Nothing beats escaping Lebanon's summer heat with a swim in the Mediterranean.
From the golden sandy shores of Sour in the South to the rocky coves around Batroun in the North, Lebanon's coastline offers a wide variety of beautiful beaches. However, not all beaches are equally suitable for swimming.
Before choosing where to spend your day by the sea, it's important to check the latest water quality assessments. Every year, the National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS-L), together with the National Center for Marine Sciences, monitors the Lebanese coastline to identify which beaches are safe for swimming and which ones should be avoided.
Megaphone News has created a map highlighting the beaches classified according to their water quality. You can check their post here, or refer to the list below for more details.
From the golden sandy shores of Sour in the South to the rocky coves around Batroun in the North, Lebanon's coastline offers a wide variety of beautiful beaches. However, not all beaches are equally suitable for swimming.
Before choosing where to spend your day by the sea, it's important to check the latest water quality assessments. Every year, the National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS-L), together with the National Center for Marine Sciences, monitors the Lebanese coastline to identify which beaches are safe for swimming and which ones should be avoided.
Megaphone News has created a map highlighting the beaches classified according to their water quality. You can check their post here, or refer to the list below for more details.
Beaches to avoid
Beaches where swimming should be done with caution
Good news: many beaches remain suitable for swimming
- Tripoli Public Beach
- Jounieh Public Beach
- Dbayeh
- Antelias
- Al-Manara (Beirut)
- Ramlet el-Baida (Beirut)
- Jiyeh
Beaches where swimming should be done with caution
- Mina Beach (Tripoli)
- Damour Beach
- Awali
- Saida
- Tyre restaurant’s beach
Good news: many beaches remain suitable for swimming
- Qlayaat Beach
- Minieh Beach
- Municipal Stadium Beach
- Deir Al-Natour Beach
- Enfeh, below al-Reeh
- Al-Heri Beach
- Selaata Public Beach
- Al-Bahsa Public Beach
- National Center for Marine Studies Beach
- Amchit Public Beach
- Jbeil, al-Bahsa
- Municipal Sandy Beach
- Fidar
- Bouar
- Oqaybeh
- Safra
- Ghazir Maameltein
- Between the fishermen's wharf and Riviera
- Khaldeh
- Rmeileh
- Ghazieh
- Sarafand
- Adloun
- Abbasieh
- Tyre Nature Reserve Beach
Sour Nature Reserve Beach
So we asked our community: what is your favourite beach in Lebanon?
After looking at the official water quality results, we wanted to ask the people who know Lebanon best: you.
Our first goal was to focus mainly on free and public beaches, because we believe the Lebanese coastline should be accessible to everyone. However, free beaches are unfortunately becoming harder to find, and many of the most popular spots today are private beach clubs. So we also included some paid options.
In Beirut itself, swimming directly in the sea is generally not recommended due to water quality concerns. For those who still want to enjoy a day by the water, the alternatives are mostly private beach clubs, swimming pools, and hotel day passes : often quiet pricy, but popular for escaping the summer heat while staying close to the city.
Our first goal was to focus mainly on free and public beaches, because we believe the Lebanese coastline should be accessible to everyone. However, free beaches are unfortunately becoming harder to find, and many of the most popular spots today are private beach clubs. So we also included some paid options.
In Beirut itself, swimming directly in the sea is generally not recommended due to water quality concerns. For those who still want to enjoy a day by the water, the alternatives are mostly private beach clubs, swimming pools, and hotel day passes : often quiet pricy, but popular for escaping the summer heat while staying close to the city.
North governorate (محافظة الشمال)
Sandy Beach – al-Heri
Location on Google Maps
A simple sandy beach that's ideal if you're looking for an easy place to swim and relax. It offers a quieter alternative to some of the more popular beaches further south.
Kfar Abida Public Beach – Batroun Area (Free access)
Location on Google Maps
One of the best options for those looking for a more natural beach experience.
This public beach, covered with coarse sand, is ideal for swimming, and enjoying the coastline away from commercial beach clubs. Free entry. Umbrella: $1, sun lounger: $3, paddleboard: $10/hour
How to get there
Take a minivan or the national bus to Batroun (200,000–300,000 LBP). From there, take a tuk-tuk or walk 25 minutes to the beach.
White beach - Tehoum
Location on Google Maps
Nice and clean sand beach.
