Chouf district

Ain Zhalta

Shouf Biosphere Reserve

Government legislation Law No. 532 of 24 July 1996 declared “The communal lands of Niha, Jba’a, Mrousti, Khraibe, Maasser, Barouk, Bmohreh, Ain Dara, Ain Zhalta villages, in addition to the government owned lands on the eastern side of Barouk Mountain” a Nature Reserve.In July 2005, UNESCO declared it a “Biosphere Reserve” called the Shouf Biosphere Reserve (SBR) with an area of approximately 50,000 hectares – or 5% of the total area of Lebanon. It includes in addition to the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, the 22 surrounding villages and the Ammiq Wetland, a Ramsar site and one of the last remaining wetlands in the Middle East.It is under the authority of the Lebanese Ministry of Environment (MOE), which manages it through the Appointed Protected Area Committee (APAC) that includes, among its members, the Al-Shouf Cedar Society (ACS), the mayors of the larger villages, and independent environment experts.The Shouf Biosphere Reserve is home to 1,054 identified plant species distributed over 111 families. They include 25 internationally and nationally threatened species, 48 endemic to Lebanon (Lebanon/Syria/Turkey), 14 rare species, and 214 restricted to the Eastern Mediterranean/Middle East area.- Opening hours&nbsp; Summer 10am-6pm Winter 10am-4pm Activites Cycling, Snowshoeing, Guided Tours

Tyre district

Sour / Tyre

Tyre Coast Nature Reserve

Tyre Coast Nature Reserve is one of the two declared Marine Reserves in Lebanon. TCNR is recognized as the most beautiful and largest remaining sandy beach in Lebanon, with great attraction to nesting marine turtles and hosting a mosaic of coastal habitats within a diversity of ecosystems comprised of a wide variety of flora and fauna species that are playing important ecological roles with great medical, ornamental and commercial usages for humans.Tyre Coast Nature Reserve is located immediately south of city of Tyre and considered by local universities as carrying a great potential for scientific studies, for conservation and raising awareness about eco-tourism, solid waste management and protecting fisheries from over-exploitation.- Activities Snorkeling, Workshops

Aakkar district

Qobbayat

Karm Chbat Nature Reserve

The Karm Chbat Nature Reserve is located on the heights of Kobayat village in the Akkar caza, in northern Lebanon. Its estimated area is around 520 hectares with an altitude ranging between 1,400 and 1,900m above sea level. It has a rich biodiversity and comprises numerous species of trees such as old cedars, junipers, fir, Turkish oak and bear’s plums. It is a living space for rare animals such as squirrels, foxes, hyenas, wild boars, wolves and several birds species including partridges, hoopoes, sparrowhawks, Eurasian Jays, buzzards, bee-eaters, fieldfares, vultures, crows.- Activities Hiking

Baalbak district

Yammouneh

Yammouneh Nature Reserve

Yammouneh Nature Reserve is located on the eastern slope of the Makmel and Mnaitra mountains at an altitude ranging between 1400 and 2000 meters. It is characterized by its rich water resources, as it contains 84 springs, in addition to four permanent and two seasonal rivers. The reserve contains Phoenician, Roman and Arab ruins and remnants of a castle which was a summer residence for the Roman Emperor Hadrian. The reserve is characterized by stands of juniper trees as well as a dense vegetation cover stretching over 30% of the reserve area which is about 2,100 hectares.-

Keserwan district

Chouwen

Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve

Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve (JMBR) is located in Keserwan District, Lebanon, on the shoulders of the western slopes of the Mount Lebanon chain, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea to the West. It covers an area of 6500 hectares, at an altitude ranging between 350 meters in the North-West and 1,700 meters to the South-East. Its main villages are Yahchouch, Qehmez, Jouret el Thermos, Nahr ed Dahab, Ghbalhe, Aabri, and Chouwen.&nbsp;Jabal Moussa and surrounding villages became part of the UNESCO Network of Biosphere Reserves under the Man and Biosphere (MAB) program in 2009. As part of the MAB program, JMBR addresses human livelihood improvement and nature conservation through combining natural sciences with social sciences, economics and education.-Opening hours Monday-Sunday 8am-5pm Activities&nbsp; Hiking, Planting, Guided Tours, Lunch, Guesthouses

