Five road trips that show off Lebanon in a weekend
Give Lebanon a weekend and a set of keys and it rewards you fast. These five drives each fit into a day or two, and none is more than a couple of hours from Beirut.
1. The coast to Byblos and Batroun
Head north along the coast to Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, then on to Batroun for the old souk and a swim. Easy roads, an easy day, ideal in any car.
2. Up to the Cedars of God
Climb from the coast into the Qadisha Valley and up to the ancient cedar grove above Bcharré. The switchbacks are half the fun; an SUV makes the higher stretches more comfortable.
3. Jeita Grotto and Harissa
Just north of Beirut, the Jeita Grotto is a walk through the limestone caverns of the upper gallery and a boat ride along the river in the lower one. Then climb to Harissa and the Our Lady of Lebanon shrine for the view over the Bay of Jounieh. Check the grotto's opening days before you go.
4. Faraya and the Faqra natural bridge
Up the Keserwan mountains from Jounieh, Faraya is ski country in winter and cool green walks in summer. Stop at the Faqra natural bridge, a rock arch over the valley, on the way.
5. Ehden
Pair it with the Cedars or go on its own: Ehden, high above Zgharta, is a summer town with a lively main square and the Horsh Ehden nature reserve on its edge.
Whichever way you point the car, book for 3 days or more and enjoy the drive. Before you set off, check the UK Foreign Office's Lebanon travel advice on GOV.UK, which lists the areas it advises against visiting.