Chouf: where to stay, what to see, and when to go | Lebanon Rental
Chouf · guide
Chouf: where to stay, what to see, and when to go
A weekend in the Chouf: Beiteddine Palace, Deir el Qamar, the Chouf Cedar Reserve and Barouk, and chalets, villas and guesthouses to stay in.
1 November 2026 · 2 min read · Lebanon Rental
Cedar forest in the morning, a palace of golden stone at noon, and a mountain village for a sunset drink. The Chouf, in the mountains south-east of Beirut, packs a lot of Lebanese history into small villages. It is also home to the largest nature reserve in the country.
Where to stay
We list 15 stays in the Chouf: chalets, villas, guesthouses and even a dome. Pick the one that fits your group, then drive out to the villages from there.
Deir el Qamar was once the capital of Mount Lebanon under Emir Fakhreddine II, says Lebanon Traveler. Its landmarks include the Emir Fakhreddine Mosque, the Saidet El Talle church, the Silk Khan and the Palace of Emir Youssef Chehab.
The same guide suggests visiting in the late afternoon.
What to see: Beiteddine
Beiteddine Palace was built by Emir Bashir II between 1788 and 1818, according to Wikipedia. It mixes Arab and Italian architecture around a courtyard measuring 107 by 45 metres.
Maple Daydream Dome in the Chouf
Parts of the palace are open to the public, and the rest remains the president's summer residence. It also hosts the annual Beiteddine Festival. Check the official dates and hours before you go.
What to see: more villages
Moussa Castle, near Beiteddine, was built over decades by Moussa Al Maamari and is filled with wax figures and scenes of village life.
Mir Amin Palace, above Beiteddine, was the home of Emir Amin and is now a hotel. Non-guests can visit its terrace for lunch, coffee or sunset drinks.
Baakline was the first capital of the Maan dynasty, with Hamadeh Palace and the National Library. Moukhtara is the seat of the Jumblatt family, and Maasser El Chouf is a high village with views across the Bekaa Valley.
Nature: the Chouf Cedar Reserve
The Chouf Cedar Reserve is the largest nature reserve in Lebanon. You can enter at Maasser El Chouf, Barouk or Ain Zhalta.
Dahlia Sonata Chalet in the Chouf
Barouk sits at the foot of Mount Barouk and is known for cooler temperatures and hiking trails. The waterfall area at Nabeh Merched is best in the warmer months.
When to go
The mountain villages are cooler than the coast, so late spring to early autumn suits the reserve and the waterfall. Palaces and villages can be visited in any season, though hours change, so check ahead.
How to get there
Deir el Qamar is about an hour's drive from Beirut. Public transport runs through the district, but your own car is far more convenient for the villages and the reserve.
Not sure which place suits you? Tell El M3allem your dates and group size, and we will find one close to the villages you want to see.
