Located on the foothills of Mount Barouk, overlooking Lake Qaraoun, Kherbet Qanafar is a spectacular town in West Bekaa. Boasting splendid scenery and a whole host of activities, this destination is a dream come true for adventure seekers.
There are many explanations regarding the origins of the town’s name; some say it was called Kherbet Qanafar because the town produces a lot of fruit varieties and “kino far” means the “house of fruits,” while others believe that it was named after King Qanafar.
Getting There
Kerbet Qanafar is situated 65 kilometers from Beirut. Take the Beirut-Damascus Highway out of the capital and head toward the Bekaa Valley. Located between Kefraya, Ain Zebdeh and Jeb Janine, the town ascends from the foot of the mountain to an altitude of 1,000 meters.
Photo: Rawad Mansour
What to Do
The best time to visit Kherbet Qanafar is in spring and fall. It often snows in winter, while the summer months are cool.
The Old Oak Tree
The town is perhaps most famous for its old oak tree, which is depicted in Kherbet Qanafar’s logo. Believed to be more than 1,000 years old, the tree is surrounded by a public garden, where visitors and locals can sit and admire its majestic beauty.
Photo: Rawad Mansour
Wineries
Kherbet Qanafar is known for its wonderful wineries. Some are situated at the lower part of the mountain, whereas Chateau Qanafar (+961 1 398782) can be found at the highest altitude.
Chateau Qanafar
Activities
Kherbet Qanafar is famous for its pretty hiking trails in the mountain and in the valley. The trails in the valley range from hybrid to easy. Those in the mountain, on the other hand, are more difficult but worth the walk. While hiking in the mountain, you will pass by springs, Roman ruins and caves where the Romans used to bury their dead.
Kherbet Qanafar promenade (+961 3 685465) organize great weekly hikes. The walks, mostly moderate in level, start at 8:30 AM, with an average duration of two to three hours. A Lebanese breakfast, featuring local products, is then served in an authentic way.
Where to Eat
Tante Nawal (+961 8 645331) is known for the best saj. Alternatively, Le2meh w Rif (+961 70 671399) offers delicious local Lebanese food. Centro Cafe, Uncle Toni and Rabih’s are also options, where you can enjoy a tasty snack.
Le2meh W Rif
Where to Sleep
You can spend the night at Chez Pierre Chalet (+961 3 661554) or @westbekaa (temporarily closed) inside the town. For something a little more traditional, Khraizat Hotel (+961 8 645190) provides comfortable lodging.
Other options include Beit Ammiq (+961 3 004481), a seven-minute drive away, or Center Giselle (+961 70 012042), just three minutes away.
Beit Ammiq Guesthouse
Article and photos in collaboration with Rawad Mansour.
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