Villages & Landscapes in Lebanon

Do you know of a single place on earth where Aramaic is still spoken? In the village of Maaloula, we still speak this so-called Afro-Asian language. It is also in Maaloula that one of the oldest churches in the world can be seen. This small town located 80 km northeast of Damascus in Syria is worth a detour for a half-day excursion, during a stay in Lebanon, if possible. Renowned for its very old churches and its exceptional geographical location, Maaloula resembles a small cloud placed in the middle of a green valley. Visitors often remember this village, its magnificent troglodyte refuges as well as its blue stone houses. At first glance, Maaloula looks like an immense cliff from the top of which the Saint-Serge monastery culminates. It is here that one of the oldest churches in the world is located, erected in 325. Along with the other monastery placed under the protection of Sainte-Thècle, located below, Maaloula was one of the greatest places of pilgrimage the most frequented by Eastern Christians. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 🅘🅝🅓🅘🅐🅟🅘🅝🅚 (@indiapink) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pia Abboud (@piaabboud) View this post on Instagram A post shared

Declared a nature reserve and protected since 1995, the Palm Islands constitute, with Sanani Island and Ramkine Island, a real shelter for many endangered species. Located about 5.5 km northwest of the city of Tripoli, these islands are worth a detour during your next vacation in Lebanon. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Greenpeace Österreich (@greenpeaceaustria) The Palm Island Nature Reserve is the only chain of islands in Lebanon that fills up with excursionists every year. Located just an hour away from small fishing boats, this idyllic island stands out for its magnificent public beach and its protected nature reserve which is mainly home to sea turtles as well as exceptional marine fauna. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mimi (@mimimoukarzel) Other species, globally threatened with extinction, also find refuge on this island. This is particularly the case for the Audoin's gull, the Dalmatian pelican and the corncrake. View this post on Instagram A post shared by David Lucas (@lucasfotophotography) Designated a “Particularly Protected Mediterranean Area” by the Barcelona Convention and also a “Wetland of International Importance” by the Ramsar Convention, the nature reserve of

Christian or not, believer or not, the Monastery of Saint-Charbel, officially called Saint Maron Annaya Monastery of the Lebanese Maronite Order, is a place that arouses the curiosity of all visitors from around the world. This Monastery which houses the tomb of Saint Charbel, a Lebanese Monk whose miracles are still manifested throughout the world, is an essential place to visit in Lebanon, a true source of inspiration for all beliefs and religions. Nestled at an altitude of 1200 m in the mountains of the hinterland of Byblos, 17 km away, the Monastery of Saint-Charbel pays homage to Saint-Charbel, one of the most revered saints in Lebanon. A true place of pilgrimage, this Monastery represents a place of contemplation particularly appreciated by all religions. For those who don't know, Saint Charbel heals the disabled and sick. Many miracles are known to him throughout the world. He is a Saint known in many countries, and also a very famous character in Lebanon. A special atmosphere emerges in this place where several miracles have occurred. Even the least religious do not hesitate to recite a few lines of prayers at this unique place in the world. The Monastery, erected in his homage, is a

Particularly appreciated by the Lebanese for its pleasant climate and its traditional cuisine, Zahle is one of the largest cities in Lebanon, after Beirut, Tripoli and Jounieh. Named the city of wine and poets, this city steeped in history is also a very beautiful vacation destination. View this post on Instagram A post shared by THE SPOT | Lebanon (@thespot_leb) View this post on Instagram A post shared by ✈️ Wassim Tabbah ???????????? (@wassimtabbah) Zahle, with a population of around 150,000, is ideally located in the Bekaa plain. Its geographical location gives it pretty little names like the “Bride of the Bekaa” and the “Neighbor of the Gorge”. Its natural beauty is such that Zahlé even bears the title of “City of wine and poetry”. The city's cultural wealth revolves around wine, grapes and arak, a distilled anise drink that locals continue to serve in the city's cool cafes during the day. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Katy ???? (@katy.terroz) View this post on Instagram A post shared by • Lebanon Shots ????️ (@lebanonshots) It is also in Zahlé that each

Naturalist travelers, here is a beautiful place you will love to visit in Lebanon on your next trip to the country. Jabal Moussa, one of the three biosphere reserves in Lebanon, has a wonderful day of discovery in store for you with family, friends or alone. Come and marvel at the heart of an exceptionally rich biodiversity composed of more than 724 species of flora, 137 species of migratory birds and 25 species of mammals. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ä ñ Ð ¥ (@andreo.z) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rabih El Hage (rabi.h.age) (@thelebanesearchitect) Located in the Keserwan-Jbeil region , 50 km from Beirut, Lebanon, the Jabal Moussa reserve represents a true mosaic of the ecosystem. It contains approximately 720 species of plants representative of the geographical region “evergreen sclerophyll scrub and forests” in the Mediterranean biome. View this post on Instagram A post shared by krisstof r. (@krisstofr) View this post on Instagram A post shared by ??????????????????????????????????????? ???????? ???????????????? ???? (@m.kay11) Since 2009, the Jabal Moussa reserve and its surrounding villages have been part of the global network of biosphere reserves recognized by

