Shouf is one of the best-preserved regions in Lebanon. Picturesque villages, breathtaking scenery, Lebanese heritage sites, historical palaces and even the largest cedar forest in Lebanon!
There are countless of things to do in Beiteddine and its nearby villages, including Deir El Qamar and Barouk, which makes the Shouf region perfect to explore!
The beautiful historic town of Beiteddine (Beit El Dine), tucked away in the Shouf district, is only a 1-hour drive southeast from Beirut. Overlooking the valley of Damour River, Beiteddine is renowned for the imperial Beiteddine Palace, where the popular Beiteddine Festival is hosted every year!
Which brings us to the first of many things to do in Beiteddine:
1. Explore the royal rooms and courtyards of Beiteddine Palace
Of course, a visit to Beiteddine means a visit to the royal Beiteddine Palace.
Beiteddine Palace, private residence of 19th-century governor Emir Bashir (until his exile in 1840), is one of four palaces in the area – the other three built for Emir Bashir’s sons. The interior décor of the palace boasts traditional Arab style with Italian inspiration. The palace grounds abundantly feature courtyards and terraces with lush greenery and elegant sculptures. Unfortunately, a lot of the grounds are kept under lock and key, inaccessible to the public.
Cost: 7,500 LBP per adult / 2,000 LBP for students
Contact: +961-5-500077
2. Discover 19th century Lebanese village life represented in Moussa Castle
Lebanese visionary, Moussa Abdel Karim Al Maamari, singlehandedly built the iconic Moussa Castle in Beiteddine with his own two hands, stone by stone. Inside the castle, you’ll find many animated figures representing scenes from 19th century Lebanese village life.
Find out the reason Moussa built the renowned Moussa Castle before your visit and you’ll appreciate it even more.
Cost: 15,000 LBP per adult / 7,500 per child
Contact: +961-5-500106
3. Beiteddine Art Festival: One of the Middle East’s leading festivals!
Every summer, Beiteddine throws the biggest festival presenting outstanding performances by world celebrities and local artists, as well as one or more art exhibits in the grand 19th century Beiteddine palace.
For more information regarding opening times and ticket prices, kindly visit this link.
4. Explore the Fortress of Niha [Niha, 13km from Beiteddine]
If you’re spending a weekend in Shouf, visiting the medieval cave fortress of Niha should be on your itinerary. Inhabited as far as the Roman times, Niha Fortress (also known as Cave of Tyron and Chquif Tayroun) features ancient chambers and rooms used as shelter by soldiers and as storehouses for domestic work. Read more about Niha Fortress here.
Cost: 4,000 LBP per adult / 2,500 LBP per child
Contact: Al-Shouf Biosphere Reserve: +961-5-350250 / +961-5-350150
PHOTO CREDIT: Peter van der Wielen
5. Have a vegan homemade lunch at Coara Vegan Restaurant [Kfar Qatra, 7 minutes from Beiteddine]
Coara in Kfar Qatra offers delicious vegan organic cuisine in a beautiful eco-friendly setup. This family-owned restaurant is a must try – they have vegan shawarma and vegan KNEFE (tried and tested)! The outdoor setup is absolutely beautiful and surrounded by nature… the perfect escape from the city!
FYI They’re opening a restaurant in Beirut soon! Stay tuned…
See my full review of Coara.
Contact: +961-3-424290 (Reservation recommended)
6. Enjoy a Lebanese lunch by the waterfall at Shallalat Nabeh Merched Restaurant [Maaser El Chouf, 20 minutes from Beiteddine / 25 minutes from Niha Fortress]
Surrounded by natural waterfalls, the popular Shallalat Nabeh Merched Restaurant offers delicious authentic Lebanese cuisine in a picturesque environment.
Contact: +961-5-310221 (Reservation recommended a week in advance during the summer season)
7. Treat yourself to a suite at the beautiful Mir Amin Palace Hotel
What’s better than spending the night in an actual PALACE? The luxury Mir Amin Palace features 24 majestic rooms, a mosaic-designed pool and multiple courtyards with the most breathtaking views.
Cost: Rates vary according to season and room type
Contact: +961-5-501315 (Reservation recommended)
Beiteddine Map / Points of Interest:
Getting There
The most recommended methods for getting to Beiteddine is by (1) car and (2) bus / taxi / service.
Preferably, you would need your own car to get from point A to point B within Beiteddine, since finding a taxi/service within the village may not be convenient since it depends on availability.
Popular car rental companies in Beirut include AVIS and Halal Rent A Car.
Tips for your trip to Beiteddine
- Even in summer, pack a light jacket, because it gets cold in the evening
- Visit Beiteddine at any time of the year; every season has its charm
STAY TUNED FOR MY GUIDE TO THINGS TO DO IN BAROUK AND DEIR EL QAMAR 🙂
What other things to do in Beiteddine have you done and would recommend to visitors?
Let me know in the comments!
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