Introduction
There's more to this place than ancient ruins and really good almond pastries. Lebanon packs a lot into its modest borders: ancient cities, ski resorts, impressive architecture and striking landscapes are just the start. Then there's great food (reputedly the best in the region), and great nightlife (Beirut claims to be the party capital of the Middle East).
Destination facts
Capital: Beirut (pop: 1.5 million)
President: Michel Suleiman
Prime Minister: Fouad Siniora
Government: republic
Time zone: GMT +2
Area: 10452
Population: 4400000
Languages: 60% Muslim, 40% Christian
Currency: Lebanese Pound (LL)
Country Dialing Code: 961
Getting there
The best time of year to visit Lebanon is spring (March to May) when the weather is mild and wildflowers are in bloom. If your timing is just right, you may be able to live the Lebanese cliche and, at the end of the snow season, ski in the mountains in the morning and swim on the coast in the afternoon. If you can't make the spring, aim for autumn (September to November), between the intense heat of summer and the cloud of winter. Like anywhere, if you are heading to Lebanon during school holidays, you should book accommodation well in advance. Religious and state holidays should not seriously disrupt any travel plans - transport, hotels, restaurants and many businesses function as normal. The Muslim fasting month of Ramadan may require a bit more planning: some cafes and restaurants close during the day, and some offices operate reduced and erratic hours. Ramadan nights, particularly during the final three days of the Eid al-Fitr can be particularly lively. You may wish to schedule your trip around annual festivals, such as those at Baalbek, Byblos, Palmyra and Bosra.
Getting there and away
Travel to Lebanon could not be easier these days. A growing number of airlines service Beirut, which has frequent connections to Europe, Africa, Asia and the rest of the Middle East. There are no direct flights to the USA. Flights between Beirut and Tehr ã n resumed in 1999 after a 20-year absence caused by the Iranian revolution and the Lebanese civil war. Beirut airport is 5km (3mi) south of the city centre. Syria is the only country that currently has an open land border with Lebanon - the border with Israel is likely to stay closed for some time. Lebanese visa rules change frequently, so check with your embassy for the latest rulings. Currently, you can obtain a visa when entering Lebanon from Syria at the border and vice-versa. Buses run between Beirut and Damascus every hour from 06:00 to 20:00 and there are buses and service taxis from Beirut to Lattakia and Hama (as well as Aleppo and Homs). From Tripoli there are buses to Hama, Aleppo and Damascus (as well as Lattakia and Homs). If you're planning to drive into Lebanon, be prepared to pay a hefty fee (in cash) at the border - though it's refundable when you leave.
Getting around
Lebanon is a tiny country: you can drive from one end to the other in about three hours. Most people use service taxis to get around, a huge number of which run like buses on set routes; they carry around five passengers, each of whom chip in for a fifth of the fare. The other system, private taxis, is a more traditional approach with the taxis taking you where you want to go for a negotiated fare. There are also many 'pirate taxis' cruising for fares. These are more expensive than service taxis, but look very similar, so it's best to ask before you get in. Bus networks are extensive, but some buses are poorly maintained, and also go too fast; accidents do happen. Generally, however, buses are reasonably safe, comfortable and reliable and are very cheap by Lebanese standards. It's unlikely that the country's rail service will be restored in the near future. Car rentals are fairly expensive in Lebanon but if you shop around you can find surprisingly reasonable prices. The country is notorious for the bad condition of its roads and the hair-raising driving style of its drivers. Road rules are effectively nonexistent, traffic jams are ubiquitous and there are no speed limits. On the upside, in theory everybody has agreed to drive on the right and fuel is cheap and easy to obtain.
Visa:
All nationalities need a visa to enter Lebanon. Australian, Canadian, most EU, New Zealand and US passport holders can obtain a visa (for between one to three months) on arrival (both at the airport and at the Syrian border). Entry will be refused if you are holding a used or unused, expired or valid visa for Israel, or have any Israeli stamp endorsed on your passport. Those wishing to study in Lebanon can apply in advance for a student one-year residence visa.
Weather
Lebanon has three different climate zones - the coastal strip, the mountains and the Bekaa Valley. The coastal strip has cool to mild, rainy winters with an average high around 17 ° C (62 ° F), which doubles during the hot, sometimes stifling, Mediterranean summers. The mountains have a typical alpine climate. Many people head to the hills to escape the oppressive summers of Beirut and come back again in winter for the snow. The Bekaa Valley has hot, dry summers and cold, dry winters with snow, frost and fierce winds.
Places of Interest
Lebanon packs a lot into its modest borders: ancient cities, ski resorts, impressive architecture and striking landscapes are just the start. Then there's great food (reputedly the best in the region), and great nightlife (Beirut claims to be the party capital of the Middle East).
Warning
The security situation in Lebanon can be fragile - travellers should exercise caution, avoid rallies, and monitor news reports. Check out Safe Travel for current government warnings.
