Lebanon
Lebanon compresses cedar forests, Mediterranean coastline, and snow-capped mountain ranges into an area smaller than Connecticut, sustaining a culture where Arabic coffee, French pastries, and ancient Phoenician heritage coexist in the daily rhythm of its roughly 5.5 million people.
Overview
Lebanon occupies the eastern shore of the Mediterranean, bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south. Its capital, Beirut, serves as the country's cultural and commercial hub. Arabic is the official language, with French and English widely spoken. The Lebanese pound is the official currency, though the US dollar circulates heavily. Lebanon's identity blends Levantine, Mediterranean, and Arab influences across eighteen officially recognised religious communities.
Visa Requirements
Many nationalities receive a visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, typically without a fee, though conditions vary by passport. Some nationalities require a visa obtained in advance through a Lebanese embassy. Travellers should consult the Directorate General of General Security, Lebanon's official authority for entry requirements, before travel, as conditions can change on short notice.
Airports in Lebanon
1 airportAirlines based in Lebanon
2 airlines
Famous Attractions in Lebanon
Jeita Grotto, north of Beirut, is a system of interconnected limestone caves stretching over nine kilometres, navigable partly by boat. The Roman temple complex at Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley includes some of the largest Roman columns ever erected. The old city of Byblos is one of the continuously inhabited settlements with the longest recorded history in the world. The Corniche seafront promenade in Beirut runs along the Mediterranean and frames the city's layered skyline. Qadisha Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shelters ancient monasteries carved into steep canyon walls alongside Lebanon's last significant stands of old cedar trees.
Weather & Climate
Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate along the coast, with hot, dry summers reaching 30–35 °C and mild, wet winters averaging 10–15 °C in Beirut. Mountain regions receive significant snowfall between December and March, making skiing viable. The Bekaa Valley runs hotter in summer and colder in winter than the coast. Spring and autumn — roughly April–May and September–October — offer the most temperate conditions and are generally the most comfortable times to visit.
Interesting Facts About Lebanon
- Byblos gave the Greek word for book its root.
- Lebanon has 18 officially recognised religious communities.
- The cedars of Lebanon appear on the national flag.
- Beirut has been rebuilt and resettled at least seven times.
- Lebanon produces wine commercially dating back 6,000 years.
Official Resources
- destinationlebanon.gov.lb — official national tourism portal
- general-security.gov.lb — Directorate General of General Security, visa and entry information
- lgic.gov.lb — Lebanese government information centre
- meteo.gov.lb — Lebanon's official meteorological service