Entrance fee: 12 USD for adults / 7 USD for children for a sun lounger
Abou Ali Beach – Fadous (Free access)
Location on Google Maps
One of our favourite beaches in Lebanon. This quiet sandy beach is pet-friendly and usually much less crowded than nearby beaches. Located only a short drive from Batroun, it's a great place to spend a peaceful day by the sea.
Jungle Beach – Aamchit
Location on Google Maps
A small beach club with a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the Mediterranean. It's a pleasant option for spending the day by the water while enjoying food, drinks, and sea access.
Entrance is $14 on weekdays and $19 during weekends and public holidays.
Colonel Reef Beach – Batroun (Free access)
Location on Google Maps
A free rocky beach offering direct access to the Mediterranean. It's a great choice if you prefer natural swimming spots over beach clubs and want to enjoy Batroun's coastline without paying an entrance fee.
Lychee by the C – Batroun
Location on Google Maps
A stylish beachfront spot combining a beach club, restaurant, and bar in one location. It is pet-friendly and popular for spending the entire day by the sea.
Entrance is $8 per person, with parking available for $3.
Location on Google Maps
A simple sandy beach that's ideal if you're looking for an easy place to swim and relax. It offers a quieter alternative to some of the more popular beaches further south.
Kfar Abida Public Beach – Batroun Area (Free access)
Location on Google Maps
One of the best options for those looking for a more natural beach experience.
This public beach, covered with coarse sand, is ideal for swimming, and enjoying the coastline away from commercial beach clubs. Free entry. Umbrella: $1, sun lounger: $3, paddleboard: $10/hour
How to get there
Take a minivan or the national bus to Batroun (200,000–300,000 LBP). From there, take a tuk-tuk or walk 25 minutes to the beach.
White beach - Tehoum
Location on Google Maps
Nice and clean sand beach.
Entrance fee: 12 USD for adults / 7 USD for children for a sun lounger
Abou Ali Beach – Fadous (Free access)
Location on Google Maps
One of our favourite beaches in Lebanon. This quiet sandy beach is pet-friendly and usually much less crowded than nearby beaches. Located only a short drive from Batroun, it's a great place to spend a peaceful day by the sea.
Jungle Beach – Aamchit
Location on Google Maps
A small beach club with a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the Mediterranean. It's a pleasant option for spending the day by the water while enjoying food, drinks, and sea access.
Entrance is $14 on weekdays and $19 during weekends and public holidays.
Colonel Reef Beach – Batroun (Free access)
Location on Google Maps
A free rocky beach offering direct access to the Mediterranean. It's a great choice if you prefer natural swimming spots over beach clubs and want to enjoy Batroun's coastline without paying an entrance fee.
Lychee by the C – Batroun
Location on Google Maps
A stylish beachfront spot combining a beach club, restaurant, and bar in one location. It is pet-friendly and popular for spending the entire day by the sea.
Entrance is $8 per person, with parking available for $3.
Tripoli coastline
Keserwan-jbeil governorate (محافظة كسروان-جبيل)
Byblos Public Beach – Jbeil (Free access)
Location on Google maps
A public beach located close to the historic city of Byblos. It's an easy option if you want to combine a morning at the beach with an afternoon exploring one of Lebanon's oldest and most beautiful towns.
Note: This beach is listed among the “beaches to avoid” in the latest study by the National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS-L). However, it remains one of the easiest beaches to access for people without a car, so we decided to include it here as a practical option.
Okaibe Public Beach (Free access)
Location on Google maps
Access is mainly free if you bring your own towel and do not use the sunbeds or beach facilities.
Location on Google maps
A public beach located close to the historic city of Byblos. It's an easy option if you want to combine a morning at the beach with an afternoon exploring one of Lebanon's oldest and most beautiful towns.
Note: This beach is listed among the “beaches to avoid” in the latest study by the National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS-L). However, it remains one of the easiest beaches to access for people without a car, so we decided to include it here as a practical option.
Okaibe Public Beach (Free access)
Location on Google maps
Access is mainly free if you bring your own towel and do not use the sunbeds or beach facilities.
Mount lebanon governorate (محافظة جبل لبنان)
Lazy B – Jiyeh
Location on Google maps
A well-known private beach club with a relaxed atmosphere, comfortable facilities, and a large swimming area. It's a good option if you're looking for a full beach club experience within easy reach of Beirut.
