Faqra: where to stay, what to do, and when to go | Lebanon Rental
Faqra · guide
Faqra: where to stay, what to do, and when to go
A weekend in Faqra: chalets near the Mzaar slopes, the Roman ruins of Qalaat Faqra, a natural bridge, where to eat, and when to go.
28 October 2026 · 2 min read · Lebanon Rental
Ski in the morning, walk among Roman ruins in the afternoon, and be back at a chalet before dark. Faqra, in Kfardebian on the slopes of Mount Sannine, packs a lot into a small mountain village. It sits next to the Mzaar slopes and the Faraya villages, so one weekend here can mean snow, history and hiking.
Where to stay
Faqra's stays are mostly chalets, plus a villa and an apartment. They are close to the slopes and the ruins.
Qalaat Faqra is a Roman and Byzantine site on the slopes of Mount Sannine, at about 1,500 metres. Wikipedia lists a tower, a walled sanctuary with a temple and a small temple beside a Byzantine basilica.
The Tower of Claudius was renovated in 43–44 CE, with Greek and Latin inscriptions on it. Go for the views and the quiet; it is open to the public.
Lotus Rondo Villa in Faqra
A 38-metre natural rock bridge sits at about 1,300 metres, a short walk from Massaya Faqra. Bikes can be rented nearby.
What to do in winter
Mzaar Ski Resort is about 10 minutes away by car, with terrain from about 1,850 to 2,465 metres. Faqra Club is a private ski club with four chairlifts, between about 1,765 and 1,975 metres.
Snowmobiling, snowshoeing and Nordic skiing are also on offer. Check each resort's own announcements before you go, because snow changes every year.
What to do nearby
The Chabrouh Dam, a reservoir above Faraya completed in 2007, is about 15 minutes away. So is the 24-metre statue of Saint Charbel on Faraya's Mount of the Cross. Off-road ATV and UTV tours are available for families and beginners.
Massaya's guide to the area names Chez Michel and Kalaat Fawaz, both about 2 minutes away by car. Fawzi and Aand Shaker are about 8 minutes away. Black Rock Lodge, known for meat dishes, and Al Kanater are about 10 minutes away.
When to go
Come between December and April for the ski slopes, which usually open from early December to early April. In the warmer months, the ruins, the natural bridge and the walking trails are the draw.
Jade Pause Apartment in Faqra
How to get there
Take the highway north and head for the Jeita Grotto, 18 km north of Beirut. From the grotto, Faqra is about 30 minutes by car, per Massaya. A car is the easiest way to reach the ruins and the slopes.
Not sure which chalet suits your group? Tell El M3allem your dates and we will find one close to the slopes.
