Renowned for its clear waters and glittering waves, the coastal town of Amchit is a haven of wonder and beauty. The winding alleyways form a dizzying labyrinth before revealing a deep blue sea that will truly mesmerize you.
Getting There
Amchit is situated around 40km north of Beirut. Take the highway out of the capital towards Byblos. The exit to Amchit is located shortly after Byblos.
What to Do
Zakhia House & Wehbe Residence
Surrounded by trees from around the world, Zakhia House first impresses with the size of its enclosed inner courtyard. Inside, beautiful wooden beams and multicolored stained glass windows give a sacred appearance to the building.A stone’s throw away from Zakhia House is the Wehbe Residence, another jewel of Amchit. On the first floor, visitors can discover frescoes painted on the ceiling of the main room that blend both Baroque and Ottoman styles.
Church of Sayde
In the Church of Sayde neighborhood, houses built by the Lahoud family offer unexpected treasures. The residence of former general Fares Lahoud, based on Ottoman plans for one of the famed villas at Yildiz Palace, is distinguished by its eightcorner pillars. Further along, the residence of former ambassador Nazih Lahoud is an extremely well-preserved building that is vibrant and elegant.
Jungle Beach
Beach Resorts
Besides the public beaches, which are rocky, there are a number of funky resorts located in Amchit where you can tan and enjoy the outstanding sea views. Head over to the hip June Beach House (+961 70 553399), or chill out at the colorful Jungle Beach (+961 76 548854).
Corniche
Take a walk or cycle along the corniche and admire Beirut’s skyline in the distance. The seafront promenade of Amchit will remind you how wonderful it is to be by the sea.
Where to Eat
With a prominent location on the seashore, Babel Bahr (+961 9 620888) offers a menu of fresh seafood and Lebanese cuisine. Offering an amazing coastal view and an even better ambience, Casino Mhanna Sur Mer (+961 9 621777) serves up beautifully presented dishes bursting with rich flavors. Samket Amchit (+961 9 622767) has friendly staff and offers freshly prepared seafood straight from the grill. If you’re passing by and don’t have time for a sit-down meal, they also serve excellent sandwiches.
Where to Sleep
Nestled at the end of a maze of small streets, the famous campsite Camping Les Colombes (+961 9 622401) is an excellent choice for travelers. The campsite has been recently renovated and provides guests with the option of sleeping in tents or cottages. There is also a swimming pool.
Article Published on June 15, 2020
Article edited on June 12, 2021