Things to visit in Lebanon

Driving Times from Qlayaat Airport (René Mouawad / KYE) to the 10 Coolest Cities in Lebanon. Qlayaat Airport is located in Akkar in northern Lebanon (about 6–7 km from the Syrian border and 26 km northeast of Tripoli). The times below are approximate under normal traffic conditions.

(they can be longer during rush hour, especially around Beirut, or due to roadworks and checkpoints):

City	Distance (approx.)	Driving Time (approx.)	Route Note
Tripoli	26 km	30–40 minutes	Shortest – direct along the coast
Batroun	50–55 km	50–70 minutes	Coastal highway south
Byblos (Jbeil)	70 km	1 hour – 1 hour 15 min	Scenic coastal road
Jounieh	85 km	1 hour 20 min – 1 hour 40 min	Via the coastal highway
Beirut	105 km	1 hour 45 min – 2 hours 30 min	Via Tripoli motorway (traffic-sensitive)
Zahlé	130 km	2 – 2.5 hours	Inland into the Bekaa Valley
Anjar	140–150 km	2 hours 15 min – 2 hours 45 min	Via the Bekaa Valley
Sidon (Saida)	145 km	2.5 – 3 hours	Via Beirut
Baalbek	150 km	2.5 – 3 hours	Via Zahlé / Bekaa Valley
Tyre (Sour)	175 km	3 – 3.5 hours	Full coastal route via Beirut and Sidon

Note: The main coastal highway is the primary route for most destinations. Northern cities (Tripoli, Batroun, Byblos, and Jounieh) are the quickest and easiest to reach from Qlayaat Airport.

Form of government: Republic.
Area: 10,452 km².
Capital: Beirut.
Population: About 6 million.
Language: Arabic, French and English.
Religion: Christianity and Islam.
Currency: Lebanese pound – livre/lira (USD).
Airports: Beirut and Qlayaat.

Lebanon is divided into nine governorates (muhafazah).

Discover Lebanon’s 9 Governorates: Unique Tourist Attractions and Must-Visit Highlights

Lebanon is a compact country packed with incredible diversity. From vibrant coastal cities and ancient ruins to cedar forests, wine valleys, and mountain villages, each of its 9 governorates offers a completely different travel experience.

Whether you’re planning a beach holiday, cultural adventure, or nature escape, here’s a complete guide to what makes every region special.

By Anne drew Andrew and Drew – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Beirut Governorate (Capital: Beirut)
Area: ~18 km² | Population: ~419,000
Lebanon’s economic and financial heart. It drives services, banking, trade, tourism, and administration.
Mount Lebanon Governorate (Capital: Baabda)
Area: ~1,238 km² | Population: ~1,531,000 (largest)
A major population and economic hub with strong contributions to services, industry, real estate, and suburban commerce.
North Governorate (Capital: Tripoli)
Area: ~1,205 km² | Population: ~803,000
Features a historic port and diverse economy including trade, agriculture, and light industry.
South Governorate (Capital: Sidon)
Area: ~943 km² | Population: ~602,000
Key agricultural producer (citrus, bananas, olives) with growing tourism and border-area economic activity.

Beqaa Governorate (Capital: Zahleh)
Area: ~1,271 km² | Population: ~540,000
Lebanon’s agricultural breadbasket — vital for grains, fruits, vegetables, grapes (wine), and livestock.’
Akkar Governorate (Capital: Halba)
Area: ~776 km² | Population: ~432,000
Predominantly rural and agricultural, focusing on cereals, potatoes, and vegetables. New airport, Qlayaat Airport.

Baalbek-Hermel Governorate (Capital: Baalbek)
Area: ~3,009 km² (largest) | Population: ~472,000
Significant for agriculture, tourism (historic Roman ruins), and livestock in the Bekaa region.
Keserwan-Jbeil Governorate (Capital: Jounieh)
Area: ~722 km² | Population: ~300,000
Coastal and mountainous with tourism, historic sites (e.g., Byblos), real estate, and services.
Nabatieh Governorate (Capital: Nabatieh)
Area: ~1,058 km² | Population: ~391,000
Strong in agriculture (olives, tobacco, fruits) and traditional industries.

Beirut Governorate. The Vibrant Capital

Best known for: Cosmopolitan energy, food scene, nightlife, and layered history.
Beirut perfectly blends old and new. Often called the “Paris of the Middle East,” it’s ideal for city lovers.

Top attractions:

Pigeon Rocks (Raouché) and the scenic Corniche promenade
National Museum of Beirut
Downtown Beirut, Zaitunay Bay & Souks
Hamra Street for cafés and street life
Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael for nightlife and restaurants
Sursock Museum and contemporary art scene
The Banque du Liban (BDL) Museum in Hamra.

Mount Lebanon Governorate – Mountains, Palaces & Nature

Best known for: Dramatic landscapes, cedar reserves, and historic palaces.

This governorate is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking cooler mountain air. Focus on Mountains, Palaces & Nature

Top attractions:

Jeita Grotto (one of the world’s most spectacular caves)
Beiteddine Palace and Deir el-Qamar
Shouf Biosphere Reserve (ancient cedar forests and hiking)
Afqa Grotto and Adonis Valley
Ski resorts like Faraya and Laqlouq
Traditional mountain villages such as Aley and Broumana

North Lebanon Governorate – History, Coast & Sacred Valleys

Best known for: Ancient ports, medieval souks, and spiritual mountain retreats.

Top attractions:

Byblos (Jbeil) – one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world (UNESCO)
Tripoli’s historic souks and Crusader Castle
Qadisha Valley (Holy Valley) and the Cedars of God (UNESCO)
Batroun’s beautiful beaches and old churches
Anfeh – salt pans, turquoise waters, and charming peninsula