10+ Free Beaches in Lebanon to Spend Time with Friends and Family
Welcome to our list of the best free beaches in Lebanon to spend time with friends and family!
Lebanon is well known for its beautiful beaches. From the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean to the dramatic cliffs of the coast near Chekka, there is something for everyone to enjoy. However, with so many choices, it can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily, there are plenty of free beaches in Lebanon that offer a great way to spend time with friends and family. The secluded coves and bustling beaches full of activities give you your options of a quiet place to relax or a lively place to play. That’s why we’ve got a variety of beaches from along the coast of Lebanon picked out just for you to match any mood you’re in!
So without further ado, let’s dive right into this carefully chosen group of free beaches in Lebanon!
The Best Free Beaches in Lebanon
1. Byblos Public Beach
For those looking for a free beach in Byblos, head to the public beach located right near the historic section of the city. Just west of the souks, north of the Byblos port, and below several bars, you’ll find a sandy strip of beach waiting for you. Byblos Public Beach is well-maintained and always busy during the summer months, so be sure to arrive early to snag a spot. There are also several restaurants and cafes and sunset bars such as Kina Handcrafted Bar and Oasis located nearby, making it easy to grab a bite after a day in the sun. You’ll also notice plenty of sea glass among the sand and pebbles, so you can hunt for sea glass with your family or splash in the tidepools. Entrance to the public beach is free, but you’ll pay a small amount if you want to rent chairs and umbrellas.
Walking tour of Byblos, Lebanon
2. Tahet El-Rih Beach
Tahet El-Rih Beach is located on the northwestern coast of the country in Anfeh, Koura, and is famously known as Lebanon’s “Little Santorini” or “Anforini,” due to the white and blue painted seaside homes, cabins, balconies, docks, restaurants, windmills by the salt ponds, and the crystal clear water. Because of the way the beach is its own little cove, you can swim peacefully without being bothered by waves, letting yourself float, or practicing your snorkeling. You can bring food to picnic or order from the delicious seafood restaurants in this seaside village. And the ruins of an ancient castle and other historic wonders sit on top of a peninsula with breathtaking views on the hill right above Tahet El-Rih Beach. So head to Anforini the next time you need to go to a budget-friendly beach in Lebanon!
A day spent in Anforini, Lebanon
3. Bahsa Beach
Bahsa Beach is a free beach in Batroun, Lebanon, located in the northern part of the country. The best part about Bahsa Beach is that it's free to access, so you can enjoy the sun and sand without spending a dime. Bahsa Beach, also known as Ma’3ad El-Mir, is popular for locals and is situated in the old port of Batroun (close to the Phoenician wall), where you’ll see people frolicking in the water, kayaking, and paddleboarding during the summer months. Also, there are many mouth-watering seaside restaurants and bars seconds away such as Rays for you and your friends and family to grab a bite when you get hungry.
Photo credit: @christellealissa walking along Bahsa Beach
4. Ramlet Al Bayda Public Beach
Ramlet Al Bayda is a beautiful public beach located in Beirut, Lebanon. The beach is free to the public, and it offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can swim, sunbathe (however, certain parts of the beach are separated for men and women), picnic at the beach, and walk along the Corniche Beirut promenade afterward. Ramlet Al Bayda is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and it is one of the best places to enjoy the Lebanese coastline.
5. Tyre Public Beach
Tyre Public Beach is one of the free beaches in Lebanon that is open to the public. In fact, it was even listed by National Geographic as one of the best beaches in the entire Middle East. Located in the Southern Governorate of Lebanon, the Tyre Public Beach has a long coastline of about 14 kilometers, with much of it brushing up against the incredible archaeological site of ancient Tyre and its majestic Roman ruins. The average width of the beach is around 50 meters. The beach is well-known for its cleanliness and clear waters. The average water temperature in the summertime is around 27 degrees Celsius. In wintertime, the temperature decreases slightly to around 21 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit Tyre Public Beach is from June to August when the weather is sunny and warm. During these months, the beach is full of locals and tourists alike who come to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea, making this one of the best free things to do in Lebanon.
Walking the ancient ruins of Tyre, Lebanon
6. Amchit Public Beach
Amchit Public Beach is a free beach located in the town of Amchit, Lebanon. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing with friends and family. The beach is clean and well-maintained, with plenty of umbrellas and chairs for visitors to use. Visitors can also take advantage of the many hiking and biking trails in the area. Amchit Public Beach is the perfect spot for a leisurely day in Lebanon.
