Things To Do
in El Fanar
El Fanar is a scenic coastal village just north of Beirut, perched along the Mediterranean with panoramic sea views and a relaxed village atmosphere. Its name, meaning 'the lighthouse,' hints at its maritime heritage and the hillside vantage points that overlook Jounieh Bay. The town pairs fresh seafood restaurants with easy access to the Keserwan mountains, making it a convenient base for both sea and hillside exploration.
Visitors can enjoy a friendly Lebanese welcome, a breezy corniche walk, and day trips to nearby historical and natural sites along the coast and into the hills.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in El Fanar and settle into a cozy guesthouse. Take a leisurely walk through the charming village streets, absorbing the rustic atmosphere and local architecture. Visit a nearby café to enjoy a traditional Lebanese breakfast with fresh bread and labneh.
Visit local artisan workshops to see traditional crafts such as pottery and weaving. Enjoy a light lunch featuring mezze with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Take a guided hike to explore the surrounding natural landscapes and panoramic views of the Lebanese mountains.
Dine at a family-run restaurant offering authentic Lebanese cuisine. Participate in an evening storytelling session or live traditional music event to immerse yourself in local culture. End the day stargazing in the clear mountain skies.
Visit the nearby historical sites and ancient churches to learn about El Fanar's rich heritage. Explore a small local museum showcasing the village’s history and traditions. Enjoy a coffee break at a scenic overlook with views of the valley below.
Join a cooking class focused on traditional Lebanese dishes like kibbeh and tabbouleh. Meet local chefs and learn family recipes passed down through generations. Walk through olive groves and learn about the significance of olive oil in Lebanese culture.
Relax in your guesthouse with a homemade dinner prepared by your hosts. Engage in a cultural exchange with locals, hearing stories about village life and customs. Take a twilight stroll to appreciate the peaceful village ambiance at dusk.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-4 |
| 🥖Manakish or street snack | $1-3 |
| 🏨One night in budget hotel | $40-70 |
| 🚗Short taxi ride within town | $4-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning coastal scenery with easy access to hills and beaches
- Warm Lebanese hospitality and excellent mezze and seafood
- Limited nightlife within El Fanar itself; more options in nearby towns or Beirut
- Cost of living can be higher and prices fluctuate with currency conditions
- "مرحبا" - Hello
- "من فضلك" - Please
- "شكراً" - Thank you
- "كم السعر؟" - How much is this?
- "أين الحمام؟" - Where is the bathroom?
- "هل تقبلون الدفع بالبطاقة؟" - Do you accept card payments?
- "هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟" - Do you speak English?
- "مساعدة" - Help
Places to Visit in El Fanar
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic seaside stretch ideal for sunrise and sunset photography with boats, blue water, and limestone cliffs as a backdrop.
Coastal vantage point near the lighthouse offering dramatic sea horizons and cliff lines for landscape shots.
Panoramic views over Jounieh Bay and the coast; include the statue in your composition for a iconic Lebanese coastal scene.
Colorful boats, narrow quay, and the cable car approach provide dynamic waterfront photos, especially at blue hour.
Food in El Fanar
El Fanar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant fish and rice dish from the coast, regularly seasoned with onions, spices, and pine nuts. Look for it at seaside restaurants for an authentic coastal flavor.
Must-Try!
Stone-baked flatbread topped with thyme, sesame, and olive oil; a staple breakfast or snack found at many bakeries and cafés.
Freshly caught fish, simply seasoned and grilled, commonly served with lemon wedges and herbs.
Crispy bulgur shells filled with spiced meat or vegetarian alternatives; a popular mezze option across Lebanon.
Bright herb-based salads with fresh vegetables, olive oil, and lemon; perfect as a light accompaniment or vegetarian main.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Fresh catches and seafood prepared on the spot or taken to nearby restaurants. A great place to see daily life and taste the freshest fish.
Local bakeries offer warm manakish, sesame-scented breads, and sweets perfect for a quick snack or breakfast.
Small vendors grill skewers, halloumi, and falafel—great for a casual bite while strolling the promenade.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a warm ‘Salam’ or ‘Marhaba.’ Hospitality is valued, and sharing mezze is common among friends and family.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered in more conservative areas.
Handshake is common; direct eye contact is respectful. Public displays of affection are less common in traditional settings.
Ask for permission before photographing people or private spaces; be respectful at religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in El Fanar
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of around 10-15% is customary if service is not included. Small tips for baristas and taxi drivers are appreciated.
Cash is widely used; USD is commonly accepted in tourist areas. Many places also accept credit/debit cards, but some smaller venues may be cash-only or rely on mobile payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid days with refreshing sea breezes; peak beach season. Bring sun protection, stay hydrated, and plan coastal activities early in the day to beat the heat.
Mild and wet with cooler evenings; rain is possible. Pack a light rain jacket and enjoy indoor dining and hillside strolls on dry days.
Pleasant temperatures and blooming hills make for great hiking and photography; occasional showers are possible—carry a light layer and a compact umbrella.
Comfortable, sunny days with cooler evenings; ideal for coastal walks, outdoor dining, and short hikes before sunset.
El Fanar at Night
Hiking in El Fanar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A collection of easy to moderate ridge walks with coastal panoramas, wildflowers in spring, and village teashops along the way.
Forested areas around Jeita provide shaded trails and scenic overlooks, accessible from El Fanar with a short drive.
Airports
How to reach El Fanar by plane.
Located near Beirut, about a 20–40 minute drive from El Fanar depending on traffic; gateway for international arrivals and departures with connections to regional destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Christian and Muslim communities, with strong family networks and hospitality culture.
International visitors and expatriates frequently explore the Keserwan coast for recreation and hill country experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Lebanon; you’ll see local leagues and casual games in coastal towns and urban centers.
Popular in schools and clubs, with courts across municipalities and occasional regional tournaments.
Swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling are common along the coast, especially in calmer summer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting El Fanar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Lebanese cuisine offers abundant vegetarian options: hummus, mutabbal, falafel, fattoush, tabbouleh, grilled vegetables, and bread with olive oil. Tell staff you want no meat or dairy if needed and seek dishes built from legumes, grains, and vegetables.