North Lebanon's main feature lies in its notable number of medieval castles, churches and monasteries scattered all across its landscape. Many of these crusader structures have remained to this day and are in use by the local communities.
This website was made possible through support provided by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) mission in Lebanon The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID.
This website is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of AED and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
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Beirut, the vibrant capital of Lebanon, is back as an international connection point.

Beyond the bustling city of Beirut, with its uptown and downtown shopping districts and its splendid nightlife, lay another world of serene and authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean life style. The coasts, as well as the Lebanese mountains unveil some new tourism trends that highlight the real Lebanese cozy style and love of life.

Tour organizers and development projects are promoting the hidden assets of Lebanon through working on sustainable tourism development to protect and preserve the nature and culture of Lebanon.

The biggest asset of Beirut, the capital, is its proximity to all the attractions hidden within the folds of Lebanon’s mountains and valleys and to Lebanon’s concentrated cultural and natural diversity.Beirut is a couple of hours away from 5 UNESCO designated World Heritage sites, 20 km away from Jeita GROTTO, a strong candidate to be named one of the new 7 wonders of the world. Beirut is situated at the midpoint of the Lebanese Mediterranean 230 km coast line, half way between Byblos, the oldest inhabited city in the world dating back to prehistoric times, and Sidon the cradle of blown glass and the first hospital of god Echmoun from Phoenician times.

The Lebanese Ministry of Tourism has launched a comprehensive website. Under the attractions section, you can check news and events and different ways to discover Lebanon.

FACTS ABOUT LEBANON

Lebanon is a small country located on the East Mediterranean mentioned in ancient manuscripts and considered an essential part of the old world. It is the homeland of the Phoenicians who sailed the Mediterranean and were famous for the creation and dissemination of the first phonetic Alphabet and for their advanced maritime and trading skills.

For more information:

Hot for 2010: Lebanon and six more sizzlers - Times Online

Phoenicians @ National Geographic Magazine

Modern Lebanon is still as vibrant as it ever was. Beirut its capital resurrected from several wars and assaults, has regained its reputation as a compelling tourist and business destination. (The 44 Places to Go in 2009 at the New York Times Website)

Beirut famous for its splendid atmosphere and vivacious life by day and by night is nominated by the UNESCO as the 2009 World Book Capital.

20 km beyond Beirut to the north is JEITA GROTTO, nominated as one of the New 7 World Natural Wonders.

Useful links:

Ministry of Tourism website

Booking website: Dhiafee Program, Discover Lebanon , Houjouzat, Lebanon Tourism, Lebanon Trail,

Photo credits: Dhiafee Program - Ehden Adventure - Fadi Yanni Turk - Fares Jammal - Grey Matter - Grey World - Hisham Bayaa', INMA (social and cultural development association), - Lebanon Mountain Trail - Mounir Nasr - Nell Abou Ghazale - Responsible Mobilities - Snow to Sea. Thanks to GREYWORLDWIDE- Beirut, Khadija Lakkis


   


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