Jbeil district

Fidar el Tahta

Bentael Nature Reserve

Bentael Nature Reserve, founded in 1981 and officially declared in 1999 by virtue of law 11/99, owes its origin to the local desire to protect the private communal territory against human aggressions, especially the uncontrolled urban sprawl and the unorganized development of road networks BNR. It is the first unofficial reserve in Lebanon, covering an area of 110 hectares and located 7km away from Jbeil and 38km away from Beirut. Extending between 250 and 800m above sea level, this reserve is limited from the North by a public road and a private property belonging to the village of Bentael, from the South by the river of Bentael, from the East by the Western boundary of the village of Hjoula and from the West by the villages of Eddeh and Bentael.Bentael Nature Reserve is located in the sub-humid bioclimatic level - temperate winter variant - and is characterized by a hot and humid climate of low and medium altitudes. It extends over the Thermo-Mediterranean and Eu-Mediterranean vegetation levels (Abi Saleh and Safi, 1988). It consists of a mosaic of ecosystems harboring two major forest types: an oak (Quercus calliprinos) stand on compact limestone, limited in the valley by the riparian forest of the Bentael River, and a planted pine forest (Pinus pinea) on sandstone.- Activities Hiking, Guided Tours, Adventure Eco Park

Bint Jbeil district

Wadi el Houjeir

Wadi Al Houjeir Nature Reserve

Located in the Cazas of Marjeyoun, Bint Jbeil, and Nabatieh in South Lebanon, the Wadi el Hujeir Nature Reserve was established in 2010. It stretches from the Litani river in the village of Qaaqaiyyet el Jisr at the lower part of Nabatiyeh city, to the town of Aytaroun in Bint Jbeil Caza. The reserve is covered with oak and maple trees. It covers an approximate area of 2,478 hectares at an altitude ranging between 250 and 400 meters.-

Batroun district

Tannourine

Tannourine Cedars Forest Nature Reserve

Covering 620 of hectares between Tannourine, Hadath el Jobbeh, Niha, Kfour el Arabe and Qnat, the Tannourine Cedar Forest Nature Reserve lies in a splendidly beautiful area and protects one of the largest and densest cedar forests in Lebanon.Tannourine cedars forest&nbsp;nature reserve presents two main geomorphologic units dating from the Jurassic (-200 to -145 million years). The upper unit to the east, where the land is terraced and used for annual crops, forms a mountainous area related to the black volcanic basaltic parent rock. The lower unit to the west, where cedar trees are growing, presents compact bluish white, karstic rocks of limestone. The hydrographic system in the lower unit shows a specific dendritic pattern, characterized by deeply dissected V-shaped valleys and a high number of micro-gullies along the slopes.- Activites Hiking, Stargazing, Birdwatching, Snowshoeing

Jezzine district

Rihane

Jabal Al Rihane Biosphere Reserve

A dominant feature of this biosphere reserve is the existence of many mountain peaks such as Jabal Safi, Jabal Sujud, Jabal Bir Kallab, and Jabal Bourqab that culminate at 1300, 1200, 1360 and 1300 meters, respectively. This mountainous relief gives rise to a number of eco-zones. From a more aesthetic point of view, such a landscape, dominated by peaks and basins, offers wonderful limitless views. Stands of old oak trees (more than 500 years old) are recognized as outstanding scenic landscapes.The Rihane differs from other protected areas in Lebanon by its location at middle altitudes. All the others are either at high altitude with dominance of cedar trees (Tannourine, Ehden, Al-Chouf Cedar reserves) or at very low altitudes such as Palm Islands or Tyre Beach reserves.&nbsp;-

Bint Jbeil

Bint Jbeil Nature Reserves

Kafra, Ramia, Debl and Beit Lif Nature Reserves are located in Bint Jbeil caza, southern Lebanon. The area of Ramia and Beit Lif reserves is around 20 hectares for each, Debl 25 hectares, and Kafra 40 hectares. They are located at an altitude ranging between 550 and 650m above sea level. The reserves include forest sites constituted mainly of kermes oak trees, in addition to Cyprus oak, carob, oriental strawberry and Palestine pistachio trees. It is also a living space for animals and nesting birds.-

