Southern Lebanon is a historian and archaeologist’s delight, with a history dating back to the Assyrians over 6,000 years ago. The region’s rolling hills sloping down to sandy Mediterranean beaches are dotted with Biblical sites, Roman and Phoenician ruins, remnants of the crusades, and the major Phoenician trading centers of Sidon and Tyre. The ancient cities of the region are like one-stop-shops to explore the ancient civilizations and history of the Mediterranean, with remnants of Egyptian, Assyrian, Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and Ottoman civilizations.
While south Lebanon’s historical sites can easily keep one busy, the area has a number of other attractions, including pristine beaches south of Tyre and the rare opportunity to snorkel or dive among long-submerged Phoenician and Roman ruins near the ancient cities of Sidon and Tyre. Culture-lovers will enjoy exploring bustling Ottoman-era souqs, and everyone can relax after a long day at seafood restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean.
What to see and do in the South:
Explore the remains of the largest and best-preserved Roman hippodrome in the world in Tyre archaeological sites, as well as other remnants of this ancient coastal metropolis.
View the ruins of the Phoenician Temple of Eshmoun, a well preserved complex honoring the principal god of the city of Sidon.
Visit the village of Qana, where Jesus Christ is said to have performed his first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding he was attending with his mother and the disciples.
Snorkel among submerged Phoenician ruins outside of Tyre and Sidon.
Catch a glimpse of endangered sea turtles and other fascinating marine life at the Tyre Beach Reserve, and go for a swim at one of the south’s pristine beaches.
See the Sidon Sea Castle, a crusader’s castle sitting on a small island in the harbor, connected by a stone bridge to mainland Sidon.
In close proximity to Tyre are several biblical sites, which include the Tomb of King Hiram, the Phoenician King of Tyre who was a contemporary of Kind David and King Solomon.