Image by Gaspard Delaruelle from Pixabay
Lebanon may be small on the map, but it’s enormous in diversity. Within just a few hours, you can drive from turquoise beaches along the Mediterranean coast to snow-capped peaks and cedar forests in the mountains. This contrast — between sea, valley, and summit — makes Lebanon one of the most rewarding countries in the Middle East for a road trip.
From coast to mountains, this trip will pass through an amazing, culturally rich route to the nation’s ancient cities, vineyards, cedar woods, and mountain villages. Five or seven days, it is the ideal trip to sample the natural beauty and Lebanese hospitality.
Why Go on a Lebanon Road Trip?
Scenery changes abruptly within the distance of a matter of dozens of kilometers. You drink your coffee by the Mediterranean at Batroun, and then head up to Bcharre, taking great gulps of clean mountain air.
A road trip allows you to experience this vertical diversity up close. You’ll through:
- Beirut, Byblos, and Batroun are among.
- Historical interiors such as the Bekaa Valley and Baalbek.
- Grand mountains such as Cedars of God and Mount Sannine.
In between, you’ll meet warm locals, delicious cuisine, and a living heritage of Phoenician, Roman, Ottoman, and French cultures.
Suggested Itinerary (5–7 Days)
Lebanon’s compact size means you can cover a lot without rushing. Here’s an ideal week-long loop:
| Day | Route | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beirut → Byblos | Explore Beirut, drive along the coast, enjoy the sunset. |
| 2 | Byblos → Batroun → Bekaa Valley | Ancient ports, beaches, mountain views, vineyards. |
| 3 | Bekaa Valley → Baalbek | Roman temples, local wine tasting, countryside charm. |
| 4 | Bekaa → Chouf Cedars | Forests, mountain roads, monasteries. |
| 5 | Chouf → Bcharre → Cedars of God | High-altitude hiking, village life. |
| 6–7 | Descent → Jounieh → Beirut | Cable car to Harissa, final seaside dinner. |
Day 1: Arrival at Beirut and Coastal Escapade
Start your journey in the capital, the lively and resilient Beirut. Walk through the Corniche, with the water dancing next to the palm trees. Visit the National Museum, eat in Gemmayze or Mar Mikhael, and try the city’s famous nightlife.
Photo by ali hamada on Unsplash
If it is preferable to avoid city traffic, hire your car and go north right away. The coastal road to Byblos is scenic with nice views of the sea and small fishing ports here and there.
Top tips:
- Do not drive through Beirut rush hour.
- Follow the GPS or Google Maps — signs are French and Arabic.
- Rest for fresh juice or Lebanese coffee overlooking the Mediterranean.
Day 2: Batroun, Byblos, and Inland to the Valley
Spend the day exploring the oldest continually inhabited city in the world, Byblos (Jbeil). Walk through the cobblestone souks, visit the Crusader castle, and lunch overlooking the historic harbor where the ships of the Phoenicians once docked.
Photo by Christelle Hayek on Unsplash
A 30-minute northward journey will bring you to Batroun, a stunning beach town that is well-known for the old souk, the lemonade, and the chill atmosphere. You can swim here, or try a beach club, or head to Our Lady of the Sea chapel.
In the afternoon, begin your overland journey to the Bekaa Valley, the fertile heart of Lebanon that lies between the Mount Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon ranges. You will notice the landscape change — from sea-breezy salty air to hill-studded vineyards.
Recommended overnight: Bekaa Valley cities Zahle or Chtaura (cities with great cuisine and hotels).
Day 3: The Bekaa Valley — Vineyards and Ancient Grandeur
Bekaa Valley is the wine capital and the breadbasket of Lebanon. Begin your day with a visit to the vineyards — Château Ksara, Château Kefraya, or Massaya are among the finest known. Some offer tours to ancient caves from the Romans and tastings under sun-kissed terraces.
Photo by Susie Burleson on Unsplash
Drove to Baalbek, where some of the finest Roman ruins in the globe are found. The Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter overshadow many we found in Europe. The sheer size and quality of the stonework is awe-inspiring.
Indulge in an evening dinner of mezze, barbecue meats, and Lebanese red wine. Nights around the Bekaa are peaceful, with clear, sparkling stars at night.
Don’t miss:
- Temple of Bacchus bathed in golden sunset.
- Home-brewed wines marketed by farmers.
- A day trip to the famous Umayyad-era archaeological site, Anjar.
Day 4: Into the Mountains – The Forests of Cedar and the Villages
Next, the route climbs. Go north or west from the Bekaa Valley to the Mount Lebanon range. The scenery is dramatic — winding roads, hilly terrain, and patchy snowcaps even in the spring.
If heading south, visit the Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, the largest in Lebanon. Ancient cedars tower above trekking routes, and the air is redolent with the scent of pine and wild herbs. Visit Beiteddine Palace, 19th-century beauty with elegant courtyards and mountainside views.
Or head north to Bcharre — the portal to the Cedars of God. The UNESCO World Heritage site contains some of the oldest and holiest cedar trees that exist. The spot, deep up above the Qadisha Valley, is sacred.
