10 Reasons Lebanon Belongs on Your Winter Travel List
From 40 km of ski slopes in Mzaar Kfardebian to Beirut nightlife, cozy stays, and Lebanese food, discover the best winter experiences for Egyptian travelers.
Quick answer
Lebanon offers several winter experiences for Egyptian travelers, from skiing and snow activities at Mzaar Kfardebian and Zaarour Club to the high-altitude slopes of The Cedars in Bsharri. Couples and families can combine mountain days with Beirut’s nightlife, Lebanese food, and cozy winter stays. Check current entry requirements and travel advisories before booking.
Why Lebanon Should Be on Your Winter Travel List: 8 Reasons, Ranked by Broad Appeal
Mzaar Kfardebian Ski Resort
Lebanon's largest ski resort sits just over an hour from Beirut in the Keserwan-Jbeil mountains, making it the most accessible snow destination in the country. With 42 slopes covering every skill level, from gentle beginner runs to steeper terrain that keeps experienced skiers busy, it's the obvious first stop for any Egyptian traveler curious about skiing. The ski season typically runs December through April. Day passes and lift tickets are priced in USD on-site; verify current rates at mzaarskiresort.com and check the EGP equivalent at cbe.org.eg before you book.
Best for: first-time skiers and groups who want full infrastructure, restaurants, and après-ski in one place.
Faraya Village
Faraya is the mountain village that sits directly beside the Mzaar slopes, and it turns into a full social scene each December and January. Festive dinners and weekend parties fill the chalets, and you can leave central Beirut after breakfast and be on snow in under 60 minutes. Accommodation ranges from boutique chalets to small hotels; prices run from roughly $$$ a night depending on whether you book a ski-in property or a village guesthouse. Verify current nightly rates in EGP at booking time.
Best for: groups and couples who want the mountain buzz without staying in the resort complex itself.
Cedars Ski Resort, Bsharri
At roughly 2,850 metres above sea level, Cedars is Lebanon's highest ski destination and the one most likely to have reliable snow cover through the season. The resort sits adjacent to the Cedars of God forest, a grove of ancient Lebanese cedar trees that is one of the country's most recognizable natural landmarks. Off the slopes, the nearby Qannoubine Monastery adds a cultural detour that takes under 30 minutes to reach. The drive from Beirut is approximately 2.5 hours north, making it better suited to an overnight stay than a quick day trip.
Best for: skiers who want altitude combined with a cultural and natural setting.
Mar Mikhael and Gemmayze, Beirut
Winter shifts Beirut's nightlife from rooftop terraces to indoor venues, and Mar Mikhael is where that happens best. The stretch along Armenia Street packs bars, live-music spots, and casual restaurants within a 10-minute walk of each other. BO18, a multi-room indoor club known for electronic and house DJs, pulls a late crowd on weekends. The neighbouring Gemmayze street adds wine bars and jazz venues for a slower pace. Most bars open from around 8 PM; plan to stay past midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Budget roughly EGP 800 to EGP 1,500 per person for drinks across an evening, though check the current EGP-to-USD rate at cbe.org.eg as most venues price in USD.
Best for: nightlife travelers and anyone who wants to experience Beirut's famous energy in a concentrated area.
Baalbek Roman Temples
Baalbek is home to the largest Roman temple complex ever built, set in the Bekaa Valley about 85 kilometres northeast of Beirut. The Temple of Jupiter and the remarkably preserved Temple of Bacchus are the centrepieces; some of the stones used in construction weigh an estimated 800 tonnes. Winter visits are quieter than summer, with fewer tour groups and cooler air that makes walking the site more comfortable. A guided day trip from Beirut, including Anjar and lunch in Zahlé, typically costs from around USD 55 per adult on small-group tours as of 2026, per Tripadvisor listings. Convert to EGP at cbe.org.eg.
Best for: history-first travelers who want a day outside the capital.
Byblos (Jbeil) Old Town
Byblos has been continuously inhabited since roughly 7000 BCE, making it one of the oldest cities on Earth, and the Phoenicians developed the alphabet here. The old town clusters around a medieval crusader castle, a Phoenician temple site, and a small fishing harbour. In winter, the harbour-side restaurants stay open and the souvenir stalls thin out, giving the stone alleys a calmer feel than in peak summer. Byblos is about 37 kilometres north of Beirut. A public bus from Beirut's Charles Helou station costs around USD 2 per trip per TravelWithHello 2026; confirm current EGP equivalent at cbe.org.eg.
Best for: history buffs and day-trippers who want coast plus archaeology in a few hours.
Lebanese Mezze and Street Food Scene
Lebanese food is a reason to visit on its own. A full mezze spread, which starts with hummus, tabbouleh, and fattoush before moving to grilled meats and kibbeh, is the standard way to eat. Budget-conscious travelers can cover 3 meals a day on roughly USD 10 to USD 30, while a sit-down mezze restaurant like the well-regarded Em Sherif in Beirut runs closer to USD 60 per person for a full spread, per traveler reports from 2026. For street-level eating, Souk el Tayeb in Beirut runs a weekly farmers market popular with locals. All prices are in USD on-site; convert to EGP at cbe.org.eg before you budget.
Best for: food-focused travelers of any budget.
Jeita Grotto
Jeita Grotto is a system of 2 interconnected limestone caves stretching roughly 9 kilometres in total length, located about 18 kilometres north of Beirut. The lower cave is navigated by boat through an underground river, while the upper cave is explored on foot. It's one of Lebanon's most visited natural attractions and stays open year-round, making it an easy half-day addition to a Beirut base. Small-group tours from Beirut that combine Jeita with Harissa and Byblos start from around USD 30 per adult as of 2026 per Tripadvisor. Check EGP equivalent at cbe.org.eg before booking.
Best for: families and nature travelers looking for a half-day excursion with a dramatic payoff.
