Northern Lebanon
Northern Lebanon does not show a single face — it constantly shifts.
The daily program begins the very moment you set off. We chose to rent a car, because this region can only truly be understood on the road. The landscape transforms every few kilometers: coastal plains give way to crowded city edges, then suddenly mountains rise, narrow switchbacks appear, and hidden villages follow one another in quick succession.
Driving is both chaotic and liberating — traffic operates according to its own logic. Northern Lebanon does not fit neatly into a postcard image, and that is precisely what makes it compelling. Here, the journey itself becomes the experience, not just the arrival.
Series
This post is part of a larger series. Here you can see where you are – and what’s already done.
Now: Day plan
Northern Lebanon
Next: Day plan
Bekaa Valley
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Prologue
Quick post
Experience
Itinerary
Epilogue
This daily itinerary is available as supporter-only content.
From the Explorer tier onward, all completed travel plans are accessible in exchange for support — meaning not only this city, but the entire route collection is available in a practical, usable format.
Citadel of Tripoli
Tripoli Fortress (Saint-Gilles Citadel)
Rising above Tripoli, this fortress is one of the most significant historic strongholds in Northern Lebanon. Its foundations were laid in the 12th century during the Crusades (associated with Raymond of Saint-Gilles), and it was later extensively rebuilt by the Mamluks and Ottomans. The massive walls, vaulted halls, and bastions clearly reflect Tripoli’s strategic importance, while the upper levels offer sweeping views over the old city and toward the Mediterranean Sea.
📍 Location: Above Tripoli’s old town, easily accessible from the city center
Cedars of God Bsharri
Horsh Arz el-Rab – The Cedars of God
One of the oldest cedar forests in the world and Lebanon’s most iconic natural and cultural symbol. Within this high-altitude grove stand trees that are thousands of years old, referenced in ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian sources as well as in the Bible. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing and has a quiet, almost sacred atmosphere, where the timeless character of the Lebanese mountains can be deeply felt.
📍 Location: Northern Lebanon, above Bsharri, at approximately 1,900 meters above sea level
Byblos Castle
Byblos Fortress (Crusader Castle of Byblos)
The fortress of Byblos rises above the city’s ancient harbor and archaeological zone, making it one of Lebanon’s most iconic historical landmarks. Built in the 12th century as a Crusader stronghold using Roman and Phoenician stone blocks, it was later modified during the Mamluk and Ottoman periods. From its walls, there are excellent views over the ruins of ancient Byblos, the harbor, and the Mediterranean Sea — a site of outstanding importance both militarily and in terms of urban history.
📍 Location: Old town of Byblos (Jbeil), directly beside the archaeological area
Téléférique du Liban
Jounieh cable car – Harissa
One of the most well-known attractions along the Lebanese coast, carrying visitors from the city of Jounieh up to Harissa hill, home to the famous statue of Our Lady of Lebanon. The cable car ride is short but spectacular, offering breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea, Jounieh Bay, and the surrounding mountains. Popular with both tourists and locals, it functions as both a religious pilgrimage site and an easy excursion.
📍 Location: Jounieh → Harissa, approximately 20 km north of Beirut
Where next?
Continue the series – pick the next stop.
Now: Day plan
Northern Lebanon
Next: Day plan
Bekaa Valley
Show contents
Prologue
Quick post
Experience
Itinerary
Epilogue
Epilogue – Lebanon
Epilogue – Lebanon Luxury and crumbling walls. Mediterranean lightness and a quiet political tension. Lebanon does not allow itself to be described in a single word.…
Olvass tovább / Read moreBeirut – Day 2
Beirut – Day 2 The second day in Beirut is best explored on foot. This itinerary focuses on the city’s dense, layered inner spaces, where historic…
Olvass tovább / Read moreAuthor
Gábor Lengyel – Storyteller and Traveler
Part of the Tales from the Middle East series by Absurd Empire.
