www.destinationlebanon.gov A charming and friendly city located on the Mediterranean coast 50km north of Beirut, Batroun is famous for its Phoenician wall, old souk, and wonderful fresh lemonade. In recent years, it has become the entertainment hub of the North.
The city sits in a triangular shaped plain crossed by the river Nahr el-Jawz. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the west, the foothills of Mount Lebanon to the south and east, and the Ras ech-Chaqa'a plateau to the north. Just northeast of Batroun is the imposing Mussaylha Fort, constructed by Fakhr ed-Dine II high on a strategic limestone rock.
Batroun's location as a gateway to the North makes it an ideal jumping-off point for exploring all that North Lebanon has to offer. The surrounding area has a wealth of historical and cultural sites, including the Phoenician wall and newly-restored souks in Batroun itself; the 17th century Mussaylha Fort; the famous Basbous family sculpture exhibition in nearby Rachana village; and many interesting churches and ruins sites in villages such as Koubba, Kfar Aabida, and Hamat.
For those who love the sun, sand, and sea, there are many well-equipped beach resorts stretching along the coast north and south of the city, as well as a variety of restaurants catering to all tastes.
Driving inland from Batroun, you will reach the beautiful, rugged mountains around Tannourine, Douma, and Laqlouq, as well as the Tannourine Cedars Forest Nature Reserve, which offers opportunities for hiking and natural exploration. |