Beaches in Lebanon | Travel guide

Sadly, much of this spectacular coastline is now marred by concrete buildings and public beaches are few and far between. In spite of this, the country’s coastline remains dramatically different. Whether your idea of paradise is a day spent relaxing in a hammock in a garden, with a waiter to bring you drinks beside the pool, playing volleyball on a stretch of warm sand, or donning a snorkel and water shoes to photograph Mediterranean fish and discover hidden caves, there really is something for everyone.

The picturesque city of Tyre in the south of Lebanon has the country’s most beautiful public beach, a long sweep of golden sand that slopes gently into the warm water. A line of wooden beach shacks provides shade, sustenance and showers in the summer and makes a great base for a day of sun and swimming. Particularly popular is Cloud 59, the hut that lies furthest from the old city of Tyre. The friendly staff keep the energy up all day with an eclectic playlist of classic rock and ambient tunes and rent out kayaks and paddle boards by the hour.

Elizabeth Harris

Elizabeth was born and raised in the United Kingdom and grew up with a love of books and of writing. Over the past five years, she has lived a nomadic life, travelling extensively in the Middle East and South East Asia and along the way recording her thoughts and observations on art, food, music, history and heritage. She is passionate about sharing the stories of the inspiring individuals who have crossed her path and hopes one day to join their ranks with an inspirational story of her own.

Closer to Beirut is the small village of Jiyyeh, where you’ll find a string of private beach resorts. The standout is Lazy B, a lush, landscaped garden set across multiple terraces with a relaxed bohemian vibe and gorgeous Indian-inspired furnishings. Guests can choose to relax in hammocks, snooze on loungers, swim in the sea or cool off in the resort’s swimming pools. L’Hote Libanais is happy to announce a partnership with Lazy B this summer, which allows us to offer our guests special rates for a day of relaxation and pampering.

Where to stay in Beirut?

Heading north, the beautiful seaside town of Byblos boasts a secluded cove with a string of sandy beaches. After a visit to the city’s spectacular ancient ruins, choose to rent a deckchair for a few dollars or lounge in state on one of the comfortable recliners belonging to the more exclusive resorts. There’s nothing like watching the sunset with a cocktail or a fresh mint lemonade in hand before heading into town to enjoy the city’s famous nightlife.

Batroun is home to some of Lebanon’s most dramatic and picturesque stretches of coastline. Jutting rocks hide secret caves and secluded pools and the water is deep and crystal clear, making it a perfect place to snorkel, dive and spend whole days exploring. A stretch of beaches runs along from Batroun towards Beirut, including relaxed reggae bar Pierre and Friends and the popular Jammal beach, where tables slope down into the water, allowing you to keep your feet cool as you eat fresh fish and mezze, before swimming out to explore the caves.

Where to stay in the Batroun area? Beit Al BatrounAbdelli Terraces and Beit Douma.

Finally, in the far north of Lebanon, Tripoli is home to a succession of small islands, accessible by boat from the port. Nothing beats taking a picnic out to Rabbit Island. Enjoy the wind in your hair on the boat ride out and the whet your appetite with a ramble around the tiny island before settling down to swim, eat and drink in the sunshine.

Where to stay in Tripoli? Beit El Nessim.

Elizabeth Harris

Elizabeth was born and raised in the United Kingdom and grew up with a love of books and of writing. Over the past five years, she has lived a nomadic life, travelling extensively in the Middle East and South East Asia and along the way recording her thoughts and observations on art, food, music, history and heritage. She is passionate about sharing the stories of the inspiring individuals who have crossed her path and hopes one day to join their ranks with an inspirational story of her own.