Explore Harissa

⛪ Harissa Travel Guide

Known for: Our Lady of Lebanon shrine, breathtaking cable car ride, and sweeping views over the Mediterranean
Location: Mount Lebanon, ~20 km (12 miles) north of Beirut — above Jounieh

🕒 Best Time to Visit:

• Spring (March–May): 🌸
  ✅ Best weather for sightseeing and hiking trails

• Fall (September–November): 🍂
  ✅ Mild temperatures and clear skies — fewer crowds

• Summer (June–August): ☀️
  ✅ Great visibility and longer days, but hot by midday

• Winter (December–February): ❄️
  🌧️ Rainy at times, but still visitable — fewer tourists

🛣️ How to Get There:

• 🚗 By Car from Beirut:

  • ~30–45 minutes via the Beirut–Jounieh highway

  • Park at the base of the shrine or near the top

• 🚠 By Téléférique (Cable Car):

  • From Jounieh up to Harissa — one of Lebanon’s must-do experiences

  • Offers stunning aerial views over the sea and city

  • Round-trip ticket: ~$6–$8 USD

  • Operating hours vary by season, usually 10 AM–6 PM

• 🚌 Public Transport:

  • Minibuses from Beirut to Jounieh, then taxi or cable car

🌟 Top Attractions:

⛪ Our Lady of Lebanon (Notre Dame du Liban):

• 15-ton bronze statue of the Virgin Mary, arms outstretched

• Surrounded by a circular viewing platform

• Center of Christian pilgrimage in Lebanon and the Middle East

• Open to all visitors, regardless of religion

🕍 The Basilica of Saint Paul:

• Byzantine-style Melkite Greek Catholic church nearby

• Features a striking dome and colorful mosaics

• Interior and exterior both worth seeing

🌄 Panoramic Viewpoints:

• Views over Jounieh Bay, the Mediterranean, and distant Beirut

• Ideal for photography at sunset or twilight

🎨 Activities to Do:

• 🚠 Ride the Téléférique up or down the mountain

• 🧘‍♀️ Reflect or pray at Our Lady of Lebanon

• 📷 Take panoramic photos from the hilltop viewing decks

• 🧺 Enjoy a coffee or meal at a terrace café overlooking the sea

• 🛍️ Visit souvenir shops for religious icons and local crafts

🏨 Accommodation:

Most visitors come to Harissa on a half-day trip, but nearby towns have lodging:

• Bay Lodge Boutique Hotel – luxury stay with sea views near the shrine

• Portemilio Hotel & Resort (Jounieh) – upscale seaside hotel

• Princessa Hotel – well-rated and budget-friendly in Jounieh

🍽️ Food & Restaurants:

• La Table Fine (at Bay Lodge): Fine dining with an incredible view

• Chez Sami (Jounieh): Renowned seafood spot on the waterfront

• Al Ferdaws Harissa: Local restaurant near the shrine — casual Lebanese food

• Roadside cafés with manakish, fresh juice, and Arabic coffee are common

🧑‍🎨 Local Culture:

• Harissa is a sacred site for Maronite Christians, but visited by people of all faiths

• Pope John Paul II visited in 1997

• Quiet, respectful behavior is encouraged — modest dress near the shrine

• Sunday mornings and Christian holidays (e.g., Assumption Day, Easter) draw large crowds

⚠️ Travel Tips:

• ⛅ Go on a clear day to enjoy full views

• 🧥 Carry a light jacket — Harissa is cooler than Beirut due to elevation

• 💵 Entrance to the shrine is free, but Téléférique requires a ticket

• 🕊️ Respect religious customs — no loud music, modest clothing

• 🚶 There are a lot of stairs — wear comfy shoes

• 📸 Sunrise and sunset views from the statue’s base are unmatched

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