One of the world’s oldest cities, on Lebanon’s coast north of Beirut.
Byblos, known locally as Jbeil, is an ancient Mediterranean port city about 37 km north of Beirut
and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
With its Crusader castle, layered ruins, charming old souk and picture-perfect fishing harbour,
it’s one of Lebanon’s most rewarding and atmospheric destinations.
"Quick facts",
Byblos has been inhabited for more than seven thousand years, making it one of the oldest cities on earth. It was a major Phoenician port, famous in antiquity for trading papyrus — the Greek word for papyrus, and later for ‘book’, comes from the city’s name, which is also the root of the word ‘Bible’.
Over the centuries Byblos passed through Phoenician, Egyptian, Assyrian, Persian, Greek, Roman, Crusader and Ottoman hands, each leaving its mark. The Crusaders built the castle that still guards the site today, and in 1984 Byblos was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A 12th-century fortress with sweeping views over the ruins and the sea.
Phoenician temples, royal tombs, an ancient obelisk temple and a Roman theatre.
Restored medieval lanes full of craft shops, cafés and fossil sellers.
A postcard-perfect little port, beautiful at sunset.
Byblos is about 37 km north of Beirut — roughly a 45-minute drive up the coast. You can reach it by car or taxi, but the most rewarding way is on a guided tour, which often combines Byblos with nearby Jeita Grotto and Harissa in one full day.
About 37 km — roughly a 45-minute drive north along the coast.
Absolutely — it’s one of the oldest cities in the world, with a Crusader castle, ancient ruins, a lovely old souk and a beautiful harbour, all in one compact, walkable town.
Around 2–3 hours covers the castle, ruins, souk and harbour comfortably, though it’s easy to linger longer over lunch by the sea.
