A Short Summer Getaway: 48 hours in Byblos

Dana Mortada   |   01-06-2017

This coastal city is definitely a spot that should land on your weekend checklist. Byblos or known as Jbeil is located past the coastline and mountains, North of Beirut and is most famous for the Old Souks, the Phoenician castle in the center, and for being one of Lebanon’s mystique towns full of charm and history.  A trip to the ancient ruins, a walk through the old souk and a delicious meal by the port at sunset sounds like a perfect weekend away from the concrete jungle. Here is our 48 hour getaway guide when visiting the oldest inhabited city in Lebanon.

Enjoy a Seaside Retreat:

Eddésands

Stay at Eddésands Hotel & Wellness Resort, a stunning location open directly to the blue sea. Facilities include a spa and various restaurants offering international cuisines with a wide savoury fresh seafood selection. Enjoy the infinity large pools and access the beautiful sandy beach of the Mediterranean Sea all-year-round, we must say it is the perfect haven for relaxation during both seasons in winter and summer.

Delicious Food over a Beautiful Sunset:

Byblos Fishing Club

Known as the most popular Lebanese institution, Byblos Fishing Club was founded in 1962 by Pépé Abed, runs a fish restaurant specialised in seafood, also famous for its photograph-covered walls of international socialites, ambassadors, politicians and movie stars from the ‘60s and ‘70s. We recommend coming for a late lunch to enjoy the sunset view at the terrace overlooking the beautiful Jbeil port.

Take a Stroll Down Memory Lane:

The most important spot is to take a stroll in the old souk. Built during the Ottoman rule, the souk/market was developed to show their economic spirit, and was made up of mini shops and horse stables. Today, the souk takes you down memory-lane as it is packed with souvenir shops, spice markets, and cozy cafés. During day the shops are busy with tourists and organized field trips, however, at night the scene shifts completely, where the souk street turns into a venue for a perfect night out full of trendy open-air bars, hookah cafés and restaurants offering international and Lebanese cuisines.

Backtrack into History: 

La Citadelle de Jbeil

After exploring mid-town, backtrack to the infamous Archaeological sites, to discover the city ramparts of Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Greek and Roman ruins. The remains include three temples and the Roman Theater built in 218 AD, today only 1/3rd of the grand theater has survived, which makes for the best place to watch the stunning sunset.

Catch your favorite artist on tour: 

Snow Patrol at Byblos Festival 2012

Just in time for summer, the Byblos International Festival events start, where the Phoenician city hosts your favourite local and international performers on tour. It is believed to be one of the biggest festivals organized in Lebanon that attracts thousands from all around the world. Click here to view the yearly events listings.

Where to eat: 

Slide through the gallery to check out our favorite 5 restaurants to eat at when in Byblos. 

é Café EddéYard

é Café EddéYard, Old Souk

Babel Bahr

Babel Bahr Amchit

Chez Zakhia

Chez Zakhia, Amchit

Dar El Azrak

Dar El Azrak, Byblos Sur Mer

Locanda a la Granda

Locanda a la Granda, Old Souk

é Café EddéYard

Babel Bahr

Chez Zakhia

Dar El Azrak

Locanda a la Granda