I have to admit – I’m a Beirut firsttimer. But I have heard so much about Beirut and about Lebanon (the good and the bad) that I couldn’t wait finally getting my own views and opinions. I’ll certainly stay out of politics and religion – although these are two topics you could right books about. Let’s focus on what you should do in Lebanon: have fun!

Beirut

Beirut is facing a major reconstruction. The downtown area, Solidere is now finished and full of expensive high street shops and restaurants. Another area that’s coming up is Hamra with the American University of Beirut (AUB) just next door. Achrafiye and Gemmayzeh are old time favorites. I wasn’t too impressed by the Corniche. You can have a stroll and a look at the Pigeon Rocks, then rather head to La Plage. The St George Yacht Motor Club is up and coming again, however I wouldn’t necessarily recommend going beyond the Bay Rock Cafe. The Movenpick is no longer in an area you want to be in.

I can recommend the hotels we stayed in: Hotel Casa d’Or in Hamra and the Park Tower Suites in Achrafiye. Expect about double the price for the Park Tower, however you’ll get a spotlessly clean one bedroom apartment.

There are tons of restaurants, bars, nightlife. Listing anybody is almost unfair to all the others great places in town. I’ll add locations when I update this page.

Beyond Beirut

• Jeita Grotto: One of the best caves I’ve ever seen. Well organized half-day tour from Beirut. Bring your own car – no need to do this with an organized tour from Beirut.
• Jounieh: Although not recommended in basically all the travel guides that I’ve seen (Lonely Planet etc), I found it certainly to be a nice spot. Stroll through downtown and especially visit some of the beaches further south. Have a look at the Casino du Liban.

• Byblos (Jbail): One of the highlights in Lebanon with a very nice port, a Crusader castle and restaurants. Great day trip from Beirut – or stay here as nightlife is picking up.
• Bakaa Valley: Visit Baalbek for sure. Amazing ruins that match what you see in Italy or Turkey. I was a bit disappointed by Aanjar – rather spend time in Zahle. Zahle is a very nice little town in the hills before going back to Beirut. Stay here at least one night – lots of hotels and restaurants around. Don’t forget to visit the Ksara Winery which is close to Zahle.

Unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to visit other highlights like the Cedars, Tyre (Sour) or the Beiteddine Palace (Beit ad-Din). But Lebanon is full of surprises – some of the nicest people on Earth, great food, an amazing nightlife – and I’ll certainly be back soon.

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Google My Tracks is amazing. Love this app on the G2.

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1. Sitges (Barcelona, Catalonia)

Not just because I lived there for many years… Sitges just has the right combination of a lovely beach, a beautiful town, great nightlife and the most liberal people in Spain. Don’t forget to visit the smaller beach behind the church: San Sebastian.

2. Tamariu (Costa Brava, Catalonia)

The most beautiful beaches in Catalonia. The Costa Brava was and is a perfect vacation spot. Lots of people from Barcelona have their vacation home here. Some excellent beaches to point out:

• Sa Tuna and Aiguafreda
• Tamariu and Aiguablava
• Calella de Palafrugell

3. Los Caños de Meca (Barbate, Andalucia)

Lots of construction in the past years, but still one of my favorites in Andalucia. Also some nice ones along the coast to Zahara de los Atunes.

4. Chiclana de la Frontera (Cádiz, Andalucia)

One of the nicest areas in all of Spain: the coast from Cádiz to Tarifa with its nice white washed villages. Several beautiful beaches: La Barrosa in Chiclana is a favorite one, but there are many others in Conil or Barbate (see above).

5. Matalascañas (Almonte, Andalucia)

Right next to the Parque Nacional de Doñana, Matalascañas has seen many famous visitors. It’s also next to El Rocío – the craziest fiesta in Spain (Pentecost).

6. San Sebastian (Basque Country)

A breathtaking sceneriy with one of Spain’s most beautiful cities: San Sebastian. La Concha is an all time favorite.

7. Formentera (Balearic Islands)

Lots of pros and cons of the Balearic Islands. My favorite is Formentera and its most famous beach is: Ses Illetes.

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