Want to go on excursions without breaking the bank in Lebanon? Why not take the road north of Beirut, leading towards Tripoli via the Nahr al-Jawz valley, to reach Mseilha Castle? Known at the time of the Crusaders under the name of Puy du Connétable, or Passe-Saint-Guillaume, this building, created around 1624, was dedicated to the emir Fakhr al-Din (1572-1632), in homage to his revolution against Ottoman power. View this post on Instagram A post shared by الان ???????????????????? (@alainchebly) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Líbano-Brasil ???????????????? (@libano_brasil) The small castle of Mseilha rises on a rocky peak ideally located near a stream which dries up in the summer. Called “Kalaat Mezbaheh” in the 19th century, this castle would have served as a garrison at the end of the Battle of Hittine. Even if its historical origin remains uncertain to this day, the site has undeniable similarities with Cathar castles. Despite its remodeling by Emir Fakhr-al-Din, around 1624, certain architectural elements typical of the Crusades period, such as firing slots, remain visible on the facade of Mseilha Castle. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Elias S. Ataba (@shotsbyelias) View this post on

Open to the general public since July 23, 2010, to the delight of nature adventure lovers, the Shnaneer (Chnaniir) nature reserve is ideally located on a hill overlooking Jounieh Bay. Just for the breathtaking view and the diverse and multicolored landscape, the site is definitely worth the detour. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ???????????? ???????????? ???????????????????????? (@the.gbr) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vamos Todos (@vamostodoslebanon) A truly gigantic green space, the Shnaneer nature reserve is an exceptional place of discovery for experts and walkers. Equipped with numerous pedestrian paths, the reserve welcomes every year students curious to discover the wonders of nature, as well as researchers who wish to enrich their documentation on the fauna and flora of the environment. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rima????‍???? (@reemaitani) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maryse Kanaan (@maryse_ko) Shnaneer Nature Reserve is located just a 5-minute drive from the main Jounieh highway. The place is particularly popular with hikers who take full advantage of the beauty of nature and the diversity of the landscape which

The capital of a caza of the same name, Hasbaya (Hasbaïa in Arabic) is a small town in Lebanon located 58 km southeast of Beirut. This town, located at the foot of Mount Hermon, promises visitors a nice glimpse into the years that have passed. A place marked by a rich tapestry of art, heritage and culture. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nada Matta (@nada__matta) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Líbano-Brasil ???????????????? (@libano_brasil) First place of interest in Hasbaya, the souk al-khan or khan Hasbaya. A real local event which takes place every Tuesday, on the road to Hasbaya, in South Lebanon. This weekly market serves as a place for locals to meet and trade. But it is also the ideal place to discover the remains of an ancient khan from the 17th century. According to legend, it was here that Ali, the son of Emir Fakhreddine Ma'an, one of the last historical rural khans in Lebanon, was killed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by LIVE HASBAYA LOVE (@livehasbayalove) View this post on Instagram A post shared by LIVE HASBAYA LOVE (@livehasbayalove) Centerpiece of culture and antiquity in the city of Hasbaya, the Citadel

The exceptional beauty of Lebanon's natural reserves is characteristic of the magnificent landscape that nature has given it. A true natural source of beauty, culture and tourism, most of Lebanon's nature reserves are sites preserved and maintained for the development of biodiversity. Located at an altitude of 1375 m, the village of Yammouneh contains one of the most beautiful Lebanese nature reserves. View this post on Instagram A post shared by PRITI Dubai •Influencer •Model (@priti_goundar) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lebanon | لبنان (@lebnen) Yammouneh is a place particularly appreciated for its numerous remains including a small lake, formerly used for the breeding of sacred fish. Fed by Ain Arbaeen, the source of the Forty Martyrs, the large Lake Yammouneh transforms into a muddy plain after summer. A few shady cafes and ruins of a Roman temple line the running water. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Travel Eat Laugh… (@papoud_world) View this post on Instagram A post shared by ريم شريف ???????? (@reem.shreif) The Yammouneh nature reserve is located on the eastern slope, halfway between the Makmil and Mounaiterah mountains. The site is reached from Baalbek, following the road

Lebanon is a country full of archaeological and historical sites to visit. Its green nature, with its diverse landscapes, also offers several opportunities for visits and activities. But to discover the country in all its splendor, there is nothing like diving directly into the daily life of a Lebanese, crossing Lebanon by public transport. This is a possibility that poses no danger, but only for free-spirited adventurers. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lebanon Taxi (@lebanontaxi) Diversified public transport Lebanon has three different types of public transport: buses, vans and collective services (taxis). For these three distinct categories, the principle is the same: there is no fixed stop. If you want to stop a moving vehicle, you will need to wave your hand and indicate your direction. As with all Western public transport lines, buses and vans follow fixed routes in Lebanon. But no particular route is indicated for the services. View this post on Instagram A post shared by mark carlisle (@mark_aydin) View this post on Instagram A post shared by mark carlisle (@mark_aydin) Visit Lebanon