Chouf is one of the best regions to visit in Lebanon, known for its nature, history, culture, and much more! It is one of the most underrated areas of the country, yet as you will come to discover in this blog, it has SO MUCH to offer!
Are you planning your next trip to Chouf and wondering what to do there? Then, stick around! In this guide, you’ll find all you need to know to get the most out of this amazing district, so let’s go!
Feel free to skip to the section you want through our table of contents.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on March 31st, 2022, and was updated on March 16th, 2023, for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Table of Contents
What To Do
1. Hike in The Chouf Biosphere Reserve
Chouf Biosphere Reserve is the Largest reserve in Lebanon! It covers a quarter of the total Cedar forests and represents 5% of Lebanon’s entire area.
You can visit the reserve from 6 entrances:
– Ain Zhalta-Bmohray Cedar Forest
– Barouk Cedar Forest
– Maaser Cedar Forest
– Niha Fortress
– Jbaa Entrance
– Mrusti Entrance
You can do many activities such as hiking, bird watching, mountain climbing, snowshoeing, and more. In brief, visiting the Chouf Biosphere Reserve is a must!
2. Visit Beiteddine Palace
You can’t be in Chouf without visiting the iconic Beiteddine Palace! This spectacular landmark was built in the early 19th century by Emir Bashir. It’s a Lebanese architectural masterpiece, and attracts visitors from all over the world! Fun Fact: It is also the official summer residence of the Lebanese President since 1943!
3. Explore Moussa Castle
Located between Deir El Qamar and Beiteddine, Moussa Castle is another must-visit destination! This unique castle was built over a period of 60 years by Moussa, a man who had a childhood dream of building his own castle. This place is one-of-a-kind, and a piece of art from the inside and outside.
4. Take a walk in the streets of Deir El Qamar
Deir El Qamar is one of Lebanon’s most fascinating villages, known for its traditional houses, narrow streets, and historical landmarks. Take a walk in this lovely village and uncover its architectural beauty. Some of the places that you’ll come across are Fakhreddine Palace, Silk Khan, and Younes Maan Palace.
5. explore Baakline lakes and Waterfalls
Baakline is a beautiful town in Chouf, known for its blue lakes and waterfalls. Many of these waterfalls are now home to many restaurants, where you can enjoy a delicious Lebanese meal with a view. (more on this in the next section).
6. Discover Mokhtara Village
Mokhtara is another village that you don’t want to miss, known for its history, architecture, and nature! Walk around the town and check out its stone houses, water mills, and old bridges.
In the valley of the village, the two rivers of Barouk and Wadi el-Maa meet in a spectacular place called Birket El-Arous (You need to have a small hike to reach this amazing spot).
7. Hike the darb el naher trail in Jahiliye
Head to Jahiliye village and hike the Darb El Naher trail, which is one of the most beautiful trails in Lebanon! You’ll hike along the river, where you’ll see waterfalls, natural lakes, old bridges, and greenery all around. (Click here to know more about this place).
8. Hike to Serjbel lake and Waterfall
Serjbel is another must-visit destination in Chouf, where a small paradise awaits! Take a 15-minute hike to reach a magnificent lake and waterfall, surrounded by verdure in every corner.
9. Take in the spectacular view from the Fortress of Niha
Niha is the last village in the Chouf District and the home of a stunning landmark: The Fortress of Niha (dating back more than 2800 years). This fortress, also known as the Cave of Tyron and Chquif Tayroun, is carved into the rock, and overlooks breathtaking views over Marj Besri!
10. Enjoy art at atelier assaf
Atelier Assaf is the project of 3 brothers who built an eco-friendly environment in the most beautiful way! It’s a combination of nature, art, and culture. Here you’ll find a sculpture park, an art museum, a rural environmental house, and a small botanical garden.
P.S. Atelier Assaf opens its doors to visitors during Summertime.
Where To Eat
1. Mir Amin Palace (Beiteddine)
Mir Amin Palace is a must-visit spot whenever you’re in Chouf! This palace was first built by the youngest son of Emir Bashir, and was recently restored into a 5-stars hotel and a restaurant! You can visit this palace for lunch or dinner, and also for sunset drinks next to their pool.
2. Shallalat Al Zarka (Baakline)
How about a unique dining experience right by the waterfalls? If yes, then Shallalat Al Zarka is just the place for you! Indulge in an authentic Lebanese meal while enjoying the surrounding greenery and spectacular waterfalls.
P.S. You don’t need to eat at the restaurant to enjoy the waterfalls.
Another thing to do there is to have a special romantic experience in a boat on the lake!
3. Beyt El Jabal Restaurant (Deir El Qamar)
Beyt El Jabal is an amazing place to visit in Deir El Qamar, where you can enjoy lunch with a view! They have an open lunch buffet every Saturday and Sunday, offering Lebanese dishes, live BBQ grills, house specialties, and more.
P.S. You can also stay the night in one of their charming guesthouses.
4. Lavender Getaway (Kfarkatra)
Lavender Getaway is one of the best sunset destinations to visit in Lebanon, known for its colorful decorations and stunning views! It’s a great spot to chill, have some drinks and bites, and enjoy the sunset over the Chouf mountains.
5. Shallalat Nabeh Merched (Mokhtara)
Shallalat Nabeh Merched is another fabulous restaurant where you can enjoy lunch next to beautiful waterfalls. Nothing beats an authentic Lebanese meal with a view!