Zgharta district

Ehden

Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve

Situated on the upper northwestern slopes of Mount Lebanon, ranging in altitude from 1,200 to 2,000m, Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve covers more than 1700 hectares and is considered as a very important part of the country for its unique biodiversity.Extending over 3 bio-geographic zones, the forest gathers different species of mammals, birds and plants of which some are nationally rare and threatened, such as the imperial eagle and wolf.The amount of plant species recognized till now accounts for nearly 40% of plant species in Lebanon.- Activities Hiking

Tripoli district

Tripoli

Palm Islands Nature Reserve

Located on the northwest of Tripoli; Sanani, Ramkine and Palm Island together with their surrounding sea make up the Palm Islands Nature Reserve. They are Lebanon’s only true Islands.Several designations have been given to Palm Islands reserve due to its special characteristics: it has been designated a Mediterranean Specially Protected Area under the Barcelona Convention, an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International, as well as Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.Palm Island, the largest of the three islands is also known as Nakhal or Rabbit Island because it used to feature a large introduced population of rabbits which have been removed later on for environmental reason: rabbits were threatening very important plants.Palm Islands reserve is a resting place for seabirds and migratory bird species such as the endangered Dalmatian Pelican, Bar-tailed Godwit, Great Snipe and the wintering Grey Heron. It also harbors some endangered reptiles such as green sea turtle and Loggerhead turtle as well as endemic sub-species of lizard, bats and a number of sheltering fish.-

Chnaniir

Chnaniir Nature Reserve

Established in 2010, the Mashaa of Chnaniir Nature Reserve covers state-owned lands in the village of Chnaniir in the Kesrouan Caza, at an elevation of 500 to 530 meters. It is surrounded by the towns of Ghazir, Dlebta, Meerab, Ghosta, and Jounieh. The Mashaa of Chnaniir Nature Reserve includes oak and pine trees, and covers an area of 27 hectares. One of its characteristics is the breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Jounieh and its bay.&nbsp;-

Ain Wazein

Ain Wazein Grotto 

Ain Wazein cave, located in the village of Ain Wazein, is 460m in depth. It is considered to be a ‘maze cave’ due to the fact that it is made up of tight passages, and was discovered during construction works in 2003. The cave was opened to the public in 2006.-

Baatara Gorge Waterfall

The Baatara Gorge Waterfall, or the Baatara Pothole Waterfall, is located in the village of Balaa, between the cities of Laqlouq and Tannourine, Lebanon. The location is also known as the “Three Bridges Chasm” (in French “Gouffre des Trois Ponts”). This unexpected waterfall drops 255&nbsp;metres (837&nbsp;ft.) into a cave and falls behind three natural bridges. It can only be seen during the months of March and April, when the snows are melting.&nbsp;-

Yahchouch Waterfall

The Syriac name Yahchouch translates to “Suffering God” in reference to the fable of Adonis. This waterfall, glorious in nature, lives up to its legendary name.-

Baaqline

Baaqline Waterfalls

Baakline is a picturesque Lebanese village in the Chouf district, 45km southeast of Beirut. It is nestled in greenery and woodland, and has splendid water source and most importantly its mini waterfalls.&nbsp;-

Bcharreh district

Bcharreh

Cedar of God Forest

The Cedars of God forest is one of the last vestiges of the extensive forests of the Lebanese Cedar, Cedrus Libani, that once thrived across Mount Lebanon in ancient times. Their timber was exploited by the Phoenicians, Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Romans, Israelites and Turks. The wood was prized by Egyptians for shipbuilding; the Ottoman Empire used the cedars in railway construction.-

Jeita

Jeita Grotto

Jeïta Grotto is the jewel of tourism in Lebanon, offering to its visitors qualified modern services and accommodation in harmony with a fascinating nature. It creates a magical trip which enables the public to spend a day of wonder-filled adventure by being carried away from a tangible world to a wonderland where are found 2 limestone crystallized grottoes, characterized by extraordinary concretions of stalactites and stalagmites sculpted naturally in different forms, sizes and colors. It is a source of attraction for whole the family wishing to discover a mysterious world in the heart of the earth.&nbsp;- Opening hours Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm

West Bekaa district

Ammiq

Ammiq Wetlands

Ammiq is located in one of the most fertile parts of the Bekaa Valley. The village is known for its green lands and rich flora and fauna. The Ammiq Wetland is the last significant freshwater wetland in Lebanon. It is living proof of the many marshes that once existed in the region.-Opening hours Tuesday-Sunday 9am-6pm

