Jiyeh between Coast and History

Jiyeh is a coastal town whose character is shaped by the sea and its history. The Investment Development Authority of Lebanon describes the coast of Jiyeh as being known for its crystal-clear blue sea. This gives your travel planning a clear focus: should your stay be shaped primarily by its coastal setting, or would you also like to include historical themes? When looking for a holiday rental, you can start with this question and use the kind of stay you want as a guide.

Coast, Resort Offerings and History in Jiyeh

Jiyeh Marina Resort is located directly on the coast of Jiyeh. This makes the coast a practical selection criterion, while leaving your travel plans open to other interests.

At the Orchid Beach Resort spa, guests are offered treatments by massage therapists and beauticians. These treatments are part of the resort’s guest services. There is also a specific beach-related point for families: according to the Orchid Beach Resort’s terms of use, children under 18 are not permitted on the beach. This restriction applies to the resort’s beach and should not be read as a general rule for the coast of Jiyeh.

Today’s Maqam al-Nabi Younes in Jiyeh dates from the Mamluk period. An older temple was converted into an Islamic mosque in honor of the Prophet Yunus. Jiyeh therefore offers different themes for travel planning: the coast and the religious history associated with the Maqam.

More Perspectives in the Wider Destination of Mount Lebanon

In the wider destination of Mount Lebanon, the focus shifts from Jiyeh’s coast to the landscapes and cultural heritage of other places. In El-Werhaniyeh, forests cover 35 percent of the village area. They include hundreds of centuries-old oak trees, some of which are over 200 years old, as well as mulberry trees, hawthorns, pines, and other tree species. The Werhaniyeh-Freidis-Barouk Forest Trail starts in El-Werhaniyeh and is used by hikers and people interested in nature. The village also has abundant water resources and freshwater springs; one part of the village is called El-Ayoun, “The Eyes,” because of its many springs.

Cultural themes can also be found across several places in the wider destination of Mount Lebanon. Traditional Lebanese architecture is preserved in El-Werhaniyeh, and the Assaf Museum is officially recognized as a national museum. Maasser Beit el-Din is also known as Ain El-Maasser. Its attractions include a historic 19th-century silk factory; ancient olive presses can be found on Ram Hill. Beiteddine Palace is considered an outstanding example of the 19th-century architectural revival in Mount Lebanon.

Recurring festivals also add their own distinctive touches to regional travel planning. Maasser Beit el-Din holds an annual festival for Saint Elias, the village’s patron saint. It includes a solemn Mass in the village church, a communal dinner, and an exhibition. Barouk-Freidis holds its Apple-Day Festival every year at the end of September. If a festival is important to your travel plans, check the dates for the relevant year’s edition.

Discover more destinations: Beit Al Dine, Aley, Dahr Broummana, Douma, Jezzîne, Ehden, Chtaura, Beirut.

For the wider travel overview: Lebanon.