Chouf road trip with amazing natural sceneries
Chouf is one of Lebanon’s top destinations, famous for its natural beauty, rich history, vibrant culture, and more! The region was once home to Lebanon's Emirs, particularly the Druze ruler Emir Fakhr Al-Din II, who gained significant influence in the Ottoman Empire during the 17th century. He is widely regarded as the founder of modern Lebanon. Chouf is situated to the southeast of Beirut.
Chouf is in the Lebanese mountains and has amazing nature, full of rivers and hills with beautiful views. We recommend taking a long trip. Overall it will take about 2.5/3 hours in the car. It is a beautiful drive through the mountains. We recommend leaving early from Beirut and stopping at Jahliyeh trail for a walk and a swim in the river, followed by a drive to Deir Al Qamar to see Beit El Dine then Moussa castle and then driving up to the cedars forest for an amazing hike. On the way to the cedars forest, we recommend stopping at Shallalat Nabeh Merched restaurant for lunch, then after the walk in the cedars forest, an early dinner and a drink with a view at Beyt El Jabal to enjoy the sunset while eating organic locally grown food!
Places to stay and/or eat in Chouf:
- Shallalat Nabeh Merched enjoy an authentic Lebanese lunch surrounded by beautiful waterfalls.
- Mir Amin Palace is Lebanon's best example of early 19th-century Lebanese architecture. Emir Bechir El Chehab II built it, also known as Emir Bashir the Great (1767-1850), for his son Prince Amin
- Beyt El Jabal guest house is an amazing place to stay and/or eat.
- Bouyouti Chouf Bouyouti is an upscale guesthouse, with a swimming pool and mountain views.
- Bkerzay is an eco-friendly conservation project aiming to preserve the region's natural beauty! It is a guesthouse with a restaurant, a wellness centre, a pottery studio, and a swimming pool.
- Deir Al Oumara is a historic hotel and restaurant. First built as a palace in 1827, you can stay and/or eat with an amazing view of the mountains.
Jahliyeh Waterfall Trail
Beit El Dine
Moussa Castle
A slightly tacky castle that was built 60 years ago and features wax models showing old Lebanon. It is a testament to the love of a woman and the stubbornness of its creator. Filled with strange mechanical tableaux, a life-size recreation of the Last Supper, and probably the most extensive collection of guns and weaponry you’ll ever see.
Cedar Forest Reserve