7. Kfaraabida Beach
Kfaraabida is a small beach town located on the Mediterranean Sea in Lebanon. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. One of the most notable features of Kfaraabida’s beaches is the rocks people dive off into the sea and the natural caves. There are also several free things to do in Kfaraabida, including hiking, biking, and exploring the town's historic streets. Visitors can also enjoy the town's nightlife, which includes bars, clubs, and restaurants. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or party, Kfaraabida is the perfect destination.
8. Chekka Public Beach
Chekka Public Beach is a free beach located in the town of Chekka, Lebanon. The beach is open to the public and offers a wide range of facilities and activities for visitors to enjoy and nearby resorts for accommodations. These include a playground, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a number of shops. Chekka Public Beach is also home to a number of events and festivals throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for both locals and tourists alike. Whether you're looking to relax on the sand or take part in the action, Chekka Public Beach is sure to have something for you.
9. Rabbit Island
The small island of Rabbit, also known as El-Mina, is a hidden gem. Although it is only a short 20-minute boat ride from the Lebanese coast, the island feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life in nearby Tripoli. Rabbit Island is home to a beautiful free beach, where visitors can relax in the sun or swim in crystal-clear waters. The island is also a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching, and there are several easy trails that wind through the forests and along the coastline. With its unspoiled natural beauty, Rabbit Island is an ideal place to get away from it all and enjoy some peace and quiet.
10. Joining Beach
There's nothing quite like a day at the beach. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore, the feel of sand between your toes, and the warmth of the sun on your skin. If you're lucky enough to live near a beach or are planning a trip to one soon, you may be wondering how to find the perfect spot to relax and soak up the scenery. Lebanon is home to many beautiful beaches, but if you're looking for a free beach in Lebanon, you'll want to drive along Seaside Road to this other public beach in Kfarabida to climb the rocks, dive into the sea, swim, and relax with your friends and family.
11. Jiyeh Beach
Jiyeh Beach is a free beach located in Lebanon. There are plenty of umbrellas and sun loungers for visitors to use, and there are also several restaurants and cafes located nearby. Jiyeh Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and it's easy to see why. With its beautiful setting and amenities, three natural creeks, and golden sands, Jiyeh Beach is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Lebanese coastline.
12. Colonel Reef Beach
Colonel Reef Beach is a free beach located near Batroun, Lebanon, where you can go for a swim and enjoy a beer from its namesake restaurant and brewery while listening to incredible music.
13. Naqoura Beach
If you're looking for a free beach in Lebanon, head to Naqoura. This beautiful spot is located in the far South of Lebanon, and it's well worth a visit if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Beirut. The beach is long and sandy, with clear blue waters that are perfect for swimming. There's also a coral reef just offshore, making it a great spot for snorkeling.
People Also Ask These Questions About Free Beaches in Lebanon
What are the best free beaches in Lebanon?
There are many great free beaches in Lebanon; however, some of the best include the ones in Anfeh, Batroun, Byblos, Tyre, and Kfarabida.
Are the free beaches in Lebanon as good as the beaches at the resorts?
Yes, there are plenty of free beaches in Lebanon that are as good as the beaches at the resorts. The key difference is that the resorts typically come equipped with higher-end amenities like pools and spas, so it really just depends on what you’re looking to do.
What water sports are available at the free beaches in Lebanon?
Lebanon is well-known for its beautiful beaches, and visitors can find a variety of water sports to enjoy. One popular activity is windsurfing, which is perfect for the strong winds that often blow offshore. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, kitesurfing, jet skiing, and parasailing. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, Lebanon's beaches also offer plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and simply taking in stunning views. There are also a number of free beaches where visitors can enjoy all of these activities without having to pay any fees. As a result, Lebanon is an ideal destination for those who love the water and are looking for an affordable vacation.
What are the best free beaches in Lebanon for families?
Almost all of the free beaches in Lebanon are great for families; however, certain beaches do generally tend to keep men and women separate, so if you plan on spending time as a family it might be best to go to any of the free beaches that are more inclusive — namely, Byblos, Batroun, and many of the Northern Lebanon beaches.