Exploring Lebanon (II): Byblos and Jeita Grotto

Besides Beirut, one of the most popular and charming destinations in Lebanon is Byblos, one hour away from the capital, heading to the North, also in the coast. This interesting place is one of the oldest human settlements continually inhabited in the whole World and it offers to the visitant an unrepeatable opportunity to dig into this melting pot of civilizations which forms the history, not only of this, but of many other Mediterranean countries.

It is quite easy to explore the main points in Byblos since everything is in the same area. Through the old souk you can arrive to the harbor promenade with the ruins of the Crusader Castle on the left. Around this old citadel, built in XIII century, there are diverse vestiges from other ages, such as remains of Greek and Persian temples, a Phoenician necropolis and a Roman amphitheater. Inside the same complex, we can find a particular abandoned house, known as “The White House”, belonging to Al Housami family and built in the XIX century.

Another attractive place is the souk. Here you can’t miss the chance if you want to buy some souvenirs from Lebanon. Then In Beirut it is more complicated to find them apart of the airport, where everything usually is more expensive. At the end of the cobbled streets you can find the old harbour, an awesome spot where you can enjoy an epic sunset.

Between Byblos and Beirut it is one of the most spectacular natural marvels that you can visit, the Jeita Grotto. It is possible to arrive getting a bus to Jounie, coming back to Beirut, and then a taxi to the entrance. There are two parts, one to be visited by boat and other by foot. Unfortunately, during winter the water cave is closed, so I could only see the “dry” one. The inside is very impressive, with hypnotic stalagmites and stalactites, and frightening vaults with phantasmagoric shapes. I can say that it is one of the best places in terms of nature that I’ve ever seen. Photos are not allowed inside the cave, something that I finally thanked, since I just focused on enjoying the scene.

Entrada a una de las cuevas

It is well worth staying in Byblos, at least a couple of days, although I could see everything in only one. The second one I decided to continue exploring the north of the country, stopping at Batroun and Tripoli, which I will talk about in the next chronicle.