Lebanon: Paris of the East

Beirut, widely referred to as the Paris of the Middle East, is the capital of the county and was recently rated as the first destination among 44 places to go in the 2009 New York Times Travel report. From verdant valleys to alpine valleys up to the coastline, tourist destinations in Lebanon are simply revealing […]

Beirut, widely referred to as the Paris of the Middle East, is the capital of the county and was recently rated as the first destination among 44 places to go in the 2009 New York Times Travel report.

From verdant valleys to alpine valleys up to the coastline, tourist destinations in Lebanon are simply revealing for a first timer. Lebanon tourist destinations comprise of Beirut, Anjar which is reputed to have an “Umayyad” connection.

The Umayyad Dynasty, which flourished for 100 years (660-750 A.D.), was the first of two dynasties of the Arab Islamic empire. The Umayyad were notable for establishing a large empire, which extended from Spain, through North Africa, to Central Asia.

Beirut’s is certainly well deserved, with plenty of sightseeing, shopping, cuisine, and nightlife to keep any fast-moving bon viveur (‘enjoyer of the high life’).

In fact, Lebanon’s outdoor adventure scene is increasingly popular, and a growing number of small, local enterprises and outfitters.

Among Beirut’s many cosmopolitan delights are also historical and cultural escapes.

High-quality traditional crafts such as olive oil soap, blown glass, or pottery – made in the tradition of the Phoenicians could be discovered and are an attraction in their own right.

Considered to have one of the most solid banking systems and stable economies despite of the global credit crunch and her real estate booming, Lebanon’s annual tourists is estimated at 1,463,000 according to 2008’s records.

Of the many tourist attractions in Lebanon are the Byblos (Jbeil) which is known as one of the ancient cities of Lebanon. Another destination holiday makers will be pleased to visit is the Qadisha Valley or the Holy Valley which is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage sites with a number of famous monasteries and beautiful chapels in Holy Valley. Known as a sacred place for people of different religions, the place is considered as a peaceful sanctuary for not only the Christians but the hermits and the monks of various religions. It is where the famous poet Khalil Gibran was born. Among the other tourist destinations the place that should not be missed at any cost is the Tripoli.

It is said that if you dream or try to visualize the story ‘Arabian nights’ the pages will come alive as you visit Tripoli which is one of the most important tourist destinations in Lebanon. Among the attractions in Tripoli the holiday maker have a number of mosques and the most famous is the “Saint Gilles Citadel”. Zahle is another site, which is famous for the old monasteries and religious places which were built in the 18th century. A slice of history is evident and present at Zahle which boasts of Roman relics, signs of the Byzantine era and structures which date back to the Bronze Age.

The Arabic architecture and the lovely historical monuments are the main talked-about features of Beiteddine.

Situated at the southern end of the Békaa Valley, Aanjar is among the world’s few known ruins of the 8th century Umayyad dynasty and is one of the region’s only examples of an inland commercial centre.

As you walk through the ruins of this stone city, marvel at the beautiful stone archways of the city’s palace facades.

At only 1,300 years old, Aanjar is one of Lebanon’s newer archaeological sites. The ruins were discovered by accident relatively recently (in 1949).

Baalbek’s awe-inspiring temples and city ruins are among the largest and finest examples of Roman architecture in the world. Visitors can easily spend several hours, or an entire day, exploring the wonders of this ancient city.

All of these savoury sites give an intensity of excitement all year round in the different seasons of fall, winter, spring and summer.

Fall is regarded as harvest time in Lebanon, with cooler weather, fewer crowds, and scenic natural beauty.

Leisurely explore the country’s numerous archaeological sites and historic monuments. Go on a hike in the Cedars forest or one of the nature reserves. Take a gastronomical tour of Lebanon, sampling regional specialties at the great restaurants scattered throughout the country.

From the warm Mediterranean coast to the snow-covered mountains, Winter presents visitors to Lebanon with a host of contrasts. Winter along the coast is a mild affair, characterized by warm days and cool evenings.

The country’s famous nightlife, entertainment, and shopping do not slow down during the winter months.

Springtime is one of the most pleasant times to visit Lebanon. Lebanon’s archaeological treasures are on full display during the spring months, with snow-topped peaks in the background and bright wildflowers springing up amid the ruins as well as enjoying numerous outdoor activities.

For arts enthusiasts, summer is when Lebanon hosts a large number of festivals, featuring both local and international performers. The largest of these festivals are held at historic and archaeological sites, serving as breathtaking backdrops for performances. For example, the Baalbek Festival is hosted on the site of spectacular Roman temples; the Beiteddine Festival is held at a 200 year-old palace in the mountains of the Chouf; and the Byblos Festival takes place in one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Whatever off-the-beaten-path activity you seek, one thing’s for sure: your Lebanon itinerary can be as action-packed, culturally decadent, or whimsical as you choose!