Summer's Top 10 Picks

Four Seasons Hotel Beirut Chef Concierge Roxane Fersane shares this season's top ten picks and other suggestions for shopping, dining, activities and more, to make your stay in Beirut this summer a memorable one.

1. Hike and Swim in Jannet Chouwen Valley and River

Hike a swim in the splendid wild nature of Jannet Chouwen valley and river, located 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Beirut. Jannet Chouwen is one of the most picturesque places in Jbeil Caza. Experience the pleasure of hiking in majestic nature, mixed forests with oak, pine and many other plant species, until you reach the lake. There you can relax under the shade of the trees or swim in the clean transparent water.

2. Explore the Lebanese Coast by Boat

Get out of the comfortable confines of your room at Four Seasons Hotel Beirut and into the sunshine and sea breeze of the Mediterranean Sea. A boat trip along the Lebanese coast is the ultimate backdrop to your vacation and a great way to experience some of the best attraction spots in Lebanon such as the Pigeon Rocks, Jounieh Bay and Byblos, while allowing the country's breathtaking scenery to unfold before your eyes.

3. Visit the Baatara Gorge Waterfall

The Baatara gorge sinkhole is a waterfall in Tannourine near Balaa and a popular destination for nature lovers as well as outdoor enthusiasts. The waterfall drops 255 metres (835 feet) into the Baatara Pothole, a cave of Jurassic limestone located on the Lebanon Mountain Trail. Make sure to visit during the warm season while the bridges are in full bloom.

4. Discover Al Shouf Cedar Reserve

With an area of 550 square kilometres (210 square miles), Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve is the largest nature reserve in the Middle East and is an important bird and eco-tourism area. It hosts 32 species of wild mammals, 200 species of birds and 500 species of plants. Hike in the forest and admire its beautiful species or rent a bicycle from the Shouf Biosphere Reserve and cycle along the trail.

5. Take a Day Trip to Zahlé

Zahlé is the capital of the Bekaa Governorate. This city is famous for its pleasant climate, numerous riverside restaurants and quality arak. The main attractions of Zahlé and surroundings are the numerous wineries and vineyards, most of which offer free tours and wine tasting. Don't miss having lunch at Tawlet Ammiq, an eco-friendly restaurant that celebrates food and traditions by supporting small-scale farmers and producers.

6. Shop for Souvenirs at Orient 499

An enchanting boutique in Clemenceau, Orient 499 showcases the finest of local and regional handicraft with a modernised twist. When visiting Orient 499 you feel like travelling the region – there are goods from Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia, select fabrics and objects from India, linen from Belgium and Italy, glassware from Turkey and Sarafand in South Lebanon. Transcending time, Orient 499 is your go-to address for some Oriental souvenirs.

7. Escape Beirut's Heat at Le Montagnou

The summer season in Beirut always promises to be quite sizzling. For those of you who prefer to head to the mountains to beat the excessive Beirut heat, Le Montagnou offers a cool mountain refuge with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Spend the day relaxing by the infinity pool surrounded by spectacular landscape, and watch the sun set while sipping on your favorite drink. Your day could not end any better.

8. Have a Tasty Lebanese Meal by the Sea at Jammal

A wonderful fish restaurant right on the sea in north Lebanon, with a beautiful setting in a tiny bay. Jammal serves high-class fresh seafood, including exquisite cold and hot mezze and salads. Their outdoor terrace almost touches the sea and there is a little spot for sun tanning and swimming.

9. Visit Tahet El Rih - The Little Greece Of Lebanon

A simplified replica of Greek islands with white and turquoise wooden cabins and chalets overlooking the Mediterranean, Tahet El Rih public beach, located in Anfeh, a little over an hour from Beirut, offers crystal-clear waters - ideal for swimming, snorkeling and deep-sea diving - and an array of delicious little cafés, with Lebanese mezze, sea views and beach access, perfect for a chilled day under the sun.

10. Experience Summer Music Festivals

With summer being the busiest season of the year, Lebanon hosts several large festivals headlining big name acts, including Lebanese and international performers. Extending over several weeks, these internationally renowned events are held at major historical sites, including Baalbek and Beiteddine, providing a spectacular backdrop for performers and unforgettable moments for you.