
Illustration by Jaimee Lee Haddad
If, by some gust of the winds, you’ve found your way to Lebanon this summer… If your flight wasn’t canceled, if you managed to re-book at the last minute, if you tossed away all sense, if you felt the pull of your mother’s hug on your heartstrings, if the need to come home was greater than your need to stay safe (although safe is a relative term these days), if you left Paris, New York, Abidjan, Montreal, whatever corner of the earth you migrated toward, only to return this summer, the summer of 2024 … ahla w sahla. This guide is for you.
Even if you haven’t left, per se, but just need to escape the generator engines and the droning hum of the city, with its relentless burn of fossil fuels and trash heaps, this guide is also for you.
Stroll through some historical ruins and find yourself awestruck for the umpteenth time at feats of construction that have weathered every storm of the past two thousand-plus years. Wind your way through forests of oak, cedar and juniper, each a sturdy reminder of roots clutching to the earth. Get some fresh oxygen. Clear out your lungs. Stumble upon a steady creek, one that has carved out deep crevices in the valleys where ancestors long gone once roamed.
Get out of the air-conditioned house, grab your hat, a bottle of water, and your sturdiest shoes, and hit the roads. Remind yourself why you call this place home.
(Re) discover Lebanon’s historical sites
Lebanon is famed for the impressive array of cultural and architectural remains that narrate the country’s tumultuous history. Follow in the footsteps of the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Umayyads, Crusaders and Ottomans, by visiting these ten sites selected by L'Orient Today from Saida to Tripoli.
Do you know where the only site of the Umayyad dynasty is located ? Where can you find obelisks in Lebanon ? How long has Tripoli been inhabited ? How many of these 10 sites have you visited recently ? Check them off our map here.
Explore Lebanon’s natural wonders
Lebanon’s natural beauty is as varied and vibrant as its heritage sites. Numerous nature reserves offer fresh air and a peaceful oasis from the city heat. Let us guide you on a tour through lush spaces like Horsh Ehden, home to over 1,058 plant species, the ancient Cedars of Tannourine or the freshwater pools of Yammouneh. Discover where you can spot endangered turtles, monk seals, water buffaloes and much more.
Attend the best music festivals of July
No matter your taste in music, there’s bound to be an event for you to enjoy this summer. From Egyptian rock music to the biggest names in Arab pop and even a bit of French rap explore our diverse selection of music that will carry you through the summer nights.
Plan the perfect beach day
By Jaimee Lee Haddad
And finally, after all that hiking and dancing, you’re sure to be in need of a restorative beach day to lie back, soak up the sun and get lost in a good book.
Imagine the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore as you recline on a sun lounger with a cocktail in hand. If you fancy treating yourself to all the luxuries of a private beach club, use our map to guide you through the range of prices and venues on offer.
Photo by Mohammad Yassine
But if the charm of a public beach is more your style, we have you covered with a map to discover all of the gems along the coast that are still holding out despite losing ground to private developments.
Photo by Suzanne Baalkini
Plus, there’s good news for all you swimming fans! A report from the National Center for Scientific Research shows an improvement in water quality and ranks Lebanon’s beaches in terms of water safety so you can confidently choose your spot for a refreshing dip in the sea.