Ya Habibi Ya Jnoub: Our Favorite Things About The South Of Lebanon

Pristine beaches, picturesque scenery, tantalizing culinary experiences, the rich history, and the fine, fine people. Here are all our favorite things about our beloved Jnoub.

The ruins, museums, and historical landmarks:

South Lebanon is home to many historic and magnificent ruins in cities such as the legendary Phoenician city of Tyre, which once ruled the seas and founded prosperous colonies such as Cadiz and Carthage, and contains key archaeological Roman ruins. In addition Tebnine is approximately 30 kilometers from Tyre, home to the historic Tebnine castle, and of course Arnoun village in Nabatieh holds the spectacular Beaufort Castle.

Let’s not forget Saida, known as the fishing city, is home to multiple ruins and landmarks including the Temple of Eshmun, a house of worshipping for the cult of Echmoun, the revered healing god of Saida during the Phoenician Epoch, the unmissable Soap museum, and Sidon’s sea castle, built by the crusaders as a fortress on a small island with a pathway that connects it to the mainland.

The vineyards and wineries:

While most Lebanese wines were made of grapes grown in the Bekaa valley, this winery started planting in the South of Lebanon’s vineyards, in an effort to diversify the taste of Lebanese wines. Their recipe follows a delicate balance of preserving ancestral skills and applying scientific up to date finds thus the connotation, the art of wine making. Here you’ll find wine of the highest quality, yet very affordable.

The food:

Jnoub obviously has many restaurants with cuisine ranging from Italian to Asian, but we suggest when you’re there to taste the authentic Lebanese food.

So let’s start; if you haven’t tasted the foul in Ghazieh then you’re missing out on one of the best breakfasts in the country! For seafood, our favorite will always be Le Phénicien in Tyre where fresh fish. His must-try dish is the shrimps with a delicious secret sauce. For Lebanese food, Bait Al Zaman Al Jamil in Nabatieh which is set in an ambiance that makes all your Sunday family lunch dreams come true. Once you see the waiters coming in with your mezza and mashewe, you’ll never want to leave.

The getaways:

Dar Alma is a charming boutique hotel in Tyre; it has a killer view, a homey design, and boasts of familiar authentic Mediterranean vibes. The rooms are spacious and offer a scenery like no other, and to top everything off, you could imagine yourself having coffee in a setting taken out of fairytale book in their café and outdoor terraces.

If you’re looking for a more rustic stay, then La Maison de la Foret is your place. Nestled inside the forests of Jezzine, this forest getaway will be your escape away from the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities.

The beaches:

The cleanest beaches in the country are in Jnoub, specifically in Naqoura and Tyre. In Tyre, you have the option to go to Cloud 59 to enjoy some fun in the sun at one of the various tents on the sandy beach of Sour. They all boast of a cozy, friendly, and clean atmosphere, so pack up your volley balls, floats, and rackets and head down South.

Ras Al Bayada offers one of the most sunning sunset views in Lebanon.

The nature and scenery:

With many villages scattered across the region, Jnoub offers out-of-this-world views. I would recommend visiting Maghdouche, Jezzine, Qana, Naqoura, Marjayoun, Ansar and Ain Ebel.

The people:

Jnoubi people are known for their warm-hearted nature, unrestricted generosity, and fierce resilience. Especially for a region that has gone through such a great deal in the past!

Main image via @houssam_hamieh on Instagram.