Jbeil (Byblos): where to stay, what to see, and when to go | Lebanon Rental
Jbeil · guide
Jbeil (Byblos): where to stay, what to see, and when to go
A weekend in Jbeil, or Byblos: a Crusader castle, Phoenician temples, the old souk and harbor, and villas and chalets close to the old town.
29 October 2026 · 2 min read · Lebanon Rental
Walk through a town that people have lived in, without a break, for about 7,000 years. Jbeil, known to the world as Byblos, is a coastal town in Mount Lebanon where a Crusader castle, Phoenician temples and a small harbor sit within a few minutes' walk. It is one of the easiest day trips from Beirut, and a better weekend if you sleep here.
Where to stay
Our Jbeil stays include a villa, a chalet and a guesthouse. They put you near the old town without the day-trip traffic.
The big sight is the Crusader castle, built in the 12th century. According to Wikipedia, it was the residence of the Embriaco family and a military base.
Among the ancient remains is the Temple of the Obelisks, dedicated to the Canaanite war god Resheph. It dates from about 1600–1200 BC and was moved to its present location. The L-shaped Temple is dated to about 2700 BC.
Rosemary Cadence Chalet in Jbeil
The site is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, inscribed in 1984 (World Heritage Site).
A town of layers
Time Out notes that Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Ottomans all left remains here. Jbeil is the official name and Byblos the internationally known one, so search for either when you plan.
What to see: the old town
The Church of Saint John-Mark (also called Saint John the Baptist) was begun during the Crusades, in 1115. An earthquake in 1170 destroyed part of it. It was later given to the Maronite bishop.
The old souk lies in the southeast of the historic town, near the entrance to the archaeological site. The ancient port below is where yachts sail in today.
Museums and a name you know
The Byblos Fossil Museum holds fossilized fish, sharks and eels, some millions of years old. A wax museum shows figures from Phoenician times to today.
The Greeks called the city Byblos, a word that came to mean papyrus, which was exported from Egypt through the city. The English word "Bible" ultimately comes from that Greek name.
Pebble Rhythm Villa in Jbeil
When to go
Byblos is a year-round town: the ruins and the old streets are open air, so pick a clear day. Wear comfortable shoes for the stone paths. Check the site's current opening hours before you go.
How to get there
Buses leave Beirut's Dora roundabout regularly, and Time Out says the ride takes around an hour in light traffic. Traffic around Beirut can make it much longer, so leave early.
Not sure which place suits you? Tell El M3allem your dates and group size, and we will find one near the old harbor.
