Drive north for half an hour out of Beirut and you will reach Jounieh, the perfect place to enjoy a day trip or an action-packed weekend.
Getting There
Follow the highway northbound out of Beirut towards Tripoli until you see signs for Jounieh.
What to Do
Teleferique and Our Lady of Lebanon
The Jounieh Teleferique (teleferiquelb.com, +961 9 936 075 / +961 9 914324) is one of the city’s main destinations and the country’s most well-run tourist attraction. Enjoy an exciting and slightly nerve-racking cable car ride up to take in some incredible views. After the nine-minute ride, the Teleferique pops you out on top of Harissa, where a well-maintained park lines the walkway to the magnificent Our Lady of Lebanon statue. You don’t have to be a religious tourist to appreciate the beauty of this statue, which stands arms open above the stunning bay of Jounieh.
Jeita Grotto
It goes without saying that the Jeita Grotto (jeitagrotto.com, +961 9 220 840) is an absolute must while in Lebanon. Millions of years of subterranean movement have produced an absolutely breathtaking underground cave system that can be enjoyed by visitors. With an entrance fee of around 20,000 LBP, the upper and lower grottos take approximately two hours to explore on foot and by boat. The site is closed on Mondays.
The Old Souk
In the old souk of Jounieh you’ll find plenty of restaurants and shops. Whether you’re looking for an antique item or a cold drink, it’s the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.
Paragliding
For some high-octane fun, try paragliding over the bay of Jounieh. There are a number of paragliding specialists in Jounieh who will take you for an exhilarating ride in the sky. Contact Paragliding Skymasters (+961 71 909 077), Lebanon Paragliding (+961 70 544 447) or Exit to Nature (+961 3 559 992).
Photo – Peter Ghanime
The Cave of Saint George (Mar Geryes Al Bati)
Facing ATCL is a hidden gem that few people know about. While it is believed that the Bay of Saint George in Beirut is so named for playing host to the legendary battle of Saint George and the dragon, the Cave of Saint George in Jounieh tells a similar story. Read more about this unusual site here.
Hiking Darb el Sama
Enjoy a unique hike from Sahel Alma to Harissa then onto Antoura. The trail known as Darb el Sama starts from Sahel Alma and reaches Harissa via Ghadir. Expect a steep 500-meter uphill walk. The whole journey of four kilometers takes around two hours to complete, promising with spectacular views along the way.
Darb el Qamar is the second trail and is suitable for those who enjoy an easier trail. The trail of four kilometers includes a downhill of 300 meters.
Hiking Chnaniir Nature Reserve
Located on the hill of Chnaniir village, a 10-minutes drive from the Jounieh highway, Chnaniir Nature Village is ideal for lovers of nature. With magnificent views of Beirut, Jounieh and Amchit, visitors can hike two trails: a short one and long one.
The entrance fee is 10,000 LBP per person, but make sure you contact +961 3 301 292 prior your visit. You can also request a private guide.
Where to Eat
Al Sultan Brahim (+961 9 853 753) guarantees diners a picturesque location right on the bay, with an award-winning design and exquisite seafood menu.
Occupying a slightly elevated spot with majestic views of the sea, La Crêperie (+961 71 202 022) is the perfect place to enjoy French cuisine in plush surroundings.
Punta Del Este (+961 9 830 788 / +961 76 933 466) is a popular restaurant specializing in Argentinian cuisine. Tasty items on the menu include empanadas, tuna tartar and burgers, making this place great for a date, or a night out with friends.
Amar (+961 3 801 880) specializes in authentic Lebanese cuisine and boasts a breathtaking bay view, while Margherita Mare (+961 81 711 798 / +961 9 830 816) is a popular restaurant located by the sea, offering guests delicious Neapolitan cuisine.
Zéralda (+961 9 932 787) serves authentic French cuisine and Lebneniyet (+961 76 822 888) fuses the traditional and the modern, so you can eat, love and live the Lebanese way.
Grecco Taverna (+961 76 330 605 / +961 70 213 232) is a sumptuous Greek and Mediterranean. While the restaurant’s summer location is in Byblos, it moves to Kaslik (facing Espace 2000) in winter.
Where to Sleep
Though the BURJ on BAY Hotel (+961 9 857 555, burjonbay.com) is 10 minutes north of Jounieh’s main hub, it is well worth the detour. This luxury property features a gym, a pool and awesome views of the bay from every room.
Bay Lodge (+961 9 260 999, bay-lodge.com) located on the Harissa Highway, just five minutes by car from Jounieh, boasts a panoramic sea view.
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