Bathers enjoying the public beach in Sour, South Lebanon, on June 16, 2024. (Credit: Olivia Le Poidevin)
From Akkar to Sour, through the coasts of Batroun, Tripoli, Jounieh and Jiyyeh, you can bask in the sun, bathe in salt water or even build sandcastles (if not pebbles) for free!
Despite their loss of ground to the costly private establishments, there are still little bits of public beaches in Lebanon where you can spend time with family, friends or alone.
To help you make the most of the summer of 2024, L’Orient-Le Jour offers you an overview of Lebanon’s public beaches from north to south, so that you can enjoy the summer season without having to dip into your wallet — just remember, you will still need to budget for gas.
North Lebanon
Start your journey at the beach of Abu Ali, nestled in the Batroun District. This spot, at risk of privatization, can be reached by a steep path beside the road. Once there, you can lay your deckchair or towel on the small pebbles and dive into the stunning turquoise waters.
Nearby, “Joining Beach” awaits with its cliff that plunges into the sea. Adventurers can climb the cliff and explore the intriguing caves below.
In the vibrant coastal town of Batroun, a favorite among locals and tourists alike, head to the public beach of al-Bahsa. Located in the old city, this beach lets you rent a sun lounger or simply spread your towel on the sand. Enjoy a refreshing drink or coffee from the nearby pubs and restaurants as you soak up the sun and the lively atmosphere.
Bahsa beach, Batroun. (Credit: João Sousa)
At Anfeh, just across the old sea road, you’ll find the “little Santorini of Lebanon,” nicknamed “Leeward,” with its charming turquoise and white cabins. Less than five kilometers on, the welcoming public beach of Chekka awaits.
In Tripoli, the capital of North Lebanon, discover a hidden paradise 5.5 kilometers offshore: “Palm Island,” also known as “Rabbit Island.” This serene island is home to green turtles, monk seals and a resting place for over 150 species of migratory birds. To visit, simply hop on the shuttle bus from the Mina port. Tripoli also has its own public beach, though it is described as “very polluted” in the latest CNRS report.
Further north, the public beach at Minyeh, in the district of the same name, is also open to bathers and is classified as a less polluted beach according to the same report.
Even less known is the coast between Abdeh and Arida in Akkar, which has no private beach tourism facilities, as noted by L’Orient-Le Jour’s correspondent Michel Hallak.
Don’t forget the public beaches of Amchit, Jbeil, Bahsa near the old port, Safra and Jounieh. To find some of these hidden gems, you’ll need to ask the locals, who can guide you to these spots — sometimes even nestled between banana plantations.
The capital
Beirut is home to the famous Ramlet al-Bayda beach. Despite being very polluted and poorly maintained, it remains a popular spot. Located along the corniche, it’s a place where you can enjoy a game of volleyball or football on the sand.
On the beach at Ramlet al-Bayda, children play near one of the two manholes that discharge a constant stream of organic matter onto the site. (Credit: Arthur Dumas)
South Lebanon
The next stop is the beach at Jiyyeh, south of the capital, and Saida, a city grappling with a waste crisis and made headlines last summer for banning women from wearing swimming suits.
Further south is the public beach at Sour, a thousand-year-old port city ending in a nature reserve. Despite the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, with some strikes hitting the town and surrounding area, bathers still come to enjoy the beach in this ancient city.
Sour offers something for everyone: You can relax in the kiosks with tables, deckchairs and parasols, or simply sit on the fine sand.
Not far away, however, the coast of Naqoura is currently inaccessible, as the town is caught in the crossfire between Israel and Hezbollah in the ongoing war next door.
Abu Ali beach in Kfara Abida, a heavenly spot popular with bathers. (Credit: João Sousa)
This article was originally published in L'Orient-Le Jour and translated by Sahar Ghoussoub.
