Lebanon is a real jewel of the Middle East as it provides the traveler with a rare blend of snow-covered mountains, old history, and Mediterranean atmosphere. In wintertime, the nation turns into a fairytale, as you can go to ski in the morning and eat by the seaside in the evening. This small but diverse country is an ideal destination to travelers who seek to have a memorable combination of adventure, culture and relaxation. Be it a thriller-seeker, trying to hunt down the slopes, or a history-loving tourist, who wants to explore the eternal ruins of Lebanon, winter is one of the most enchanted seasons to spend.
We will reveal in this guide the top destinations to explore in Lebanon during winter whether it is on the best ski resorts around the world or on peaceful mountain villages and the historical places that define the country. Go Kite Travel can assist you in organizing the perfect winter getaway and break, that is both comfortable and convenient as well as packed with an authentic Lebanese experience. Go Kite Travel promises you winter holidays in Lebanon that are nothing short of extraordinary, whether it is booking of cozy mountain lodges or having scenic tours around the country.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Lebanon this winter For Snow and Winter Sports
1. Mzaar Ski Resort (Faraya/Kfardebian)
Mzaar in Faraya/ Kfardebian is also one of the most preferable destinations in Lebanon during winter. It is the biggest and most developed ski resort in the country where almost 80 kilometer of slopes can be used by both beginners and advanced skiers. The resort is densely full of high-quality facilities, comfortable chalets, as well as an active après-ski atmosphere, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Mzaar is all about the right blend of fun and rest regardless of whether you are on the mountain crossing the slopes or sitting before the fire enjoying a cup of hot chocolate. Go Kite travel will assist you in reserving the best ski package, including easy transportation and accommodation to spend all your time in enjoying your Lebanon winter destination.
2. Laqlouq
Laqlouq is also a very appealing option as it will be a more family-friendly and quieter skiing experience. This resort is a great place as it has got nice slopes, and one can enjoy frozen ponds, which offer a serene holiday with beautiful natural scenery. It is perfect in families with kids or in people who need a more casual winter getaway. Laqlouq is a secret throughout the colder months, especially due to the village feel, and Lebanese hospitality. Go Kite Travel will be able to plan a tailor-made vacation which will involve skiing, snowshoeing and even local dining to finish your winter vacation.
3. Zaarour
Zaarour is just an hour out of Beirut, and it is an ideal place to spend winter time in and enjoy winter sports without the need to drive too far. It is among the most viable destinations to see in Lebanon during winter when the mountain views are magnificent and modern ski resorts are available. Zaarour has slopes at every level, which have skiing, snowboarding, and even snowmobile riding. It is also a short weekend trip destination to Lebanon winter and it is also close to the capital. Go Kite Travel can be trusted to make your visit hassle and memory free by taking care of transport and equipment rents.
4. Tannourine
Tannourine is also famous due to its grand valleys and frozen falls which are the dream place of hikers and photographers. In winter, the place turns into a crystal heaven with snow-white trees and shining ice-crystals. The visitors will have an opportunity to snowshoe in the Tannourine Cedar Reserve or they will be able to admire the beauty of nature. It is not as developed as the other destination, but rather has a more authentic attachment to the winter wilderness of Lebanon.
5. Arz Chouf (Barouk Cedars)
Located in the Chouf Mountains, the Barouk Cedars or Arz Chouf is a peaceful snow-topped mountain that appears as though in the fairy tale. It is a portion of the biggest cedar reserve in Lebanon, which makes it the best place to be during peaceful hikes and walks in the nature during winter. The new mountain air, ancient monasteries and the view make the region a peaceful retreat against the city. Go Kite Travel is ready to organize guided tours and eco-lodges so that eco-tourism enthusiasts can enjoy their stay in this winter paradise in a sustainable and convenient environment.
For History and Culture
1. Baalbek
When visiting Lebanon, one cannot have complete experience without visiting Baalbek which is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the Middle East. Its huge Roman temples can be visited in winter without the crowds that come to visit it in summer. The Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter with snow-covered ruins create surreal and spectacular experience. In winter, Baalbek is easy to work with and great as a destination among history lovers in Lebanon as it incorporates culture, architecture, and mystery.
2. Jeita Grotto
One of the most popular natural phenomena in Lebanon is Jeita Grotto. It is composed of two interconnected limestone caves and boasts of beautiful stalactites and stalagmites that are even more bewitching at the time of the winter when the visitor numbers are minimal. The special structures and passage beneath the earth in the cave render the cave an unforgettable sight. It is also one of the places where one must have during their winter holidays in Lebanon, and Go Kite Travel can make arrangements to have day trips where everything is arranged and includes the transportation and the entry ticket.
3. Byblos
One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world Byblos is still active during the winter. Walking along its paved streets, you will find old ruins, nice cafes, and a beautiful harbor. It is also good to explore the country during the colder months when the weather is mild and coastal. Byblos is a lovely blend of modernity and history as one travels to the Crusader Castle and also gets to indulge in other local delicacies.
4. National Museum of Beirut
The National Museum of Beirut is the location to be seen by those who like indoor attractions. It displays the history of Lebanon, its prehistoric relics, its Phoenician treasures and Roman mosaics. The museum is very educative and it is also well curated and thus a good visit during a cold winter day.
5. Chouf
Chouf is an amazing combination of nature beauty and historical values. Its mountain villages are snowed in during winter and form postcard pictures. There are also traditional towns such as Deir el Qamar that can be explored by the visitors and the magnificent palace of Beiteddine. It is an ideal area that embodies the Lebanese culture and is among the best areas to explore in Lebanon during the winter season by tourists who want genuineness and beauty.
Other Winter Attractions
Beirut
Beirut is lively even during the winter season. Stroll around the Corniche, browse in the crowded souks or listen to the wave lapping cafe Zaitunay Bay. The food culture in the city is also particularly pleasant in the colder months, with all types of food such as street food to fine dining.
Akoura Lakes
In winter, the Akoura Lakes usually freeze forming a spectacular view, which attracts photographers and nature lovers. It has snow-topped mountains near it making it a perfect place to have a scenic day trip.
Lebanon Waterfalls Tour
The waterfalls in Lebanon like the one in Yahchouch changes in winter where there are formations of ice cascading and the flow of water is more. A Go Kite Travel guided tour through these places would assist you to view the beauty of the country in another angle during winter.
Conclusion
The winter of Lebanon is indeed magical and has a wide variety of activities – snowboarding in the mountains, a historical tour in ancient towns. When you are skiing in Faraya, roaming in the old ruins of Baalbek, or you appreciate the icy sceneries of Tannourine, each will present you with a different aspect of the beauty of the country. Lebanon with its small size and its unbelievable variety is one of the few locations where one can experience snow, history, and sea on a single day.
Go Kite Travel offers to take care of all the details in your trip to make the most of your trip. Having professionally designed packages, local knowledge and personalized services, you will have an easy time, have fun and a memorable winter in Lebanon. You feel the magic of the country without the hustle of having to book hotels or getting to know in advance where to go in Lebanon during winter since Go Kite Travel takes care of all these. That is why take your winter outfits and be prepared to explore the best winter spots to be in Lebanon, which will surely leave memorable moments and stunning scenery.
