A UNESCO-listed ancient city with vast Roman ruins and a historic harbour.
Tyre, called Sour in Arabic, is an ancient Phoenician city on Lebanon’s southern coast, about 83 km from Beirut, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the mother city of Carthage, it’s home to some of the most extensive Roman ruins in the region, alongside a picturesque old harbour and Christian and fishing quarters.
"Quick facts",
Tyre was one of the most powerful Phoenician cities, a great maritime and trading power that founded colonies across the Mediterranean — including Carthage. Later a prized Roman city, it left behind monumental ruins, and in 1984 Tyre was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A vast Roman-Byzantine complex with a monumental arch, aqueduct and one of the largest Roman hippodromes ever found.
Seaside ruins of colonnaded streets, baths and a Roman arena.
A charming fishing port lined with cafés and colourful boats.
Atmospheric old streets near the sea.
Tyre is about 83 km south of Beirut — roughly a 1.5-hour drive. It’s usually visited on a full-day guided tour of the south, combined with Sidon and the Maghdouche shrine.
About 83 km — roughly a 1.5-hour drive south along the coast.
For its extensive Roman ruins — including a huge hippodrome — its Phoenician history as the mother city of Carthage, and its UNESCO World Heritage status.
About 2–3 hours to see the main archaeological sites and the old harbour.
