For a country with just 4 million inhabitants Lebanon's allure is great, so great that it has drawn half that number in visitors over the past year or so. Tourists from other states in the Middle East and Europeans are taking cheap flights to Lebanon in greater and greater numbers as the troubles that have punctuated life there over the past few years recede.
Lebanon, perched on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, with Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, has a long and fascinating history. Numerous civilizations (the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, Mamlukes and Ottomans) have shaped it and the land is studded with historical monuments and archaeological sites. Within short distances - you can drive from north to south in less than three hours - you can see temples built by the Romans, mosques built by the Mameluks and hammams (or Turkish baths) built by the Ottomans.
It has natural wonders too. Lebanon is one of the few countries where you can bask on the beach in the morning and go skiing in the afternoon (ski resorts include Fa’ara and Faraya). Its first, long-distance hiking route opened in 2007. It extends along the Mount Lebanon range, from Qbaiyat to Marjaayoun, and follows in the footsteps of traders and shepherds through national parks, nature reserves and small villages.
Beirut is capital, a rebuilt city now with mosques and churches, busy markets, happening nightclubs (serving some of the world’s best wines - Chateau Musar, Chateau Ksara, Chateau Kifraya, and Masaya) and the timeless Corniche. The local population are world-class party people. A night out starts with dinner at 10pm and often finishes with breakfast the next day.