This is my personal list of 9 reasons to visit Lebanon.
As a foreigner living in here for the past 5 years, having visited 24 countries and having lived in 9 until now, Lebanon is my absolute favorite country on earth.
Lebanon has been through a lot, from a long civil war that ended 29 years ago to now hosting more than 2 million Syrian refugees due to the civil war in neighboring Syria.
Although foreign media doesn’t always portray it in a kind way, Lebanon has so much to offer.
Here are 9 reasons to visit Lebanon
1. The people
As mentioned earlier, I have lived in 9 countries so far and visited 24 in total and never have I met such kind people as the Lebanese. Lebanon it’s the only place I’ve been to, where people will genuinely help you as a stranger, without expecting anything in return.
If you are traveling solo as a woman or as a guy, having Lebanese people interested in knowing about you and even showing you around the country is the norm.
2. It’s safe
Is Lebanon safe? Yes, it is. Although there were some unfortunate events in the past, what you need to understand is that the Lebanese secret intelligence is one of the best and they are always able to tackle such events before any civilians or tourists are harmed.
Also, Lebanon is a very small country where everybody knows everybody so crime rates are extremely low.
When I say crime I mean stealing at most although you never hear about that because nobody would risk and bring shame to themselves or to their family.
In fact, as a European, I feel safer in Lebanon that I ever did in Europe.
3. The food
Ok, let’s stop for a moment and acknowledge the fact that Lebanese cuisine is the most known and loved cuisine in the world. This is for a reason.
There are so many options to satisfy any taste, from vegetarians, meat lovers to dessert addicts. Lebanese food is so addictive that when I visit my home country, after 2 days I’m craving Lebanese food.
I believe that’s enough for you to understand just how tasty their dishes are.
4. The wine
Lebanese wine might not be very well known abroad although it should.
Did you know that there are more than 70 wineries in Lebanon? As a wine lover, I’ve had some of the best wines here.
If you are considering a wine tasting tour, make sure not to miss Chateau Qanafar and Sept Winery, my 2 favorite Lebanese winemakers.
5. The sea
Having a 200 km shore at the Mediterranean Sea, Lebanon is blessed with beautiful and diverse beaches, from sandy to rocky, and besides the summer usually lasts for about 5 to 6 months from May until October.
6. The mountains
Did you know that Lebanon is home to several ski resorts and also to the highest peak in the Middle East?
If you are a mountain person you will not be disappointed.
Visit Lebanon during the winter if you are passionate about skiing or snowboarding or during the summer if you want to suntan at 2,000 meters altitude next to a pool and witness a spectacular sunset.
7. The landscapes
Lebanon has such a diverse landscape although is such a tiny country.
From the beautiful Mediterranean seashore to valleys, mountains, cedar forests, waterfalls and so much more.
8. The nightlife
If you don’t know yet, Beirut is the party capital of the Middle East.
In fact, Beirut’s nightlife is so well known that it made the international tops several years in a row for its famous rooftops and beach bars.
Whatever you are looking for, Beirut has it: rooftops, night clubs, underground venues where some of the best DJ worldwide are invited every weekend, chill pubs, restaurants and pretty much everything in between.
9. Its culture
Lebanon is known for its unique blend of religions living together peacefully.
Also, Lebanon’s heritage is very well preserved, from the Phoenicians to the Ottomans and the Romans, Lebanon is home to some of the most beautiful and well-preserved temples and sites in the region.
If you are considering visiting the Middle East, you should absolutely visit Lebanon. You will not be disappointed, I promise.
Related: