Road trips
Weekend Getaways from Beirut by Car
Six easy weekend getaways from Beirut by car: Batroun, Byblos, the Chouf, Zahle, Faraya and Ehden - with driving distances and what to do in each.
Updated · 6 min read
One of the best things about living in or visiting Beirut is how quickly you can leave the city behind. With a rental car, a Friday-evening departure can put you on a beach, in a mountain village or among vineyards in an hour or two. Here are six weekend getaways from Beirut, with approximate driving distances.
Batroun - beaches and sunsets (about 55 km)
Batroun combines a relaxed old town, a Phoenician sea wall, small beaches and lively seafront bars. Nearby you can visit the Mseilha Fort, perched on a rock beside the old road inland. It is an easy drive up the coast and a favourite summer weekend escape.
Byblos - history by the sea (about 40 km)
Spend a weekend exploring Byblos's ancient ruins, Crusader castle, old souk and fishing harbour. Combine it with the Jeita Grotto caves and the Harissa shrine on the way.
The Chouf - stone villages and cedars (about 45 km)
Stay in a guesthouse in Deir el Qamar or nearby villages, visit Beiteddine Palace and walk among the cedars of the Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve. The mountain air is noticeably cooler than Beirut in summer.
Zahle and the Bekaa - food and wine (about 50 km)
Cross the mountains to Zahle, known for its riverside restaurants along the Berdawni, then tour Bekaa Valley wineries. Add a morning at Baalbek or the Umayyad ruins of Anjar to make a full weekend.
Faraya - snow in winter, hikes in summer (about 50 km)
In winter, Faraya and Mzaar Kfardebian are Lebanon's best-known ski destination. In the warmer months, the same area offers hiking and mountain views. Read our winter driving tips before going in snow season.
Ehden - summer in the north (about 110 km)
Ehden is a classic summer escape, with a busy main square, restaurants and the Horsh Ehden nature reserve. Combine it with Bsharri and the Qadisha Valley.
Book early for long weekends
Guesthouses and rental cars are in high demand during summer, public holidays and the ski season. Reserve your car with Avis Lebanon or Budget Lebanon as soon as your dates are fixed.
Looking for more ideas? See top places to visit in Lebanon by car.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest beach getaway from Beirut?
Byblos (about 40 km) and Batroun (about 55 km) are popular coastal getaways north of Beirut, reachable in around an hour outside peak traffic.
Where can I go from Beirut to escape the summer heat?
Mountain areas such as the Chouf, Faraya and Ehden are noticeably cooler than the coast in summer and are easy weekend drives from Beirut.
