The Lebanese Riviera: Byblos

There´s a good reason why Byblos lays claim to being one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world: once you get there you won´t want to leave either. Home to the earliest form of the Phoenician alphabet and boasting Egyptian temples, a Phoenician Royal Necropolis, a Roman Amphitheatre and a Castle built by the Crusaders, there´s no doubting Byblos´s incredible history, which has been calculated as dating back some 7000 years, but what´s even more amazing is how its history has been brought to life by a post-war revamp that´s made Byblos a chic, sexy and welcoming coastal town.

The Old Souk is a great place to sit at one of a plethora of outdoor cafes, bars and restaurants and watch the world go by, day-dreaming about what might have happened thousands of years ago in the place where you´re now sitting. Before or after heading to the citadel make sure you stop at Feniqia, a not-to-be-missed restaurant where you can smoke a hookah pipe and heat your own bread at a little oven brought to your table to be eaten with thyme, yoghurt and olives. For great food and even more impressive views also be sure to visit Locanda a la granda and try their fattoush salad and minted lemonade on either their front or back terrace.

Even though it´s become super fashionable Byblos still has a relaxed feel due to its outdoor lifestyle, so head to the beach to join in a game of beach volleyball or just work up an appetite by lying in the sun and gazing out at the sparkling Mediterranean and then head up to the Byblos Fishing Club to partake in one of the many, huge fish dishes available. It won´t take you too long to realise why human beings have never wanted to leave Byblos.

For more information visit: www.lebanon-tourism.gov.lb/SiteSeeing/Historical/Byblos.aspx