Qadisha

Qadisha Valley

The Qadisha Valley, a Unesco World Heritage–listed site, is home to isolated rock-cut monasteries, wildflowers and plenty of wildlife. Red-roofed villages perch atop hills or cling precariously to the mountainsides; the Qadisha River, with its source just below the Cedars ski resort, runs along the valley bottom, and Lebanon’s highest peak, Qornet As Sawda (3090m), soars overhead. With plentiful opportunities for hiking on the quiet valley trails or scaling isolated mountain landscapes, this is the perfect antidote to the urban mayhem of Beirut.-

Beirut district

Rawcheh

Rawcheh Rock

Rawcheh is mostly famous for its Pigeon Rocks, two 60-meter high offshore rock, which were formed in the prehistoric era by a geologic movement. This is a very romantic spot, especially during sunset. Local boat owners can take you around and through the arch of the largest rock.-

Qaraoun

Qaraoun Lake

Situated about 22km southwest of Chtaura and just west of Qaraoun village, the huge Qaraoun lake was created by the erection of the Litani River Dam in 1959 and provides electricity and irrigation to the area. Although the lake is not for swimming, boats can take you around in summer or you can enjoy the spectacular views in one of the fresh fish restaurants located on the western side of the lake.-

Deir el Qamar

Kfarhim Grotto

Kfarhim Grotto consists of many overlapping layers of many natural images, waterfalls, stalactites and stalagmites, thus creating a wonderful natural beauty. The cave of Kfarhim appears with multiple ranges offering many caves with different forms aspect and volume. Kfarhim Grotto is between 18 and 20 meters underground with moderate temperature in winter and summer.-

Tourzaiya

Mabaj Grotto

Located at 750m above sea level, 25 minutes away from Byblos, Mabaj Grotto was discovered in 1938. The geological survey of the site estimated the age of its rocks at almost 190 million years, and that their present formation was completed during a period from 30 to 40 million years. The length of the cave that can be visited is 220 meters, excluding the tunnels; its total length is estimated at 4500 meters. The cave will bewitch you with its natural scenery, stalactites and stalagmites.&nbsp;It will dazzle you by the magnificence of the minerals colours of its rocks.-

Minieh-Dannieh district

Dannieh

Oyoun Orghosh Lake

Situated on the eastern side of Qornet el-Sawda and only 25km away from The Cedars, this beautiful area surrounded by rough mountain hills is full of ponds and springs (Oyoun). The ponds accumulate the water of the springs emerging from the foot of the steep hill, which are fed by snowmelt percolating from the summits of Jabal al-Mekmel and Qornet es-Sawda. In spring and summer, the numerous tented restaurants offer fresh fish (mainly trout) and mezze.-

Qemmamine

Ouyoun el Samak Lake

Located in Wadi Jhannam, just southwest of the village of Safinet el-Qaiteaa (al Qaite), the mountainous area of Oyoun el Samak is home to a beautiful lake and waterfalls. The green area is ideal for hiking or a picnic.&nbsp;-

Boustan el Assi

Kfarhelda Waterfall

Kfarhelda is known for its lovely spring waterfalls hitting the banks of the Nahr al-Jawz (Walnut River), best admired from the road above. In spring and summer, the valley is ideal for a hike, a picnic or to enjoy a lunch or dinner in one of its pleasant outdoor restaurants.-

Zgharta

Bnachii Lake

Located just off the main road between Zgharta and&nbsp;Ehden, Bnachii Lake is the perfect area for a romantic dinner, or a drink in one of its surrounding restaurants and bars. In summer, you can go around the lake in a pedaling boat.&nbsp;-

Zahleh district

Taaneyel

Taaneyel Lake

The Taanayel Lake is one of the wonderful natural tourist spots that brings immense pleasure and calmness. You can visit the place with your friends and family to experience tranquility and nature. The lake is manmade and highly maintained by the authority. There is a small and beautiful chapel near the lake where you can offer prayers with your loved ones.-

