Lebanon Travel Guide

Rawshe Rock, Beirut © www.lgic.org

Lebanon is a country immersed in history. Lying on the Mediterranean Sea, at the junction of Asia and Europe, Lebanon's cities and harbours were once major outposts in Phoenician and Roman times. The Békaa Valley, known in the 1st century BC as the 'granary' of Rome, is still the country's main agricultural region. One of the highlights of visiting Lebanon is the constant reminder of the country's long-standing role in the history of the world. Evidence of Phoenician and Roman occupancy is best seen at the pre-Roman historic site of Baalbek, known as the largest and best preserved Roman ruins in the world, and in the coastal cities of Saida (Sidon) and Jbail (Byblos), where tourists have the rare opportunity to snorkel amongst long-submerged Phoenician ruins.

Lebanon has a remarkable natural landscape, especially considering the mostly desert countries surrounding it. There are four main geographic regions in Lebanon that can easily be identified on a map of the country. From west to east, there is the coastal plain, the Mount Lebanon Range, the Békaa Valley, and the Anti-Lebanon Range. Each region varies in topography and climate and what it can offer a visitor. Because Lebanon is a small country, day trips to historic coastal towns and lovely mountain villages are easily made from Beirut, the capital.

From 1975 until the early 1990s Lebanon endured a bloody civil war, which deeply scarred the country and its inhabitants, and took years to pick up the pieces. Enjoying moments of growth and prosperity Lebanon has slowly recovered and tourists have started visiting the country once again to indulge in its unique culture. In July 2006, Israel launched a month-long military campaign in Lebanon in response to the killing of three Israeli soldiers and the capture of two by the armed Shiite Muslim group, Hezbollah. Once more crippled by the conflict surrounding Israel, Lebanon is again rebuilding and ensuring that a ceasefire holds.

The ancient cities, ski resorts, impressive architecture and striking landscapes of Lebanon are just the start. The country is also known for its abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood and for its traditional starters, known as 'Mezza', where 40 small dishes are served as appetizers. Beirut, known as the Paris of the Middle East, is a trendy and cosmopolitan city where a variety of languages, nationalities and religions assimilate. This melting pot of cultures is apparent in the colourful contrasts of the Mediterranean city where modern life plays out in the midst of ancient buildings, where churches and mosques sit adjacent to one another, and traditional and modern types live together in relative harmony.