Jounieh Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Jounieh with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Jounieh

Jounieh is a coastal city located in Mount Lebanon, Lebanon. It is a popular tourist destination due to its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and energetic nightlife. The city is known for its beautiful Mediterranean beaches, mountain ranges, diverse cultural attractions, and a wide range of outdoor adventures. In this tour guide, we will take you through some of the most exciting places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Jounieh.

List of Places to Visit in Jounieh

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Our Lady of Lebanon: This iconic statue of Saint Mary is a must-visit attraction when in Jounieh. The statue stands tall on top of a mountain and can be seen from anywhere in the city. It is also a place of pilgrimage for many Catholics.
  2. Patriarchal Museum: This museum showcases the history of the Maronite Church, one of the oldest Christian denominations in Lebanon.
  3. Jounieh Old Souk: This historical marketplace is located in the heart of Jounieh and is home to several traditional Lebanese shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Natural Attractions of Jounieh: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Teleferique: This cable car ride takes you from the city of Jounieh to the top of the Harissa mountain range, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding areas.
  2. Paragliding: Jounieh offers an excellent opportunity for paragliding enthusiasts to experience the thrill of flying above the mountains and coastlines.
  3. Dog River: This river is an ideal spot for picnics, hiking, and fishing.
  4. Jeita Grotto: This stunning cave complex is home to some of the most beautiful underground lakes and stalactites in the world.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Jounieh

  1. Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve: This protected area offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, allowing hikers to enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife of the region.
  2. Adonis Valley Trail: This trail leads hikers through the stunning Adonis valley and offers some of the most beautiful views of the region.

Best Things to Do in Jounieh: Activities and Tours

  1. Boat Tours: These tours offer visitors an opportunity to explore the Jounieh coastline and the surrounding areas.
  2. Nightlife: Jounieh is famous for its lively nightlife scene, with numerous clubs and bars catering to all tastes in music and entertainment.

Week-Long Itinerary for Jounieh

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Our Lady of Lebanon and the Patriarchal Museum
Day 2 Take a cable car ride on the Teleferique and paraglide over the mountains
Day 3 Hike through Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve
Day 4 Visit the beautiful Jeita Grotto
Day 5 Explore the Old Souk and enjoy some traditional Lebanese cuisine
Day 6 Take a boat tour along the Jounieh coastline
Day 7 Experience the vibrant nightlife in Jounieh

Food and Drink Scene of Jounieh

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Maklouba: A traditional Levantine dish made of rice, meat, and vegetables.
  2. Manoushe: A type of Lebanese flatbread topped with a variety of spices, cheese, or meat.
  3. Tabbouleh: A popular salad made up of parsley, onions, tomatoes, and bulgur wheat.

Local Beverages

  1. Arak: A traditional alcoholic beverage made from aniseed, and typically consumed with mezze dishes.
  2. Jallab: A refreshing non-alcoholic drink made of dates, seeds, and rosewater.

Where to Stay in Jounieh: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Portemilio Hotel & Resort: This hotel is located on the Jounieh Bay and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
  2. Vista Del Mar Hotel: Another popular hotel located in Jounieh, offering excellent amenities and ocean views.
  3. Auberge Beity: This guest house offers visitors a chance to experience authentic Lebanese hospitality and is located in the heart of Jounieh.

What to Buy in Jounieh: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Olive Oil: Lebanon is known for producing some of the best olive oil in the world.
  2. Lebanese Wine: Lebanon has a rich tradition of wine making, and visitors can purchase locally produced wines as souvenirs.
  3. Arak: This traditional Lebanese alcoholic beverage is available in several varieties, and visitors can buy a bottle to take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Jounieh

Jounieh is a predominantly Muslim city, and visitors are required to dress modestly in public places. The official language is Arabic, but many locals speak French or English fluently.

Best Time to Visit Jounieh

The best time to visit Jounieh is from March to June and from September to November, as the weather is perfect for outdoor activities during that period.

Do’s and Don’ts of Jounieh

Do:

  1. Dress modestly in public places.
  2. Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  3. Make an effort to learn some Arabic phrases.

Don’t:

  1. Drink tap water.
  2. Engage in public displays of affection.
  3. Disrespect the city’s Islamic customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Jounieh

Jounieh is a safe place to travel to for tourists. However, visitors should be cautious when traveling to isolated areas, especially at night.

Health in Jounieh

The health care system in Lebanon is excellent, and visitors should have no problem accessing medical services should they need them.

Getting to Jounieh: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Jounieh

The closest airport to Jounieh is Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, which is about 22 kilometers away.

Bus Stations Near Jounieh

Jounieh has a well-developed bus station that connects the city to several other cities in Lebanon.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a taxi or rent a car to get to Jounieh.

How to Get Around in Jounieh

There are several transportation options available in Jounieh, including taxis, buses, and rental cars.

Where to Go Next from Jounieh: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Beirut: The capital city of Lebanon, is only a short drive away from Jounieh and offers visitors a chance to explore some of the best markets, museums, and historical sites in the country.
  2. Byblos: This ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers visitors an opportunity to explore some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world.

Conclusion

Jounieh is a beautiful and exciting place to visit, with a rich cultural heritage, stunning scenery, and plenty of outdoor adventures. With this guide, you can be sure to see the best of what Jounieh has to offer and have a memorable experience.