crags are now installed here and rock climbers are welcomed all year round to enjoy this extreme sport. Tannourine el Tahta is the climbing capital of Lebanon for professional and beginner climbers for many reasons, including ideal topography and moderate climate. Fuel back up after a big climb at one of the many nearby cafes along the Nahr el Joz river.
A destination for water sports adventure lovers, the crystal clear waters of Batroun can be enjoyed from a number of beach resorts. The area’s prime surfing and bodyboarding spot is Blue Bay, while Wite Beach, named for its white-pebbled waterfront, has the best windsurfing in the area. Most Batrounis sail, and diving is also possible here. If you are feeling less active, simply enjoy the sun and relax while watching the waves crash in.
Under Ottoman rule, Maasser el Chouf was famous for its vineyards, used in wine and Arak distilleries, and mulberry orchards, which were a crucial component of silk worm farming. Its Biosphere reserves will quickly beckon you into the surrounding countryside.
Jezzine, an inland destination in southern Lebanon, is a hub for nature tourism due to its stunning mountain views, plentiful pine forests and refreshing waterfalls
The most visited tourism district in Lebanon, Keserwan stretches from the coast to the mountains and is home to the world-famous Jabal Moussa UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Located 50km north of Beirut, this small ancient city offers simple outdoor pleasures of hiking, rock climbing, and relaxing days at the beach.
First occupied between 8800 and 7000 BC and continuously inhabited since 5000 BC, Byblos is one of the oldest cities in the world. Rich not just in history, this region has coastline, forests, caves, waterfalls and skiing.
Hometown of Kahlil Gibran who wrote The Prophet, Bsharri is also famous for being the town of the only remaining and preserved original Cedars of God (Cedrus libani). It is an inland destination with the highest peak in Lebanon, the Kornet el Sawda summit which offers incredible panoramic mountain views.
Ehden has intense winters perfect for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing and mild summers ideal for hiking or biking through the forests that this area is known for.
This wild and sparsely populated region in the northernmost part of Lebanon has natural landscapes from coastal plains to high mountains.