Latenight inspiration
- Deir al-Qamar (en route to the Shouf mountains):.
- Bcharre (for northern route): comfortable lodges with views over mountains.
Day 5: Peaks, Hikes, and Local Life
Being this high up the Lebanese highlands, unwind and relax with nature.
- Hiking and Nature
Hike the Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) — 470 km trail that runs through the full length of the nation. Even a fraction of the trail around Ehden or Tannourine has stunning scenery, waterfalls, and cliff-carved monasteries.
- Mount Sannine
If you’re an altitude junkie, go up to Mount Sannine, the second-most-prominent peak in Lebanon at 2,628m. It is a snow paradise come winter; it is perfect for fresh air and unrivalled views of the sea come summer.
- Local Food and Culture
Mountain cuisine is hearty: stone-baked manakish, labneh drenched in olive oil, and anise-flavored arak served beside the fire. The locals are very warm — it is not unknown to be invited inside for a cup of coffee. Spend the afternoon/evening at a mountain village lodge with cool air, watching the sun go down behind the surrounding valleys.
Day 6–7: Descent and Coastal Farewell
It is time to descend after visiting the Lebanese mountain heart. Drive through the scenic road to the coast town of Jounieh, north of Beirut. Ride the Teleferique cable car to Our Lady of Lebanon (Harissa) for stunning views over the bay.
Enjoy your final night at the coast — possibly last dinner at a beach tavern serving grilled fish, mezze, and Lebanese wines, and looking back at your journey from coast to peak.
If you have an extra day, visit Jeita Grotto, a magnificent system of underground limestone caves that consistently ranks among Lebanon’s top attractions.
Practical Travel Tips
Driving Tips
- Roads are good overall, but winding mountain roads are narrow. Drive during the day for safety and scenery.
- Petrol is readily available, but outside the mountains, fill up for longer journeys.
- GPS is critical — cell coverage is spotty down valleys.
- Make sure your auto rental insurance includes cross-district areas and hilly regions.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (Apr–May) Temperate mountains, flowering valleys, perfect weather for road tripping.
- Autumn (September–October): The harvesting period, golden color, fewer crowds.
- Summer: Great for beaches, but hot inland. Mountain stays are refreshing.
- Winter: Best time to ski at The Cedars or at Mzaar Kfardebian, but some roads are closed.
Safety
Lebanon is an open country. But:
- Do not travel at night without companions.
- Bring cash — not all the wee hotels or cafés are taking cards.
- Listen to the local news for traffic closure or political news.
- Respect the checkpoints — they’re frequent but standard.
Language and Communication
Arabic is the official, but everyone speaks French and English, particularly around the areas for tourists. Signs are also both in the Latin alphabet and Arabic.
What to Bring
- Lightweight dress + warm jacket (for altitude changes).
- Hiking shoes or sneakers.
- Power adapter and portable charger.
- Sunsceen and sunglasses.
- Reusable water bottle — The Lebanese mountain springs are fresh and crisp.
- Camera — scenery is stunning around every corner!
Cultural and Gastronomic Highlights
Not a Lebanese road trip without the taste of street eats. The regions all bring something to the mix:
- Beirut: Fusion, rooftop bars, seafood.
- Byblos & Batroun: Lemonade, octopus, fresh fish.
- Bekaa Valley: Wine, kebabs, and farm-to-table mezze.
- Mountains: Saj bread, cheese, and arak.
Look for neighborhood bakeries and street vendors — the simplest spots are often the best.
Culturally, there are Christian monasteries, mosques, and Phoenician to Ottoman ruins all living peacefully side by side. Dress always modestly when visiting places of religion, and offer warm greetings to locals; hospitality is an integral part of Lebanese society.
Scenic Stops & Photography
- Byblos Harbor: Ancient ships and colors at sunset.
- Baalbek Temples: Glowing gold columns at late afternoon.
- Chouf Cedars: Mist through ancient trees.
- Qadisha Valley: Monasteries carved into cliffs.
- Harissa: Panoramic view from above over the coast.
Sample Budget (per person, mid-range 7-day trip)
| Item | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Car rental | $250–$350 |
| Gas | $80–$120 |
| Accommodation | $60–$120 per night |
| Food & Drinks | $30–$50 per day |
| Entry Fees & Tours | $40–$60 total |
| Total (approx.) | $800–$1,100 |
You can spend less by staying in guesthouses or more by opting for boutique hotels and winery experiences.
Final Thoughts
Lebanon coast to mountains road trip is an odyssey through time and landscape. You’ll sense the pulse of the nation — the strength, warm hospitality, and natural beauty — with each interaction. From wine tasting at the Bekaa to crisp air scented with cedar at the highlands, this journey is the best of Lebanon.
At once compact and full of contrasts, Lebanon pays handsome dividends to travelers with the freedom to discover the roads less traveled. So bring your tank to the pump, plug in your playlist, and follow lebanonvisit.com along your next unforgettable journey through this great land — from the coast to the mountains.
