Top 10 Best Lakes To Visit In Lebanon
Located at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian hinterland, between Syria and Israel, Lebanon has been known for its rich culture and ... read more...history. However, one of the reasons that help Lebanon to become one of the most famous places to visit in Western Asia is its beautiful nature, especially its magically beautiful lakes. In this list, we’ll give you 10 of the best lakes in Lebanon that are absolutely worth traveling to.
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Aaquora is a highland village located in Lebanon's Mount Lebanon Governorate's Byblos District. Northern Beirut is 68 kilometers away. Aaqoura's entire land area is about 140 square kilometers, and its average elevation is 1,600 meters above sea level. In there lie the Aaquoura Lakes.
In the land area of Aaqoura, there’re a number of lakes in various shapes and sizes. However, they all have one thing in common, which is their beautiful green water. People believe that this distinctive color comes from the intention of the Natural Gods when they create this place. The color makes the lakes match so well with the whole land, creating breathtakingly beautiful scenery that many tourists love.
The well-known mountain ranges that encircle and safeguard the settlement of Aaqoura are its most notable feature. During the various battles in Lebanon and the surrounding area, these mountains have served as a haven for the residents of Aaqoura. At the top of these mountains, you’ll be able to witness the whole view of the Aaquoura Lakes and feel the beauty that nature has given to this place.
After visiting Aaqoura lakes, on the way back you can also visit Batroun's old souk and port, overlooking the old harbor/fishermen’s port is the Maronite Saint.
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Taanayel is approximately one hour drive from Beirut. Take the Beirut-Damascus Highway out of the city until you reach Dahr Al Baidar, continue to Masnaa Road, and you’ll find the pretty village of Taanayel and its beautiful Taanayel lake that was described as “true haven that can be visited all year long”.
Visiting Taanayel Lake, you’re guaranteed a beautiful view. Moreover, this is also a perfect perfect place for you to have some time for yourself. The stunning scenery of Taanayel Lake blends perfectly with the quiet atmosphere of nature, in contrast with the majestic mountains surrounding the area. This magical spot is also home to many animals and birds. For a unique experience, you can take a trip in a horse-drawn carriage or even ride a horse and race on the banks of the lake. Just keep in mind that all activities are weather dependent.
The natural village where Taanayel Lake is located also includes many other distinctive features like forests, giant trees, beautiful villages with farms, etc. Tourists can also enjoy a range of activities from hiking, cycling, and horseback riding to enjoying wholesome food.
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Chouwen is located 40km away from Beirut and is 600m above sea level. Jannet Chouwen is one of the most picturesque places in Lebanon. The stream runs down the mountain and flows into the "Nahr-Ibrahim" river better known as the river of the god Adonis. Visiting this area, you will have the chance to witness the beauty of the fabulous Chouwen lake.
Chouwen Lake as well as the trail leading to it are truly marvelous. The lake has a beautiful light green color, surrounded by high mountains and majestic forests. If you don’t mind trying a little bit of adventure, don’t hesitate to try the most famous trial. It could be a bit dusty and a bit rough, but the highlight of the rail will be the panoramic balcony where you can witness the whole view of the Chouwen Lake from above. And once you reached the lake, don’t waste a second getting into the freezing river! The water is really nice and clean compared to other places in Lebanon. So for those who are courageous, be sure to pack your swimsuit.
It takes quite a long time and difficult route to fully enjoy the beauty of the Chouwen lake, so tourists are suggested to bring lunch and important tools for hiking.
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The Dark Lake is the underground lake in the lower cave of the Jeita Grotto – The famous caves of Lebanon that were one of the top 14 finalists in the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition. The caves are located in the Nahr al-Kalb valley, 18 kilometers (11 mi) north of Beirut. The lower cave was discovered in 1836 by Reverend William Thomson. It can only be visited by boat since it channels an underground river that provides fresh drinking water to more than a million Lebanese.
While the upper cave contains a great concentration of a variety of crystallized formations such as stalactites, columns, ponds, curtains, and draperies, the lower cave contains a smooth underwater river and our beautiful Dark Lake. In a massive hall with impressive speleothems, Dark lake appears to be a mysterious lake that reflects the structure of the cave stunningly. Visiting this lake, visitors will be able to witness a wonderful cave view lighten up by a system of lighting that enhances all the cave’s features. Moreover, enjoying the view on a small boat is also a unique experience that many tourists favor.
From the upper cave, visitors can transport to the lower cave by electric boats for a distance of 500 meters (1,600 ft). In winter the lower level is closed when the water level is too high. So you might want to travel to the Dark Lake at some other times of the year.
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Above the village of Faraya Lebanon, 40 kilometers northeast of Beirut located the Faraya-Chabrouh Dam. The dam was inaugurated in 2007 and has a height of 63 meters. This place is located in the rural area of Lebanon and is surrounded by farmland. In this dam lays a beautiful lake that is Chabrouh Lake. The water from this lake is used from the reservoir to irrigate the lands, providing an essential resource to thousands of people in the villages below, and the scenery of this lake is a must-visit reason for many tourists.
Aside from the stunning view of the beautiful blue water and the rock-mountains surrounding it, Chabrouh Lake is also famous for having a unique check-in spot where you can take really cool pictures that capture the whole beauty of the scenery. After arriving at the Lake, you can walk the loop around the lake. On the way, you should be able to spot “the famous rock”. From there you can start climbing to get to the destination.
