12 Reasons Why We Love Lebanon
From mountain views to mezze, chaos to coffee — here’s why this country has our heart.
Lebanon is a beautiful paradox — raw and refined, chaotic and peaceful, ancient and youthful. It’s a place where the mountains meet the sea, where old churches and mosques share the same skyline, and where the food will haunt your cravings forever.
Whether you’re strolling the streets of Beirut or escaping into a remote mountain village, there’s something magnetic about this little Mediterranean gem. Here are 12 reasons why we’re completely obsessed — and why your next travel plans should definitely include Lebanon.
1. The Nature
Lebanon might be small, but it packs in an extraordinary range of natural beauty.
From turquoise beaches in Batroun to the snow-covered peaks of the Cedars, lush valleys in Chouf, rivers, waterfalls, pine forests, and hiking trails that belong in postcards — this country’s landscapes constantly surprise you. Every season has something to offer, and outdoor lovers will find endless adventures.
📍Think: Baatara Gorge, Qadisha Valley, Shouf Biosphere Reserve.
2. The Rich History
Lebanon’s history is not just long — it’s layered.
Phoenician ports, Roman temples, Crusader castles, Ottoman architecture — it’s a timeline that goes back thousands of years. Cities like Byblos, Tyre, and Baalbek are living museums. You can walk through ruins older than Rome and sip a latte just steps away. It’s like time travel, but with better food.
📍Don’t miss: Baalbek, Anjar, Byblos Old Souk.
3. The Food
Let’s just say — come hungry.
Lebanese cuisine is generous, fresh, colorful, and made for sharing. Mezze spreads filled with hummus, fattoush, kibbeh, grilled meats, and tabbouleh are only the beginning. From family-owned bakeries to fine-dining spots in Beirut, the food culture here is a love language.
🍴Must-tries: Manousheh, moutabbal, warak enab, and of course — a mountain BBQ with arak.
4. The Religious Diversity
Few places in the world blend religions like Lebanon does.
It’s a country of coexistence, with over 18 recognized sects, and you’ll find churches next to mosques in many towns. Religious holidays of all faiths are celebrated together. It’s not always perfect — but it’s real, and it’s uniquely Lebanese.
📍Notable: Harissa (Christian site), Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, Our Lady of Lebanon, and countless village shrines.
5. The Chaos
Yes, the traffic is wild, the power might go out, and things don’t always go as planned — but that’s the charm.
There’s a rhythm in the chaos that somehow just works. People find joy in the mess. The honking horns, the quick espresso stops, the late-night conversations in overcrowded streets — this is the heartbeat of Lebanon.
✨Tip: Go with the flow, always.
6. Beirut City
Beirut is not just a city — it’s a feeling.
It’s raw and real, vibrant and unpredictable. A melting pot of cultures, creativity, and contradictions. Here you’ll find rooftop bars next to war-scarred buildings, underground art galleries, wild nightlife, and some of the region’s most exciting food.
📍Explore: Mar Mikhael, Gemmayze, Hamra, Badaro — each with its own personality.
7. The Mountains
Lebanon’s mountains are pure magic.
Only a short drive from the coast, they offer everything from skiing to apple picking, hiking to scenic picnics. Villages like Ehden, Bcharre, and Deir el Qamar offer cool escapes and stunning views. Whether summer or winter, mountain life is soulful.
⛰ Bonus: You can ski in the morning and swim in the sea by sunset.
8. The Coffee Culture
Coffee in Lebanon is sacred.
It’s more than a drink — it’s a ritual, an invitation, a conversation. Traditional Lebanese coffee is brewed strong and served in tiny cups, often flavored with cardamom. But the country is also full of specialty coffee spots that take their brews seriously.
☕️ Must-visits: Kalei, Sip, Orso, and any neighborhood street vendor.
9. The Views
Wherever you go in Lebanon, there’s a view that stops you.
Mountains that kiss the clouds, sunsets that melt into the sea, cityscapes that blend old and new. Whether you’re at a cliffside café or driving through a coastal road, the scenery always delivers.
📸 Don’t forget your camera: Saydet el Nourieh (Batroun), Laklouk mountains, Corniche Beirut.
10. The Streets & Architecture
Lebanon’s streets tell stories.
French Mandate buildings with wrought iron balconies, colorful staircases, Roman columns, and worn-down walls covered in street art — every corner is a blend of beauty and history. Wandering through the old streets of Beirut, Tripoli or Saida feels like walking through a living gallery.
📍Wander through: Gemmayzeh stairs, Saida’s old souk, Jbeil, Batroun or Beit Meri.
11. The Sweets
One word: Knefeh.
Lebanon’s dessert game is strong — from syrup-soaked baklava to sesame-studded barazek, pistachio rolls, rose-flavored rice puddings, and local chocolate shops that compete with Paris. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, prepare for happiness.
🍬 Sweet spots: Al Baba Sweets, Hallab, Sea Sweet or plenty more sweets shops and patiseries.
12. The Proud People
Despite everything Lebanon has gone through, its people remain its greatest treasure.
Resilient, proud, hospitable, funny, poetic, and endlessly creative — the Lebanese know how to live fully, love deeply, and never give up. The spirit here is contagious.
💛 It’s impossible not to be inspired by them.
Our Conclusion
Lebanon is a country that makes you feel something — deeply.
It’s not just about the food or the views (although those are amazing), it’s about the energy. The stories. The contradictions. The magic that lingers long after you leave.
From its resilient people to its chaotic beauty, its timeless villages to its buzzing capital — Lebanon is a place that stays with you. And once you fall in love with it, there’s really no going back.
✨So whether you’re Lebanese or just dreaming of your next adventure — this list is your sign to explore this unforgettable country.
