Top 5 Tyros Day Trips: Explore Lebanon’s Hidden Gems

Tyros, this really lovely coastal town in South Lebanon, serves as a fantastic jumping-off point for some truly special day trips. That is to say, there are a bunch of awesome places you might want to explore nearby. Known for its well-preserved Roman and Phoenician ruins, plus some absolutely stunning beaches, Tyros kind of draws visitors looking to soak up some history and unwind by the sea. So, if you are hanging out in Tyros and want to see a bit more of what Lebanon offers, here are five day trips you totally won’t want to miss!

1. Sidon (Saida): A Coastal City with a Storied Past

Just a short ride up the coast from Tyros is Sidon, which is also called Saida. It’s almost like stepping back in time here. So, this old city boasts a history going back thousands of years. Apparently, it’s even been said to be one of the most important Phoenician cities ever. Nowadays, you might take a casual stroll through its winding alleyways. As a matter of fact, they’re packed with souks, also think traditional markets, old mosques, plus Crusader castles.

One absolute must-see is Sidon Sea Castle. By the way, it’s a medieval fortress built by the Crusaders way back in the 13th century. It is kind of set on a little island connected to the mainland by a stone bridge. Apparently, the views from the towers are pretty awesome. Next, you’ve got the Soap Museum, it’s really an old soap factory showing the story of soap making in the region, and the Debbane Palace, that’s a seriously stunning example of Ottoman architecture.

Getting There: So, regular buses and taxis make the trip from Tyros to Sidon. The drive tends to be roughly 30 to 45 minutes.

Why Visit: Sidon gives you this awesome combination of history and culture all in a great coastal setting. Plus, it’s so very close to Tyros! So, the bustling souks, also, the old architecture are very Instagrammable.

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2. Maghdouche: Pilgrimage and Panoramic Views

Venture a bit inland, is that, and you’ll find Maghdouche. More or less, it’s home to the Shrine of Our Lady of Mantara. Now that, too it’s almost an important Christian pilgrimage site. Reportedly, it is believed to be where the Virgin Mary waited for Jesus. That’s to say, she went to Sidon.

Aside from its religious value, the town provides some awesome panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the coastline. Apparently, it’s super calm, which presents a refreshing contrast to the coast towns.

Getting There: Taking a taxi tends to be the way to go, too it’s almost a drive of about 45 minutes from Tyros.

Why Visit: It offers a very special spiritual and visual experience, as a matter of fact. So, the blend of religious significance and gorgeous landscapes makes it one special trip.

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3. Jezzine: Waterfalls and Pine Forests

Now, head northeast, yet, and you’re going to stumble into Jezzine. More or less, this is a mountain town renowned for its natural beauty. It seems like it’s just full of pine forests, cliffs, and, obviously, most famously, the Jezzine Waterfall. You are likely to spend time outdoors, actually, go for hikes in the forest trails, enjoy some traditional Lebanese cuisine. The view’s just pretty wonderful!

The Falls are probably the biggest draw in Jezzine. It looks almost like the cascade comes down some really towering cliffs into a gorgeous valley. Plenty of eateries have been established, and so visitors may sample regional fare as they have fantastic views over the waterfalls.

Getting There: Transport is easiest by way of a taxi or a hired car, by the way, so it’s roughly a one hour’s trip from Tyros.

Why Visit: You are getting nature vibes here, that is to say. So, the waterfall, pine forests, and some peaceful environment offer this much-needed escape from urban beaches.

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4. Beaufort Castle (Qalaat Shqif): A Crusader Fortress with a View

Perched pretty high on a hilltop in South Lebanon, just so it’s called Qalaat Shqif in Arabic, Beaufort Castle gives tourists a taste of crusader construction. Apparently, with its strategic spot, you see views looking right into Southern Lebanon, also all the way down into northern Israel. As a matter of fact, its really something!

So, as you begin walking around the fort, start trying to feel and respect all the happenings this structure have experienced. Once you are finished exploring Beaufort Castle, do visit the close by Nabatieh, actually. As a matter of fact, it’s a thriving area well known for its market places as well as fantastic food scene. Enjoy neighborhood specialties, like, you are having tasty pastries.

Getting There: The perfect method of getting to Beaufort Castle seems like driving, because public transport selections seem quite constrained in that location. Supposedly, expect just more than one hour’s commute to get to Tyros, it is possible that.

Why Visit: If you have a thing for fortresses as well as taking in spectacular vistas, this is obviously, very right up your alley. See old past, and have this, pretty fantastic picture!

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5. The coastline toward the South (Naqoura)

The trip of the Southern shore coming from Tyros headed for Naqoura presents a calmer and more laid-back feel than the area towards Sidon, clearly. The beaches right here feel cleaner and are definitely a whole lot less crowded, in a way. Apparently, this location happens to be especially pleasant when you intend to simply calm down away from loud spots.

Basically, go to the shore at Naqoura. Take pleasure in sun bathing at clean shores while appreciating the ocean view. As a matter of fact, don’t forget to check up on the UNIFIL head office even while in this area, that is to say. It actually presents just a peek into world peacekeeping efforts.

Getting There: Go get either on a bus as well as rent a cab coming from Tyros. Basically, the commute should be like 20-30 mins roughly.

Why Visit: It’s all about rest. Basically, relish a laid back ambiance along lovely stretches of shores that typically usually tend to be less loud spots.

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