There's more to this place than ancient ruins and really good almond pastries. Lebanon packs a lot into its modest borders: ancient cities, ski resorts, impressive architecture and striking landscapes are just the start. Then there's great food (reputedly the best in the region), and great nightlife (Beirut claims to be the party capital of the Middle East).
Destination facts
Capital: Beirut (pop: 1.5 million)
President: Michel Suleiman
Prime Minister: Fouad Siniora
Government: republic
Time zone: GMT +2
Area: 10452
Population: 4400000
Languages: 60% Muslim, 40% Christian
Currency: Lebanese Pound (LL)
Country Dialing Code: 961
Getting there
The best time of year to visit Lebanon is spring (March to May) when the weather is mild and wildflowers are in bloom. If your timing is just right, you may be able to live the Lebanese cliche and, at the end of the snow season, ski in the mountains in the morning and swim on the coast in the afternoon. If you can't make the spring, aim for autumn (September to November), between the intense heat of summer and the cloud of winter. Like anywhere, if you are heading to Lebanon during school holidays, you should book accommodation well in advance. Religious and state holidays should not seriously disrupt any travel plans - transport, hotels, restaurants and many businesses function as normal. The Muslim fasting month of Ramadan may require a bit more planning: some cafes and restaurants close during the day, and some offices operate reduced and erratic hours. Ramadan nights, particularly during the final three days of the Eid al-Fitr can be particularly lively. You may wish to schedule your trip around annual festivals, such as those at Baalbek, Byblos, Palmyra and Bosra.
Getting there and away
Travel to Lebanon could not be easier these days. A growing number of airlines service Beirut, which has frequent connections to Europe, Africa, Asia and the rest of the Middle East. There are no direct flights to the USA. Flights between Beirut and Tehr ã n resumed in 1999 after a 20-year absence caused by the Iranian revolution and the Lebanese civil war. Beirut airport is 5km (3mi) south of the city centre. Syria is the only country that currently has an open land border with Lebanon - the border with Israel is likely to stay closed for some time. Lebanese visa rules change frequently, so check with your embassy for the latest rulings. Currently, you can obtain a visa when entering Lebanon from Syria at the border and vice-versa. Buses run between Beirut and Damascus every hour from 06:00 to 20:00 and there are buses and service taxis from Beirut to Lattakia and Hama (as well as Aleppo and Homs). From Tripoli there are buses to Hama, Aleppo and Damascus (as well as Lattakia and Homs). If you're planning to drive into Lebanon, be prepared to pay a hefty fee (in cash) at the border - though it's refundable when you leave.
Getting around
Lebanon is a tiny country: you can drive from one end to the other in about three hours. Most people use service taxis to get around, a huge number of which run like buses on set routes; they carry around five passengers, each of whom chip in for a fifth of the fare. The other system, private taxis, is a more traditional approach with the taxis taking you where you want to go for a negotiated fare. There are also many 'pirate taxis' cruising for fares. These are more expensive than service taxis, but look very similar, so it's best to ask before you get in. Bus networks are extensive, but some buses are poorly maintained, and also go too fast; accidents do happen. Generally, however, buses are reasonably safe, comfortable and reliable and are very cheap by Lebanese standards. It's unlikely that the country's rail service will be restored in the near future. Car rentals are fairly expensive in Lebanon but if you shop around you can find surprisingly reasonable prices. The country is notorious for the bad condition of its roads and the hair-raising driving style of its drivers. Road rules are effectively nonexistent, traffic jams are ubiquitous and there are no speed limits. On the upside, in theory everybody has agreed to drive on the right and fuel is cheap and easy to obtain.
Visa:
All nationalities need a visa to enter Lebanon. Australian, Canadian, most EU, New Zealand and US passport holders can obtain a visa (for between one to three months) on arrival (both at the airport and at the Syrian border). Entry will be refused if you are holding a used or unused, expired or valid visa for Israel, or have any Israeli stamp endorsed on your passport. Those wishing to study in Lebanon can apply in advance for a student one-year residence visa.
Weather
Lebanon has three different climate zones - the coastal strip, the mountains and the Bekaa Valley. The coastal strip has cool to mild, rainy winters with an average high around 17 ° C (62 ° F), which doubles during the hot, sometimes stifling, Mediterranean summers. The mountains have a typical alpine climate. Many people head to the hills to escape the oppressive summers of Beirut and come back again in winter for the snow. The Bekaa Valley has hot, dry summers and cold, dry winters with snow, frost and fierce winds.
Places of Interest
Lebanon packs a lot into its modest borders: ancient cities, ski resorts, impressive architecture and striking landscapes are just the start. Then there's great food (reputedly the best in the region), and great nightlife (Beirut claims to be the party capital of the Middle East).
Warning
The security situation in Lebanon can be fragile - travellers should exercise caution, avoid rallies, and monitor news reports. Check out Safe Travel for current government warnings.
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