A Lebanon Travel Guide will help you discover the treasures of this fascinating country. Lebanon is often described as an "icyclastic country" due to its numerous plateaus, which range between Cyrenaic to Phoenician, and the Bible is also continually referred to as the oldest copy in the world. A cityscape is highly recommended when planning a trip to Lebanon, as the country offers many interesting landscapes that will surly transform your travel experience. A brief look at some of the most popular landscape attributes of the country will be provided below.
The Beaches: Travelling through Lebanon would not be complete without visiting some of the beautiful beaches on offer. Some of the most beautiful beaches are in Hassaoun, which have become very popular tourist destinations due to their relative accessibility. Many travellers who backpack across the region prefer to visit Bebars in Ras Beirut, whilst those on backpacking tours of the country often prefer to visit Sidon beach.
The Beaches: Travelling to the Beaches can often be done on foot. Some of the more popular Beaches in the country include Anaklass, Beit Jalaa, Beit Midan and Fayrou. These are all sandy beaches with turquoise water that are popular with families and backpackers alike. Beach huts are also common along the Beaches, and many of them are great places to rest and relax.
The Mountain Path: Walking through the mountains of Lebanon can be an exhilarating experience for both walkers and backpackers. There are three main hiking regions in the country: the Triangle, Bey Maatha and al-Gabel. These are all mountainous regions with many beautiful trails that provide incredible scenery and opportunity for photography. Most backpackers tend to start their journey in Bay Maatha, which is often a short trek from the capital city of Beirut. However, there are also many other outlying mountain trails in the area that can be enjoyed by day hikers as well.
The Camping Grounds: Backpackers often visit the Lebanese Bedouin camps that are dotted across the country. These are traditional tent camps where families stay and take up lodging in the outlying areas. They are relatively inexpensive compared to the luxurious hotel camping experience and allow families to get away from it all. Many overnight campsites are also present in the area, which provide a much more authentic camping experience.
The Outlying Islands: With the Bedouin population being spread across many small villages, many of which have little connectivity with the larger cities, there are only a handful of major outlying islands in the area. These include the Sidon and Beit Jalaa islands that sit at the entrance of the Gulf of Aqaba. While there are some modern hotels on the island, they are far from luxury and the average stay is usually no longer than 5 nights. Most travelers prefer to backpack in these locations, as they are often less crowded and far less expensive than other secluded camping spots in the area. This is why they remain so popular among backpackers.
The Mountains: Mount Lebanon, the highest peak in the Alps, can be seen dominating the northern skyline. To the south lie the Wadi Rum and the heights of Mount Carmel. All of these mountains offer an ideal location for backpacking in all seasons. In summer, the hills are a veritable playground for cyclists and hikers who enjoy the fresh air and lush landscape.
For anyone considering traveling to this part of the world, it is essential to plan in advance. This will ensure that you are not left without essentials or cut short on amenities. With a little research and planning, your time in Lebanon can be anything but dull. Check out the information found in this all-encompassing Lebanon Travel Guide before you make any trip plans!
Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Lebanon are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Review the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to or from Lebanon
The best time to go to Lebanon is the spring and autumn, when it's far milder, the scenery is at its most beautiful, and the archaeological sites are not at all busy.
British citizens can normally apply for a free single entry tourist or family visit visa on arrival. British Overseas Citizens and British Protected Persons will need to get a visa before travelling to Lebanon
See which forms you may need for entry into Lebanon.
The official currency of Lebanon is the Lebanese Pound (LBP). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Lebanon you can grab amazing Lebanese Pound deals via Wise.com (GBP to LBP).
Most common mammals to find in Lebanon: wildcats, striped hyenas , jackals, Egyptian mongoose, Least weasel, Beech marten, European otter, European badger, Honey badger, Syrian brown bear, gray wolf, Marbled polecat, jungle cat, Caracal, red foxes, porcupines and squirrels.
Arabic food? The national dish of Lebanon is kibbeh, an emulsified paste of fresh lamb and bulgur wheat with spices. • Meat tends to be made into nuggets and charcoaled or stuffed into vegetables.
You can typically expect to pay around £7.37p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.
While Arabic is Lebanon's official language, English and French are widely spoken. You can learn some basic Arabic before you travel to Lebanon and really impress the locals!
The currency in Lebanon is the Lebanese Pound (Tipping is widespread in Lebanon. Hotel porters and parking valets Somewhere around LL4000, depending on the level of service, will be appreciated. Waiters Usually tipped around 10% to 15%, but check your bill before doing so: some places automatically add a 15% service charge.).
The GMT time difference is 2 hours