Sidon and Tyre

Sidon, Lebanon's third-largest city, was one of the most significant and possibly the oldest Phoenician cities. It played a key role in establishing a vast Mediterranean commercial empire through its ports. Homer praised Sidon’s artisans for their expertise in glassmaking, purple dye production, and embroidery. Since the 14th century BC, the coastal town of Saida has been a major trade hub, particularly with Egypt. Between the 12th and 10th centuries BC, Sidon flourished due to the lucrative trade of murex shells, which produced a rare and highly valued purple dye—eventually leading to the species’ overexploitation. Notably, Sidon’s settlers went on to establish the city of Tyre. 

Tyre, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, was at times reduced to a small population during the medieval period. As an early Phoenician metropolis, it is linked to the legendary figures Europa, her brothers Cadmus and Phoenix, and Carthage's founder, Dido (Elissa). Tyre is home to numerous ancient sites, including the Tyre Hippodrome, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. The city fell under Roman rule in 64 BCE and became renowned for its textiles and the prized purple dye extracted from Murex sea snails—a substance valued more than gold and associated with wealth and royalty. By the 2nd century CE, Tyre had a significant Christian community and was the burial site of the Christian scholar Origen. 

Saida and Tyre are both in the south of Lebanon. We recommend going to both cities on the same trip, as they are both on the same route. Leave Beirut at 9 am to arrive in Saida around 30 minutes later. Then explore Saida’s port and old souk for around 2 hours. After Saida, drive to Tyre, this takes around 40 minutes. When you get to Tyre, spend the day on the beach, have lunch (we recommend fish), then explore Tyre’s old Christian town, followed by Tyre’s market.