Nestled at the base of Mount Sannine, Faqra is a popular ski resort north-east of Beirut. It lies between 1,500 and 2,000 metres and receives good winter snowfall. Faqra is also known for being on the doorstep of one of the most extensive Roman archaeological sites in Mount Lebanon.
Things to do in Faqra
If you’re visiting in the winter months, you can hit the skiing and snowboarding trails of the Faqra Club, which was established back in 1974. There are magnificent views towards Beirut and the Mediterranean Sea from the slopes, with one including a 240-metre vertical drop. Snowshoeing and luging are also available.
In the summer months, you can explore the hiking trails that wind through Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve, which encompasses around 6,500 hectares on the western slopes of Mount Lebanon. It boasts a rich biodiversity, with more than 700 floral species recorded here and has been designated as a Globally Important Bird Area. Ruins dating from the Phoenician, Roman and Ottoman periods can also be visited.
Nearby is Qalaat Faqra, an archaeological site clustered with Roman and Byzantine ruins and one of the most popular attractions in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed valley of Nahr al-Kalb. In addition to the remains of ancient altars, temples and tombs, it encompasses a tower that was renovated by the Roman emperor Claudius. Also of note is the 2nd-century Temple of Zeus Beelgalasos with its restored Corinthian columns.
Getting around Faqra
Faqra is just under an hour’s drive from Beirut and Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Faqra and exploring the surrounding area. The town centre is compact enough to explore on foot.