Entrance fees: Adults (14+) $30 Monday–Thursday and $35 Friday–Sunday & public holidays. Children (2–13): $20.
Orchid Beach – Jiyeh
Location on Google maps
A private beach club offering sunbeds, pools, and direct access to the sea. Advance booking is recommended, especially during weekends, as it can get busy.
A sunbed usually costs around $30.
Khalde
Location on Google maps
Khalde is home to several women-only beach resorts, making it one of the best areas in Lebanon for those specifically looking for female-only beach facilities.
Location on Google maps
A well-known private beach club with a relaxed atmosphere, comfortable facilities, and a large swimming area. It's a good option if you're looking for a full beach club experience within easy reach of Beirut.
Entrance fees: Adults (14+) $30 Monday–Thursday and $35 Friday–Sunday & public holidays. Children (2–13): $20.
Orchid Beach – Jiyeh
Location on Google maps
A private beach club offering sunbeds, pools, and direct access to the sea. Advance booking is recommended, especially during weekends, as it can get busy.
A sunbed usually costs around $30.
Khalde
Location on Google maps
Khalde is home to several women-only beach resorts, making it one of the best areas in Lebanon for those specifically looking for female-only beach facilities.
Beirut governorate (محافظة بيروت)
Unfortunately, we do not recommend swimming at Beirut's beaches due to water pollution. If you'd still like to spend a day by the sea in the capital, these private beach clubs and hotel pools are the best alternatives.
Sporting Club Beach – Beirut
Location on Google maps
A historic Beirut beach club offering direct access to the sea with swimming platforms overlooking the Mediterranean.
Entrance is $35 on weekdays and $45 during weekends and public holidays.
Mövenpick Resort – Beirut
Location on Google maps
One of Beirut's most popular luxury resorts, featuring several pools and private sea access. Entrance is $40 on weekdays and $50 from Friday to Sunday.
Children pay $30 on weekdays and $35 on weekends.
Hotel Saint Georges – Beirut
Location on Google maps
A good option if you're looking to relax by a swimming pool in the heart of Beirut. The hotel does not offer beach access, but its pool overlooks the Mediterranean.
Entrance is $35 on weekdays and $45 on weekends.
Children pay $20 on weekdays and $30 on weekends.
Sporting Club Beach – Beirut
Location on Google maps
A historic Beirut beach club offering direct access to the sea with swimming platforms overlooking the Mediterranean.
Entrance is $35 on weekdays and $45 during weekends and public holidays.
Mövenpick Resort – Beirut
Location on Google maps
One of Beirut's most popular luxury resorts, featuring several pools and private sea access. Entrance is $40 on weekdays and $50 from Friday to Sunday.
Children pay $30 on weekdays and $35 on weekends.
Hotel Saint Georges – Beirut
Location on Google maps
A good option if you're looking to relax by a swimming pool in the heart of Beirut. The hotel does not offer beach access, but its pool overlooks the Mediterranean.
Entrance is $35 on weekdays and $45 on weekends.
Children pay $20 on weekdays and $30 on weekends.
Ramlet-el-baida, Beirut (unfortunately not suitable for swimming)
South governorate (محافظة الجنوب)
Sour Beach – Tyre (Free access)
Location on Google maps
One of Lebanon's most famous sandy beaches, known for its long stretch of golden sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters. It's a favourite destination for both locals and visitors and one of the best places in the country for swimming.
Al Jamal Beach – Tyre (Free access)
Location on Google maps
Rocky beach located just next to el Mina, inside Tyre. The Google Maps pin corresponds to a nearby restaurant used as a reference point. It's a good option if you're looking for a quieter atmosphere while staying close to the city.
Asmina restaurant - Tyre
Location on Google maps
Rocky beach located in Asmina restaurant.
Weekday: 10$ / weekend: 15$
Location on Google maps
One of Lebanon's most famous sandy beaches, known for its long stretch of golden sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters. It's a favourite destination for both locals and visitors and one of the best places in the country for swimming.
Al Jamal Beach – Tyre (Free access)
Location on Google maps
Rocky beach located just next to el Mina, inside Tyre. The Google Maps pin corresponds to a nearby restaurant used as a reference point. It's a good option if you're looking for a quieter atmosphere while staying close to the city.
Asmina restaurant - Tyre
Location on Google maps
Rocky beach located in Asmina restaurant.
Weekday: 10$ / weekend: 15$