Explore Byblos (Jbeil)

🏛️ Byblos (Jbeil) Travel Guide

Known for: Ancient ruins, Phoenician history, harbor views, lively souks, and seafood dining
Location: ~40 km (25 miles) north of Beirut — about 45–60 minutes by car

🕒 Best Time to Visit:

• Spring (March–May): 🌸
  ✅ Best weather — mild and sunny (18–25°C)
  ✅ Fewer tourists and blooming flowers

• Fall (September–November): 🍂
  ✅ Still warm and perfect for coastal exploration

• Summer (June–August): ☀️
  🔥 Hot and busy — great for beach lovers and festivals

• Winter (December–February): 🌧️
  🌤️ Mild weather (10–16°C) but some rain; still walkable and beautiful

🛣️ How to Get There:

• 🚗 By Car from Beirut:

  • Via Lebanese Coastal Highway (Route 51M) — ~45 min drive

  • Parking is available near the old souk or port

• 🚌 By Bus:

  • Minibuses run frequently from Dora (northern Beirut) to Byblos

  • Budget-friendly (~5,000–10,000 LBP) but less predictable

• 🚕 By Taxi or Uber/Bolt:

  • Cost: ~$20–$30 from central Beirut

  • Best for comfort and flexibility

🌟 Top Attractions:

🏰 Byblos Castle (Crusader Castle):

• Built in the 12th century by the Crusaders using Roman and Phoenician stones

• Offers panoramic views of the coast and old town

• Explore towers, dungeons, and battlements

🏺 Byblos Archaeological Site:

• Adjacent to the castle

• Features layers of civilizations: Neolithic, Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine

• Don’t miss the Roman amphitheater, Phoenician temples, and ancient city walls

⚓ Old Port of Byblos:

• One of the oldest ports in the world

• Beautiful promenade with boats, cafés, and sea breeze

• Great for sunset strolls and seafood dining

🛍️ Byblos Old Souk (Market):

• Stone-paved alleys filled with artisan shops, spice vendors, jewelry, and souvenirs

• Relaxed, charming, and photogenic

⛪ St. John the Baptist Church:

• 12th-century Maronite church near the castle

• Peaceful courtyard and simple, historic interior

🎨 Activities to Do:

• 🏛️ Explore the castle + archaeological ruins

• 🍽️ Dine by the port with fresh seafood and a view

• 🛍️ Shop for handicrafts, mosaics, olive wood, and jewelry

• 📸 Capture Instagram-worthy alleys and seascapes

• 🎶 Attend cultural events or concerts (especially in summer)

• 🏖️ Visit nearby Byblos Public Beach or private beach clubs

🏨 Accommodation:

Luxury & Boutique:

• Byblos Sur Mer – 5-star beachfront hotel with beautiful rooms

• Aleph Boutique Hotel – stylish and centrally located

• L’Hotel de Mon Pere – peaceful hilltop views, a short walk to the town

Mid-Range & Budget:

• Canari de Byblos – affordable with good access to town

• Byblos Guest House – cozy and great for short stays

🍛 Food & Restaurants:

Popular Spots:

• Feniqia – top-rated fusion of Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine

• Bab el Mina – seafood by the harbor, romantic ambiance

• Adonai Le Petit Libanais – traditional Lebanese mezze and grilled meats

• I Divo – Italian-Lebanese blend with ocean views

Must-Try Local Dishes:

• Grilled octopus, fresh fish, moutabbal, tabbouleh, and kibbeh nayeh

• Arak (aniseed liquor) — traditionally served with seafood

• Baklava and maamoul for dessert

🧑‍🎨 Local Culture:

• Byblos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Considered the birthplace of the alphabet (Phoenician script)

• Local culture reflects layers of Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine, Crusader, and modern Lebanese influences

• In summer, the Byblos International Festival brings music and arts to the castle ruins

• The town is walkable, clean, and safe — great for both history buffs and relaxed travelers

⚠️ Travel Tips:

• 💵 Carry cash — some shops and cafés don’t accept cards

• 🧢 Bring sun protection — lots of walking and open-air sites

• 🎫 Combo ticket available for the castle and ruins (~8,000–15,000 LBP)

• 📷 Sunset at the old port is magical — arrive early for a good seat

• 🧭 Combine Byblos with a visit to Batroun, Jeita Grotto, or Tripoli for a day trip or overnight circuit

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