Batroun Travel Guide · Explore North Lebanon · L’Hôte Libanais

Batroun: Lebanon’s Northern Seaside Haven

By Alia Fawaz

Whether you are a history buff, a beach enthusiast, or a seasoned traveller looking for a romantic story to tell, Batroun is the perfect getaway any time of the year for plenty of reasons…

A Walk Through History

Batroun is one of the oldest Canaanite-Phoenician cities in Lebanon, which boasts plenty of historical monuments and ruins. Take a leisurely stroll along the charming coastal road and you will come across the impressive Old Phoenician Sea Wall, the maritime wall (225 meters long) that the Phoenicians built to protect them from tidal waves and invaders. Nearby, you can visit the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Stephen built in the early 20th century on top of a small crusader church, and the 13th century Orthodox Church of St. George, recognized by its impressive dome.

As you keep walking, you’ll arrive at the picturesque and well-preserved Old Harbor that serves as a fishing port. Afterwards, head to the Roman Theatre with its nine remaining steps, followed by the Old Souks, a cobblestoned 19th-century sandstone marketplace and pick up a handmade souvenir. When you need to quench your thirst, try Batroun’s famous fresh lemonade (Batroun is surrounded by citrus groves), a speciality at Hilmi House.

Where to stay in Batroun

Make the most of your experience by staying in an elegant traditional Batroun home with modern facilities. Choose from Abdelli Terraces, located atop a hill and ideal for families, the tranquil and romantic Beit Al Batroun, the cosy country home of local artist Colette who has artfully decorated her guest house with carefully restored collectables. All three stunning guesthouses have a private swimming pool and a garden.

Batroun’s fishing port

Batroun’s fishing port · Photo: Eliane Haykal

Alia Fawaz

Alia was raised in Japan and lived in five countries before returning to Lebanon a decade ago. She dabbled in TV, advertising, sales and more recently corporate communications, before realizing that writing was her true calling once she settled in her homeland. When not travelling and being distracted by social media or her three loving children, she enjoys researching and writing about her country’s hidden treasures, its thriving arts scene and the Lebanese changemakers with awe-inspiring initiatives.

Outdoor Adventures in Batroun

Batroun by bike is a popular way to tour this friendly town, and you can enjoy the scenery by cycling the coastal route (Bike Route and Doctor Bike are centrally located bike rental facilities). If you want to hit the beach, you are spoilt for choice between natural pebbled and sandy shores. White Beach, Ô Glacée, Pierre and Friends and Orchid Beach Lounge are frequented by both locals and visitors. You can also enjoy scuba diving and explore for yourself what lies beneath Batroun’s enticing turquoise waters.

Where to Eat in Batroun

Wonderful fresh seafood along with Lebanese cuisine can be enjoyed in most restaurants. Le Marin, Jammal and Bistr’eau offer excellent seafood and unbeatable waterfront views. Chez Maguy is something altogether quite unique, run by Maguy herself, offering home-cooked means in a cosy setting. For an authentic taste of Batroun, head to Batrouniyat – a lovely restaurant set in a renovated traditional Lebanese house serving fresh local and organic cuisine. Pierre & Friends beach restaurant serves lunch and dinner and has a vibrant bar. For gastronomic bar food, with a pint of beer on the side, head to Colonel Brewery, where you can also schedule a tour of its in-house brewery.

Explore North Lebanon’s Hidden Gems

Head off-the-beaten-tracks and discover the real hidden gems of north Lebanon – the parts rarely mentioned in guide books: secret routes and barely-trodden paths that lead to Phoenician citadels, majestic waterfalls, and other unforgettable sites await you in this an intimate, tailored experience. · Learn more and book online.

If you want to hit the beach, you are spoilt for choice between natural pebbled and sandy shores.

Tour Local Wineries

Go up to the hills of Batroun and follow La Route des Vins du Nord. The signs will lead you to some of the country’s finest vineyards. You may also want to experience a wine tasting tour at Sept Winery where you can learn about the winemaking process of this exceptional biodynamic vineyard followed by a scrumptious lunch made from fresh local ingredients. · Learn more and book online.

Beit Al Batroun Guesthouse

L’Hôte Libanais’s member Beit Al Batroun · Photo: Rasha Kahil

Art and Culture

Spend an afternoon at the Nabu Museum in nearby Ras El Chekka. Named after the Mesopotamian God of Wisdom, it is home to hundreds of regional artefacts and modern artworks. Located in Alita (close to Byblos), MACAM (Modern and Contemporary Art Museum) is another must-see museum that holds a unique selection of 400 sculptures and installations created by Lebanese artists.

Beyond Batroun: Guesthouses North of Beirut

As distances in Lebanon are relatively short, you can also stay in neighbouring areas while spending your day in Batroun. Beit Faris wa Lucia and Zita Fidar can host you in Byblos. Beit Douma is nestled in the quaint mountain village of Douma.

Alia Fawaz

Alia was raised in Japan and lived in five countries before returning to Lebanon a decade ago. She dabbled in TV, advertising, sales and more recently corporate communications, before realizing that writing was her true calling once she settled in her homeland. When not travelling and being distracted by social media or her three loving children, she enjoys researching and writing about her country’s hidden treasures, its thriving arts scene and the Lebanese changemakers with awe-inspiring initiatives.