Tyre is a city in Lebanon, and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It was one of the earliest Phoenician metropolises and the legendary birthplace of Europa, her brothers Cadmus and Phoenix, and Carthage's founder Dido. Wikipedia
Known for: Ancient Roman ruins, Phoenician history, sandy beaches, and laid-back seaside charm
Location: Southern Lebanon, ~80 km (50 miles) south of Beirut — ~2-hour drive
Spring (March–May): 🌸
✅ Pleasant weather for exploring ruins and enjoying the beach
✅ Fewer crowds and blooming greenery
Fall (September–November): 🍂
✅ Ideal beach weather with cooler evenings
✅ Great for outdoor sightseeing
Summer (June–August): ☀️
🔥 Hot and dry — best for swimming and beach lounging
🎶 Tyre hosts local music festivals in July–August
Winter (December–February): 🌧️
🌤️ Mild temperatures (~13–17°C), occasional rain
☑️ Quieter travel experience, but some beach resorts may close
🚗 By Car:
~2-hour drive from Beirut via the coastal highway (Route 51)
Scenic route with views of the Mediterranean
🚌 By Bus/Minivan:
Public minibuses from Cola Station (Beirut) to Sour
Cost-effective (~$3–$5) but less comfortable
🚕 By Taxi or Ride Apps:
~$30–$50 from Beirut
Good for groups or private travel
Home to one of the best-preserved Roman hippodromes in the world
Extensive site with Roman roads, arches, tombs, and aqueducts
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tip: Bring water and sun protection — it's open-air
Features Phoenician, Roman, and Byzantine ruins
Includes columns, baths, mosaics, and remains of the old harbor
Located right by the sea — very picturesque
Wide, clean, and sandy beaches — rare in Lebanon!
Great for swimming, especially in summer
Some areas are managed by beach clubs with sunbeds and cafés
Charming neighborhood with narrow lanes, churches, and historic homes
Great for strolling and discovering local life
Traditional shops, bakeries, and daily life in southern Lebanon
Warm and welcoming community, rich in culture
🏛️ Explore UNESCO ruins at Al-Bass and Al-Mina
🏖️ Swim, relax, or enjoy water sports at Tyre beach
📸 Sunset walk along the ancient harbor
🛍️ Shop for local crafts, spices, and sweets in the old souk
🐠 Eat fresh seafood by the water
🚣♂️ Take a boat ride around the old Phoenician island area (if available)
🏛️ Explore UNESCO ruins at Al-Bass and Al-Mina
🏖️ Swim, relax, or enjoy water sports at Tyre beach
📸 Sunset walk along the ancient harbor
🛍️ Shop for local crafts, spices, and sweets in the old souk
🐠 Eat fresh seafood by the water
🚣♂️ Take a boat ride around the old Phoenician island area (if available)
Le Phenicien – excellent seafood, right on the marina
Al Fanar – seaside dining with Lebanese classics
Cloud 59 – beachside café-bar with drinks and snacks
Hiba’s Bistro – cozy spot in the Christian Quarter
Sayadieh (spiced rice with fish) — a coastal classic
Grilled octopus, fried calamari, and fresh shrimp
Fatayer, labneh, and zaatar manakish from local bakeries
Wash it down with lemon-mint juice or arak
Tyre was a powerful Phoenician port city and birthplace of purple dye (Tyrian purple)
Rich Shia Muslim and Christian heritage
Traditional values mixed with tourism-friendly hospitality
Slower pace than Beirut — perfect for a relaxed cultural immersion
🧴 Bring sunscreen and a hat — especially at the ruins
💵 Carry cash (USD and LBP) — many shops don’t take cards
🕊️ Respect local customs — modest clothing recommended in certain quarters
📶 Signal and Wi-Fi may be weak on beaches — disconnect and enjoy
🚖 If not renting a car, consider hiring a driver for the day