Jounieh, Lebanon — Visitor Guide

A lively coastal city on a beautiful bay, gateway to Harissa.

Jounieh is a lively coastal city on a sweeping bay just north of Beirut, about 20 km away. Famous for its scenic Téléférique cable car up to the Harissa shrine, its seaside restaurants and its buzzing nightlife, Jounieh is also the gateway to nearby attractions like Jeita Grotto and Harissa.

"Quick facts",

History & Significance

Once a string of fishing villages on a beautiful bay, Jounieh grew rapidly in the 20th century into one of Lebanon’s most popular coastal resorts. Its Téléférique cable car, opened in the 1960s, still carries visitors up to the Our Lady of Lebanon shrine at Harissa, and the bay remains a favourite for dining and nightlife.

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harissa teleferique 1

What to See & Do

● The Téléférique cable car

A scenic ride up to Harissa with sweeping bay views.

● The bay & waterfront

Marinas, seaside restaurants and coastal walks.

● The nightlife

Jounieh is famous for its clubs, bars and summer buzz.

● Nearby Jeita & Harissa

Two of Lebanon’s top attractions, just minutes away.

How to Visit from Beirut

Jounieh is about 20 km north of Beirut — roughly a 30-minute drive. It’s an easy trip on its own, and sits right beside Jeita Grotto and Harissa, which are usually visited together on a day tour.

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Tips for Your Visit

  • Take the cable car up to Harissa for the views.
  • Come in the evening for the seaside dining and nightlife.
  • Combine with Jeita Grotto and Harissa, both close by.
Adventure

See Jounieh on a Tour

The easiest way to experience Jounieh is on one of our tours, with hotel pickup from Beirut:
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● Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos

our most popular coastal day — passes through Jounieh
harissa telefrique cable car

● Jeita Grotto & Harissa

private half-day
jeita grotto boat lower gallery

● Jeita Grotto

private, focused visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Its beautiful bay, the Téléférique cable car up to Harissa, seaside dining and famous nightlife.

About 20 km — roughly a 30-minute drive north along the coast.

Jeita Grotto and the Harissa shrine are both just minutes away and are usually visited together.

Related Destinations

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● Harissa (Our Lady of Lebanon)
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● Jeita Grotto
harissa telefrique cable car
Have a question? Contact Lebanon Tours