Lebanon’s breathtaking limestone caves, just north of Beirut.
Jeita Grotto is a spectacular system of two connected limestone caves in the Nahr al-Kalb (Dog River) valley, about 20 km north of Beirut. Famous for its towering stalactites and an underground river you explore by boat, it’s one of Lebanon’s most visited natural wonders — and was a finalist for the New7Wonders of Nature.
"Quick facts",
The lower cave was rediscovered in 1836 by an American missionary, Reverend William Thomson, who fired a shot into the darkness and heard the echo of a vast underground space. Explorers mapped its galleries and underground river over the following century, and the caves were opened to the public in stages from the late 1950s.
Closed during Lebanon’s civil war, Jeita Grotto was restored and reopened in 1995. Today it draws visitors from around the world and, in 2011, reached the final shortlist of the New7Wonders of Nature — a source of great national pride.
walk along illuminated pathways among giant stalactites and stalagmites, including one of the longest known stalactites in the world.
glide across the crystal-clear underground river on a short, magical boat ride.
a small cable car and train carry you between the entrance and the galleries through the green hillside.
gardens, viewpoints and cafés make it an easy, relaxed half-day.
Jeita Grotto is only about 20 km north of Beirut — roughly a 30-minute drive. You can reach it by car or taxi, but the easiest and most rewarding way is on a guided tour, which usually combines Jeita with nearby Harissa and Byblos in one memorable day.
No — cameras and phones aren’t allowed inside the caves to protect the environment. You leave them in lockers at the entrance.
About 20 km — roughly a 30-minute drive north of the city.
Yes — it’s family-friendly, and the boat ride and mini-train are especially popular with kids.
Generally yes, though it’s usually closed on Mondays and may close in bad weather. It’s best to check before you go.
