A coastal Mediterranean city known for its cable car rides to Harissa shrine and active nightlife along the bay. Modern beach resorts line the waterfront promenade.
Jounieh sits 16 kilometers north of Beirut along the coast. Ride bright orange cable cars to the Our Lady of Lebanon statue, watch boats cross the bay, or walk through underground caves at Jeita Grotto. During daylight hours, explore stone archways and small shops in the old market district. At night, spot neon lights from the Casino du Liban reflecting on the water. Summer brings paragliders circling above pine-covered hills and live music events at Fouad Chehab Stadium. Eat grilled fish at seaside restaurants or follow trails through villages built on steep slopes.
Ride the Téléphérique Cable Cars
Start at Jounieh’s waterfront station and board orange cable cars for a nine-minute ride to Harissa. The téléphérique rises 550 meters above red-roofed homes and olive groves, giving clear views of the curved bay. At the top, walk through gardens to the white marble Our Lady of Lebanon statue, a pilgrimage site for Maronite Catholics. On days with good visibility, you’ll see Beirut’s buildings to the south and Byblos’ harbor to the north. Plan your return trip before sunset to catch golden light shimmering on the water from fishing boats below.
Visit the Casino du Liban
This gaming complex holds blackjack tables, slot machines, and theater shows under crystal chandeliers. Arrive by mid-afternoon to study painted ceilings and large windows overlooking the bay. Evening guests can watch cabaret acts while drinking mixed drinks at the rooftop bar. Formal attire is required after 7 PM, but casual clothing works for daytime visits. The casino’s hilltop position makes its lit-up exterior visible across Jounieh after dark.
Discover Jeita Grotto’s Caves
Drive 20 minutes northeast to Jeita Grotto, where limestone formations developed over millions of years. Tour the upper cave’s lit pathways to see stalactites shaped like frozen waterfalls. Take a rowboat through the lower cave’s green-tinted lake, where guides point out rock formations like the “Capitol Columns.” Cameras aren’t allowed inside to protect the environment. The caves close every Monday and during winter floods, with tickets costing 20,000 Lebanese pounds.
Paraglide from Ghosta Village
Book a tandem flight with Skymasters Lebanon, launching from Ghosta’s hills near Harissa. After a brief safety lesson, run down a grassy slope with an instructor to catch air currents. Flights last 15–20 minutes, floating above citrus groves and beach clubs. From high altitudes, the Casino du Liban looks like a small glowing cube. Morning flights have steadier winds, while late afternoon rides bathe the coast in warm light. Reserve spots weeks ahead for July or August trips.
Walk Through the Old Market and Seaside Promenade
Jounieh’s historic market keeps Ottoman-era stone arches and iron balconies. Shop for olive oil soap, metal coffee pots, and patterned textiles, then stop at a café for fresh lemonade with mint. The nearby seaside path runs 3 kilometers past restaurants like Al Sultan Brahim, where staff suggest dishes based on the day’s fish haul. On Saturdays and Sundays, families ride Ferris wheels at Dream Park or drive go-karts at the Zouk Mosbeh track 5 kilometers north.
Join Summer Concerts and Religious Events
Each July, the Jounieh International Festival turns Fouad Chehab Stadium into a concert space. Previous acts include Imagine Dragons and Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram, with shows starting after 9 PM to skip the daytime heat. In late spring, the Corpus Christi procession draws crowds laying flower petals along a 2-kilometer path from St. George’s Church to the coast. Local bakeries sell maamoul cookies stuffed with dates or walnuts during festivals.
Hike Hillside Trails Near the City
Follow a marked path from Sahel Alma village to Harissa through Ghadir, climbing 500 meters past grape terraces in two hours. Chnaniir Nature Village, a 10-minute drive from central Jounieh, has shorter trails through pine woods with views of multiple cities. Wear shoes with thick soles for rocky sections and bring water—shaded areas become rare after mid-morning. Start hikes at dawn during summer to avoid temperatures above 30°C.
Travel Tips
Jounieh has dry summers from April to October and mild winters with occasional rain. Many hotels line the bay, including mid-priced choices like BURJ on BAY with balconies facing the téléphérique. Shared taxis from Beirut’s Charles Helou Station cost roughly 15,000 Lebanese pounds and leave every hour. Skip visits during Easter and other major religious holidays when roads to Harissa close.