Faraya

Chabrouh Dam

The Faraya-Chabrouh Dam is a dam above the village of Faraya, Lebanon, 40km northeast of Beirut, that was inaugurated in 2007 and is one of the largest in Lebanon. The dam has a height of 63 metres. The reservoir has a capacity of some 8 million cubic meters and is some 1300 metres in length. The dam is located in rural Lebanon and is surrounded by farmland. Agricultural lands stretch far below the Faraya-Chabrouh Dam and the water is used from the reservoir to irrigate the lands, providing an essential resource to thousands of people in the villages below.-

Jezzine

Jezzine Waterfall

The Jezzine Waterfall is considered to be one of the greatest landmarks and tourist attractions that can be seen in the town of Jezzine, which is located in the eastern part of the South Governorate within the southern part of Lebanon. With its majestic height of some 74 meters (243 feet) above the ravine, it is one of the highlights of the town, which houses many other waterfalls, thus nicknaming Jezzine The Waterfall City.-

Afqa

Afqa Waterfall

The impressive Afqa Grotto, located in a large cliff 200m above ground is the source and spring of Nahr Ibrahim and spits huge amounts of water, which is most impressive in winter. It is said to be the place where Adonis first met and kissed Astarte (Venus in Roman and Aphrodite in Greek), and where he was subsequently killed by a wild boar dispatched by Astarte’s jealous husband.-

Zahlan Grotto

Zahlan Cave is a charming natural cave estimated to be millions of years old, in which the sediments of the rocks form a beautiful scene, enhanced by the lighting of the place.-

Bkassine

Bkassine Forest

Bkassine's forest is the largest fruitful pine forest in the Mediterranean, spreading over one million and two hundred sqm of land, surrounding villages such as Qaytoule, Maknouniyeh, Haytoura, Roum and Machmoucheh. This forest is among the most important features of the village and the region. It is home to several traditional constructions of the past such as kilns, olive presses, old bridges, water sources and hydraulic mills.Bkassine, labeled the “Most beautiful villages of Lebanon”, was selected as one of the “Best Tourism Villages” by the World Tourism Organization.Source: Jezzine Region Tourism Office&nbsp;-

Qadisha Grotto

Not as large as&nbsp;Jeita Grotto, the 778-meter long cave of Qadisha Grotto is the source of the Qadisha River and reveals a dazzling collection of stalactites and stalagmites in beautiful colors. Although opening times are irregular, it is definitely worthwhile to try to visit.

Baabda district

Salima

Marj Bisri

Sirjbel

Serjbel Waterfall

Serjbeil is located in the Chouf district. It is a relatively known spot in the area&nbsp;&amp; is mostly known for the waterfall spot there. It is located deep in the valley. The waterfall spot has several&nbsp;jumps varying from 3m up to 8m and the water is fairly deep for all sorts of jumps.

La jetée - The Cube 

Kfarhelda

Located in a beautiful valley called Boustan el Assi (Gardens of Canes)&nbsp;about eight kilometers northwest of Tannourine el-Tahta, the elongated village of Kfar Helda is home to some&nbsp;ruins of monasteries and churches. The valley is known for its lovely spring waterfalls hitting the banks of the Nahr al-Jawz (Walnut River) - best admired from the road above. In spring and summer, the valley is ideal for a hike, a picnic or to enjoy a lunch or dinner in one of its pleasant outdoor restaurants.

Zebqine

Zebqine Valley

Qleyaat

Wadi el Salib

Arz Jaj

Yahchouch

Jahlieh

Jahliyeh

Falougha

Falougha Lakes

The Lebanese mountains offer a large variety of charming lakes, which allow its visitors the opportunity to enjoy an enjoyable experience away from the summer heat in Beirut and coastal cities, the most famous of which is Falougha lakes located in a quiet mountain village of the same name. These lakes are famous for their fresh water, surrounded by picturesque green hills and a variety of lush trees, and punctuated by walking paths that give visitors the opportunity to discover their different parts and enjoy the amazing landscapes they provide.

Qammouaa

Qammouaa Forest

Qammouaa forest, much of which is a nature reserve. Located at the extreme end of the Mount Lebanon range in the Akkar area, Qammouaa is considered an important tourist centre. The surrounding heights rise to 2,454 meters and there are forests that are remarkable because of the abundance of such trees as junipers, hairy oaks, cypresses, cedars and Cilician firs. Judging by the cedars to be found there, geologists say that these historic forests are at least a thousand years old. The plains of Qammouaa lie at 1,450 metres altitude in a sort of depression between the mountains.