Bekaa Valley

Heavily cultivated over millennia (the valley was one of Rome’s breadbaskets), the fertile, pastoral Bekaa Valley is actually a high plateau between the Mt Lebanon and Jebel Libnan Ash Sharqiyya (Anti-Lebanon) ranges. It's idyllically beautiful in parts and is home to the marvellous ruins of Baalbek. Caution is required here though: the valley is Hezbollah heartland and also produces a significant illegal marijuana crop. Its proximity to Syria means that the security situation can change rapidly: be sure to have up-to-date information before visiting.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Temple of Bacchus
Baalbek
Baalbek's Temple of Bacchus is often described as the most beautifully decorated temple in the Roman world, and it's certainly one of the best preserved…
Baalbek Ruins
Baalbek
Dominating the centre of modern Baalbek, this wonderful Roman temple complex is one of the Middle East's major archaeological highlights. The monumental…
Temple of Jupiter
Baalbek
This temple was built on a monumental scale and is one of the largest Roman temples known. Dedicated to Jupiter Heliopolitanus, it was built from the 1st…
Temple of Venus
Baalbek
Opposite the entrance to the main ruins is the exquisite Temple of Venus, which preserves a section of a circular building with fluted columns. During the…
Chateau Kefraya
Bekaa Valley
One of only a couple of wineries in Lebanon that you can currently visit without pre-booking, this produces quality wines of all three colours. You might…
Chateau Ksara
Bekaa Valley
A winery that you don't have to prebook, Ksara is a reliable producer that offers tours and tastings. The tour includes a visit to an atmospheric Roman…