6. baytna restaurant (Barouk)
Baytna is a family-owned restaurant overlooking the Barouk river and offering authentic Lebanese cuisine. It’s a great spot to visit whenever you’re in Barouk, where you’ll enjoy a nice lunch in a cozy atmosphere under their vaulted arches.
7. St. Micheal Micro winery & restaurant (Maaser El Chouf)
Check out this lovely micro-winery and restaurant in Maaser El Chouf, where an amazing experience awaits! Here you can enjoy a homemade lunch, have a wine tasting, or buy some of their artisanal products (arak, rose water, blossom water, and vinegar).
P.S. Reservation is required one day before you visit. Click here to check out their menu.
8. Em Boutros Le restaurant (Maaser El Chouf)
Another great place to visit in Maaser El Chouf is Em Boutros Le Restaurant, located at Al Fundok Hotel. Have lunch in their lovely garden, where you’ll enjoy a variety of Lebanese dishes prepared with fresh ingredients.
9. Token Burgers and more (Deir El Qamar)
If you’re looking for a quick bite or comfort food, then Token Burgers And More is just the place to satisfy your cravings! They offer burgers, wings, sandwiches, and more, you’ll surely leave satisfied!
10. Coara Vegan Cuisine (Kafarkatra)
Coara is a beautiful restaurant that offers vegan and healthy food. All their ingredients are fresh and come straight from their garden. If you’re planning on spending the day in Chouf, Coara would be the perfect first stop, where you’ll enjoy a nice breakfast surrounded by nature.
Where To Sleep
1. Deir Al Oumara (Deir El Qamar)
Deir Al Oumara is a historic hotel and restaurant located in the heart of Deir Al Qamar. It was first built as a palace in 1827, then turned into a boarding school in 1908, and finally transformed into a charming hotel that attracts visitors from all over Lebanon!
2. Bouyouti (Maaser Beiteddine)
If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature, then Bouyouti is the place for you! It consists of an Adult-only bed and breakfast in Maaser Beiteddine (Click here to discover their guesthouses). You’ll also find a restaurant, a swimming pool, beautiful gardens and much more!
3. Bkerzay (Baakline)
Bkerzay is another amazing getaway to visit in Chouf, that consists of an eco-friendly conservation project which aims to preserve the natural beauty of the region! Here you’ll find guesthouses, a restaurant, a wellness center, a pottery studio, a swimming pool, and more. (Click here to discover their guesthouses)
4. Nomads Nature and Nurture (Serjbel)
Nomads Nature and Nurture is where you take “Connecting with nature” to the next level! Located right by the river and surrounded by greenery, it’s the perfect retreat for mind, body, and soul. You can sleep in a treehouse, a cabana by the river, or a bungalow with a private pool. A camping site is also available with tents and full gear provided by Nomads.
P.S. You can stay the night or just spend the day around a BBQ by the river. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included with fresh vegetables from their garden.
Further Reading: Looking for more beautiful getaways in nature? Click here.
5. Dar Salwa (Kfarhim)
Located 5 minutes away from Deir El Qamar, Dar Salwa is a beautiful guesthouse that overlooks breathtaking views of the mountains and the sea. It consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a balcony, and a private outdoor area. You can book 1 room, the whole house, or the outdoor space for private gatherings.
P.S. Other than being a charming guesthouse, Dar Salwa is a cultural space that hosts events and workshops and connects people to nature and music.
6. Cabane Florentine (Majdel El Meouch)
Cabane Florentine is a cozy cabin located at the top of the mountain, with its own private lake! (It fits up to 10 people). Here you can enjoy fishing in their lake, have a bonfire outdoors, and also enjoy a movie indoors with their big screen projector.
7. Moonlight Farm and resort (Barouk)
Moonlight Farm and Resort is a family-friendly farm that offers an exciting escape to nature like no other! You can spend the night in one of their various chalets and colorful wooden bungalows in Smurf’s Village. Also, many activities await such as horseback riding, swimming, animal watching at the zoo, and many more!
8. Al Sindiana (Kfarkatra)
Al Sindiana is a family-owned and operated bed and breakfast, ideal for a peaceful retreat in the beautiful mountains of Chouf! It consists of 6 stone houses standing on a cliff and overlooking breathtaking views. Each house has its own private garden with a wooden fire pit. It’s an excellent option for a romantic getaway!
P.S. They also have a restaurant serving Lebanese and International dishes. (You can visit the restaurant without staying the night).
9. Farmville Barouk (Barouk)
Want to experience the farming lifestyle? If yes, then Farmville Barouk is just the place for you! Pick your own vegetables, feed the animals, collect eggs and enjoy the calm atmosphere around the farm. And finally, spend the night in one of their cozy cabins next to the lake.
They also have a lovely wooden bar, where you can have some drinks and bites next to the fireplace in Winter, and a bonfire space outdoors, perfect for a lovely evening in Summer.
10. Shouf Highland (Ain Zhalta)
How about spending the night in a caravan, overlooking breathtaking views? If yes, then check out this amazing place in Ain Zhalta! Other than being a great place to stay the night, Shouf Highland has a sunset bar and food station during Summer, which makes it an excellent spot to enjoy a special evening beside the bonfire.
P.S. The Caravan fits up to 4 people + camping option is available.
Chouf is full of remarkable landmarks and wonderful gems worth exploring!
What are your favorite places to visit in Chouf? Leave us a comment right below.
If you liked this post, take a look at our Byblos Travel Guide, where another special experience awaits.
