Byblos & North Coast
Ancient harbors, fossil hunts, and fresh lemonade 🍋🏰
The North Coast of Lebanon, anchored by the legendary city of Byblos (Jbeil), is widely considered one of the most family-friendly destinations in the country. Byblos claims to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and its compact, pedestrian-friendly historic core makes it easy for parents with children to explore. The centrepiece is the Byblos Citadel, a crusader castle that offers ramparts to climb and towers with sweeping views of the Mediterranean. Unlike many ancient sites, it is contained enough that kids won't get too tired, yet complex enough to spark their imagination.
Within the old souks of Byblos, families will find the Memory of Time fossil museum. This is a major hit with children, showcasing fish, shrimp, and shark fossils discovered in the nearby mountains. It offers a tangible connection to natural history that complements the archaeological sites. Afterwards, a walk down to the ancient harbour provides a relaxing break, where small fishing boats bob in the water and seaside restaurants serve fresh calamari and chips.
Further north lies Batroun, a charming coastal town famous for its refreshing lemonade—a treat kids will demand more than once. Batroun's old town is well-preserved, and the Phoenician Wall, a natural sea wall reinforced by ancient hands, protects small coves that are ideal for swimming. The water here is generally cleaner than in the capital, and several beach clubs cater specifically to families with pools and shallow entry points.
This region combines education with leisure effortlessly. You can spend the morning learning about the Phoenician alphabet—which originated here—and the afternoon building sandcastles or swimming in the sea. The coastal highway makes access relatively straightforward, and the atmosphere is generally more relaxed and tourist-oriented than other parts of the country. Whether it's exploring the cobblestone streets, buying handmade souvenirs, or simply watching the sunset from a seaside terrace, Byblos and the North Coast offer a classic Mediterranean holiday experience.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Byblos is a world-class UNESCO site offering 7,000 years of continuous history with authentic souks and a medieval harbor. Peak months offer mild temperatures perfect for exploring ruins; summer (Jul-Aug) is humid and hot, while winter (Nov-Feb) sees heavy rainfall exceeding 150mm.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Offers profound learning opportunities from Phoenician history to world-class fossil museums that captivate sophisticated families. Weather in spring and autumn is ideal for guided archaeological tours; heavy winter rains can limit access to outdoor excavation sites.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
The Byblos International Festival is a premier global event held in a unique historic setting by the sea. The festival runs during the peak summer months; the rest of the year lacks major international-scale cultural celebrations.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Offers unique coastal adventures like sea-cave exploring in Batroun and hiking the nearby Adonis Valley. Spring and early autumn offer the best trail conditions, while peak summer heat (July-August) can make hiking uncomfortable and winter rains make trails muddy or inaccessible.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
While Batroun and Byblos coastline are pleasant, they are not internationally renowned beach destinations. No beach attraction evidence in the DB. Mediterranean beaches here don't compare to Greek islands, Croatian coast, or Turkey's Turquoise Coast. 'Good' reflects nice but not standout beaches.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Upscale boutique hotels and seaside retreats offer a tranquil atmosphere influenced by Mediterranean slow-living. Peak summer is best for outdoor yoga and coastal relaxation; winter's high humidity and rainfall are less conducive to wellness-focused outdoor activities.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The scenic coastal road offers dramatic Mediterranean vistas and access to charming seaside villages like Batroun. Spring and autumn provide the best visibility and comfortable driving conditions, whereas winter storms bring heavy rain and reduced safety on the roads.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Batroun is a regional hub for windsurfing and kitesurfing with established schools and high-quality equipment. Consistent thermal winds in summer provide peak conditions; winter is unsuitable due to unpredictable storms and cold water.
