BEIRUT
Beirut is a thriving, cosmopolitan capital with a vibrant nightlife, stylish shops, gourmet restaurants and internationally renowned museums. It has a population of just under two million inhabitants, half of Lebanon’s population, and is the centre of the country’s social, economic, political, cultural, trade and industrial activities. According to Visit Capital City, Beirut has a mix of vibrant, hip and young neighbourhoods such as Achrafiye or Gemmayzeh, mixed with bitter memories of a dark past with bullet-ridden houses near the Green Line, plus amazing mosques and colonial relics downtown. They say “For some, the city represents freedom, for others salvation and for others still, it is a city of joy or sorrow.” Here are some neighbourhoods to consider:
Achrafieh
One of Beirut’s oldest and most charming neighbourhoods, Achrafieh is located on the waterfront and has lovely narrow winding streets, coffee shops, art galleries and prestigious large apartment and office buildings.
BUY 2 bedrooms, 2 bath, 2 balconies and parking space US$650,000 (Nov 2016) (Ray White)
RENT 1 Bedroom, 1 bath brand new furnished apartment US$11,000 a year (Nov 2016) (Sakan)
Saifi Village
In the heart of downtown Beirut, upmarket Saifi Village is full of shops, restaurants and galleries plus newly constructed luxury homes. It can be a little quiet at times but it is in its growth phase. Prices tend to be high but good space for the money.
BUY 3 bedrooms, 3 bath, 2 balconies and 2 parking spaces US$1,204,000 (Nov 2016) Sakan)
RENT 2 Bedrooms, 1 bath and parking space US$36,000 a year (Nov 2016) (Ramco)
Ain El-Mreisseh
With the sea views and the coastline at your fingertips, it’s hard to believe you are only minutes from downtown Beirut. With its excellent cafes and restaurants, Ain El-Mreisseh is definitely worth considering.
BUY 3 bedrooms, 3 bath, sea views and 3 parking spaces US$2,295,000 (Nov 2016) (Ramco)
RENT 3 Bedrooms, 3 bath and sea views US$31,920 a year (Nov 2016) (Premium 7)
Hamra
In the heart of downtown Beirut, Hamra has old buildings mixed with new towers with plenty of shopping and nightlife.
BUY 3 bedrooms, 4 bath, balcony and 2 parking spaces US$1,450,000 (Nov 2016) Sakan)
RENT 2 Bedrooms, 1 bath, furnished and parking space US$26,400 a year (Nov 2016) (Ramco)
Jounieh
A tourist area not far from the sea, Jounieh is around 13 kilometers to the north of the city and has been transformed by rapid urban development.
BUY 3 bedrooms, 4 bath, 2 balconies and views US$320,000 (Nov 2016) (Ahlein)
RENT 3 Bedrooms, 3 bath, furnished and parking space US$9,000 a year (Nov 2016) (Sodeco)
CITIES OUTSIDE BEIRUT
Tripoli
Not to be confused with Libya’s capital, Tripoli is Lebanon’s second largest city and a major port and has strong Islamic influences. Dominated by the Citadel, a ruin dating from the era of the Crusaders, Tripoli is very different to Beirut. The district of El Mina has modern apartment buildings, shops, and restaurants.
BUY 3 bedrooms, 4 bath, 4 balconies with sea views US$310,000 (Nov 2016) (Re/Max)
RENT 5 Bedrooms, 3 bath, 3 balconies US$15,000 a year (Nov 2016) (bey3)
Baalbek
This is a major tourist destination with its fertile valley, wineries, and ruins of ancient Roman temples.
BUY 3 bedrooms, 4 bath, 4 balconies with sea views US$310,000 (Nov 2016) (Re/Max)
Byblos (Jbail)
Byblos, located halfway between Beirut and Tripoli, is one of the oldest inhabited seaports in the world. Here you can see archaeological remains of the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, the Ottomans and other civilizations merely walking around this ancient port on the Mediterranean.
BUY 3 bedrooms with panoramic mountain and sea views US$400,000 (Nov 2016) (Ahlein)
RENT 3 Bedrooms, balcony with sea views US$6,000 a year (Nov 2016) (Ahlein)
Beach areas in Lebanon
The best beaches in Lebanon are in the Batroun area in the North and the Tyr/Naqoura area in the South.
Batroun
The coastal city of Batroun is located 50 km north of the capital Beirut, and 29 km south of Tripoli.
Accrording to the Batroun Municipalty, http://batroun.gov.lb it has a population of around 20,000. Situated between the Mediterranean shore and the eastern mountains, many investors have established beach resorts, restaurants and hotels, along the beach and on top of the neighbouring hills.
Tyr
With a population of 117,100. (2003 est.), Tyr has the Tyre Coast Nature Reserve, the largest sandy beach in Lebanon. Its public beach can be found in the tourism zone, which in July and August offers beach cabins with tables, seats, food and drinks. As well there is the luxurious Rest House Hotel and Resort which offers beachside accommodation, a pool and amenities.
Naqoura
18 km from Tyr, the town of Naqoura sits on a cliff overlooking the sea. With a rugged coastline and crystal-clear beaches, the town has a population of around 3800 people. Located there is the Tyros Resort with stunning beach and mountain views, it is the only resort in the area.
Ski Resorts in Lebanon
There are 6 popular ski resorts in Lebanon:
The Cedars Ski Resort is the oldest and most famous, located in the northern mountains of Lebanon. According to Ski Resort Info it has 9km of slopes and 7 chair lifts for skiing and snowboarding.
The Faqra Club is an exclusive community with private ski slopes, horse-riding, a swimming pool, tennis courts, lush nature, basketball courts, 24 hour security and superior amenities. Easily accessible from the city, Faqra Club offers a luxury lifestyle.
Laqlouq, located 1 ½ hours from Beirut, suits families with excellent cross-country and alpine skiing, and a ski school.
Mzaar is near the village of Faraya with 80 km of runs well suited from beginners to those who desire challenging slopes.
Qanat Bakish, near Farqa (1 ½ hours from Beirut) is a small resort suited to families with small children.
Zaarour Club
Is a gated community with hotels, pools, restaurants and playgrounds and has an exceptional quality of snow. It is located on the eastern side of Mount Sannine in Metn.
Plus a multi-million dollar resort is being built at Sannine Zenith which will include skiing for beginners through to advanced with elevations ranging from 2000 to 2500 meters of altitude. A picturesque area, it will include areas for snowboarding as well as snow-making machines to extend the season.
Article sources:
See also:
How to rent property in Lebanon
Lebanon ski villas, 'Clouds' in the exclusive Faqra Club by Nabil Gholam Architects