Home to ancient Phoenician cities with interesting palaces, wild mountains with attractive skiing and trekking facilities, monasteries standing in dramatic settings, and a wide coastline by the Mediterranean Sea, Lebanon has the potential to attract much tourism if only the restless situation in Lebanon and the current violence in the neighboring Syria calms down and makes this small Middle East country a suitable destination also for the less daring.
Besides Beirut , Lebanon hosts the ancient ruins of Baalbek and Byblos, the old cities of Tripoli and Tyre and the skiing centers and monasteries of the coastal Lebanese mountains. Lebanon is also well known for its cuisine and wines. Lebanon is a multicultural country with strong groups of both Muslims and Christian people living inside its borders. Therefore, the people of Lebanon are accustomed to ethnic diversity, and are more tolerable than in many other Muslim countries. Lebanon's diverse cultural heritage is reflected also in the number of languages spoken in the country. In addition to Arabic and French, which are the two official languages, also English is commonly understood in Lebanon.
Flights to Lebanon are available from several European and Middle Eastern countries. Visas are required from all international visitors, but most visitors can obtain them on arrival.
Lebanon, a multicultural country with rising tourism industry
Lebanon is an intriguing mixture of ancient civilizations, cultures and natural attractions. The most famous travel destination in Lebanon is its capital city Beirut. With its lovely beaches, historical sites and lively outdoor cafe culture, the attractive side of this liberal Arab city is evident. Beirut is a lovely place to enjoy the frequent sunshine and hot sunny days of the Mediterranean coast. For the more active, there are also activities such as diving available in this coastal city.Besides Beirut , Lebanon hosts the ancient ruins of Baalbek and Byblos, the old cities of Tripoli and Tyre and the skiing centers and monasteries of the coastal Lebanese mountains. Lebanon is also well known for its cuisine and wines. Lebanon is a multicultural country with strong groups of both Muslims and Christian people living inside its borders. Therefore, the people of Lebanon are accustomed to ethnic diversity, and are more tolerable than in many other Muslim countries. Lebanon's diverse cultural heritage is reflected also in the number of languages spoken in the country. In addition to Arabic and French, which are the two official languages, also English is commonly understood in Lebanon.
Lebanon, Hot in many ways
Climate in Lebanon is typically Mediterranean with two main seasons. Weather in Lebanon is characterized with hot sunny summers, when temperatures generally reach 30 degrees of Celsius. Winters in Lebanon are much cooler, and in most parts also wet. The best time to visit Lebanon is between April and November, unless of course you want to go skiing in the mountains of Lebanon, which have ski facilities available between December and March.Flights to Lebanon are available from several European and Middle Eastern countries. Visas are required from all international visitors, but most visitors can obtain them on arrival.
Photo: madmonk, used under Creative Commons License (By ND 2.0)
Transit visas of 48 hours are free of charge. Once in Lebanon, the main way to get around is by taxi or a long-distance group taxi. Some bus routes exist as well. Car rental in Lebanon is also available, but you need to be accustomed to the local style of driving.
Internal situation in Lebanon currently remains unstable with political conflicts interrupting everyday life especially in the south of the country. Therefore, this small Arabic country is at present a recommended travel destination for the more adventurous visitors who are accustomed to coping in possibly turbulent circumstances. Although there are no extra threats to tourists in Lebanon, more cautious visitors might also want to wait for the violent situation in the neighboring Syria to calm down before traveling to Lebanon.
Short history of Lebanon
Originally founded by Phoenicians, Lebanon has a long history of civilization and international trade. Lebanon was once part of many Arab dynasties, the Ottoman Empire and France, and gained its independence in 1943. Although suffered badly in the civil war between 1975 and 1990, this former holder of economic wealth has been able to rebuild much of its area, and is at the moment struggling to end the internal conflicts which at present make Lebanon not so popular travel destination.hint See also these nearby destinations: Beirut, Damascus, Haifa, Acre (Akko)
