Just a few kilometers from Zahle you’ll find the pretty village of Taanayel. With its bountiful farms, breathtaking scenery and vineyards, Taanayel is a true haven that can be visited all year long.
Getting there
Taanayel is approximately one hour from Beirut. Take the Beirut-Damascus Highway out of the city until you reach Dahr Al Baidar. From there, continue on to Masnaa Road toward Chtaura, where the route straight ahead leads you to Taanayel.
What to Do
Photo – Areej Khaddaj
Domaine de Taanayel
With hectares of trees shedding their leaves in fall, a visit to this pretty area is the perfect way to embrace the season. For a nominal fee, you can take a stroll through the woods and admire the indigenous flora and fauna. You can even rent a bike for an additional charge. Contact +961 8 540 066.
Taanayel Lake
Indulge in some much-needed quiet time by the stunning Taanayel Lake, where you’re guaranteed a beautiful view. For a unique experience, you can take a trip in a horse-drawn carriage or even ride a horse. All activities are weather dependent.
Massaya Winery
This fabulous winery is best visited on a Sunday, when a tour of the vineyard is organized. After the tour, visitors can enjoy a scrumptious buffet of cheese, wine and a selection of cold cuts. Much of the wooden furniture, namely the chairs, tables and bar, are repurposed wine barrels. Massaya | homepage
Where to Eat
For a typical Lebanese breakfast head to Deir Taanayel (+961 8 540 066), a beautiful convent dating back to 1860. The building is now a fertile space for the convent’s artisanal manufacturing, where visitors can taste some of the healthiest dairy products while admiring the view of countless hectares of fruit trees and vineyards. In keeping with the region’s penchant for healthy eating, Khan El Maksoud (+961 8 544 881 / +961 3 124 279) serves locally sourced food products straight to your plate. Its simple decor is contrasted by vibrant tablecloths and surrounding greenery. The restaurant is popular, so reservations are a must. Note it is closed on Mondays.
Photo- Claude Choueiri
Where to Sleep
Guaranteeing an unforgettable experience, the Ecolodge Taanayel (+961 8 544 881)is a living compound built by Arc en Ciel using traditional materials. The property, which is conveniently located near many local attractions, has a wonderful on-site restaurant serving wholesome food. Guests can also enjoy a range of activities from hiking and cycling to horseback riding.
Ecolodge Taanayel
Less than a 10-minute drive from the Taanayel Lake lies the Chtaura Park Hotel (+961 8 540 011, chtauraparkhotel.com), a 75-room complex offering high-end accommodation and great views. Perfect for families, the hotel is within close proximity to all of Taanayel’s beautiful attractions.
Article edited on October 23, 2021.
Loading