After visiting the Chabrouh Lake, you can also visit other destinations nearby such as Bar National, Saint Charbel Statue, Sannin French Room, and The Bedouins Hole Cave. Each destination has a charm of its own and you are guaranteed to be able to experience the beauty of nature as well as the history of Lebanon.
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Far up in Zgharta, North of Lebanon located the Bnachii Lake. This is a small but majestic tourist lake that many people love to visit, especially with their families on a sunny day. The lake is known for its clean water and the water activities that you can do there. The charm of the lake comes from the fact that tourists can do so many fun activities on the lake with their friends, family, and loved ones. For example, you can ride boats, ride pedalo, feed the swans and ducks, etc. You can even take a boat tour to ride around and witness the beauty of the lake.
Moreover, you can also go around the Bnachii Lake, and take part in some fun activities there while viewing the lake from the land. Since this is a well-maintained lake with a variety of coffee shops and museums, restaurants, you can enjoy the beauty of the lake while drinking coffee, eating local foods, etc. The price for those is also reasonable.
If you can’t make it here in the daytime, you can still enjoy the lake at night time, and in fact, they're fewer people there when the night comes. That’s why many tourists enjoy visiting Bnachii lake after 5.
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On the eastern foothills of Qornet El Sawda, the highest peak in Lebanon, we have the Ouyoun Orgosh lake. While being the important water resource of the surroundings populated by old Grecian juniper trees, the lakes are also a tourist attraction in the area.
The most scenic route to Ouyoun Orghosh Lake is from Bcharre in North Lebanon. That’s why you can go there after visiting the Bnachii lake. On the way there, you will cross the Anti-Lebanon Mountains, where, at 2,000m above sea level, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Kadisha Valley and the Cedars of God. When you stop at Qornet El Sawda, make sure to take the 360-degree panorama of the coast and the valley’s eastern plain.
Arriving at this Lake, you can enjoy the lake’s magnificent view while drowning yourself in the beauty of nature. This lake is an important resting area for migratory birds during mid-spring and late fall. That’s why many tourists want to come to Ouyoun Orgosh lake during this time of the year. You can also enjoy the view while eating local foods or riding boats around the lake. There are many Lebanese restaurants in the area which are perfect for a traditional lunch.
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Located 30km northeast of Tripoli (95km from Beirut) are the magnificent Ouyoun el Samak Lakes. Bordering the districts of Denniyeh and Akkar, the interconnected, emerald-green lakes are surrounded by striking mountains, creating a contrasting view between the smooth water line and the strong, sharp of the mountain’s shape. From the lake, you can also observe a spectacular waterfall at close range on a suspended footbridge.
Given the natural splendor of the area, it is not surprising that the site of Ouyoun el Samak lakes inspires many artists, and photographers to create their art, and attracts a vast number of hikers to challenge their limits while admiring the beauty of nature.
Visiting the Ouyoun el Samak lakes, you will also be able to feast on delicious Lebanese mezze items while you enjoy the sound of cascading water and the view of the magnificent lakes. Alternatively, have a picnic by the side of the lake and soak up the beauty of the nature that surrounds you.
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The beautiful Yammouneh Lake lies in the basin of Yammouneh village. This lake is approximately 100km northeast of Beirut (27km northwest of Baalbeck), Lebanon. The lake is surrounded by green fields that match the green color of the lake’s water so beautifully. A white sand shore around the lake adds to the color palette and makes the scene even more stunning.
Aside from the beauty of the lake that attracts many tourists, Yammouneh Lake is also home to the only endemic fish in Lebanon, known as the Levantine minnow.
For a fantastic adventure, you can hike the trail to the Yammouneh Lake from Akoura, where you will cross the peak of Mount Makmel and continue downhill towards the Yammouneh nature reserve. On the way, you’ll be able to see many local plants such as juniper, wild apple, and kermes oak trees, etc. Moreover, if you decide to stay for a meal, the selection of Lebanese restaurants surrounding the lake is just plentiful, so just wander around to find your perfect spot.
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Qaraoun Lake is an artificial lake or reservoir located in the southern region of the Beqaa Valley, Lebanon. This lake was created by the Lebanon government near the village of Qaraoun by building a 200 ft high concrete-faced rockfill dam in the middle reaches of the Litani River. The lake was created in 1959 and has been a tourist attraction for these few years. The special thing is, this rock-fill dam is the largest in Lebanon, and the Litani River is also the longest in Lebanon. Therefore, if you visit the lake, you will have the chance to also visit two of the “biggest” attractions in Lebanon.
When you visit Qaraoun Lake, you can enjoy the crazily wide view that’s perfect for taking panorama pictures. Across the lake, you can also witness the view towards Mt Hermon or Jabal el Shaikh. When winter comes, the lake has a majestic view that is just like what comes out of a fairy tale.
Moreover, the Qaraoun Lake is a habitat for some 20,000 migratory birds which visit it annually, which is great for those who are interested in animals and nature. During late spring and summer, many large boats operate in the lake for lake viewing and also for fishing. In winter, boats are operated to hunt for birds such as wildfowl, mainly storks, heron, egrets, and lark species.