Jounieh
Jounieh, Lebanon
Little is known of Lebanon aside from the Beirut capital, but there is in it a majestic city that lies on the sea coast of the Mediterranean offers a spectacular journey of ancient armies and a bustling nightlife. Jounieh is a coastal city known to be the most beautiful bay in Lebanon and it definitely does not disappoint in any way.
Located 15 kilometers north of the Beirut capital, the port town of Jounieh offers an exciting combination of the new and the old. A white-washed statue, known as Our Lady of Harissa, greets seafarers to the port town as it towers above the area from its 600-meter mountain perch. This soaring statue is accessible from the city via suspended cable car, known as telepherique, which is open all year round.
Although this modern business center has recently witnessed a massive migration of a large number of Beirut traders, Jounieh is also a city that has experienced ancient civilizations. The city has retained some of its old world charm widely apparent in the old souk area located near the ferry terminal. The Old Jounieh, as what it is more famously known for, has recently undergone a patch up to be able to accommodate tastefully dotted hotels, restaurants, cafes, boutiques and shops.
For tourists who come to Jounieh to experience Lebanon, the city does not disappoint with authentic offerings of Lebanese cuisine complete with Arabic singers and belly dancers. However, the real Jounieh comes out at night when the town is crowded with fun seekers ready to hop from one restaurant to the next pub and on to the next night club.
Standing tall perched atop a cliff that overlooks the bay, Casino Du Liban remains the jewel of Jounieh and rightfully so. This famed casino recently reopened after a complete post-war revamp. The same casino was once in the itinerary of every international jet-setter during the 1960s and 1970s. This time around, Jounieh plans to bring the city’s jewel back once again.
