
TRAVELLING LEBANON BLOG
Join Nidal Majdalani on an unforgettable journey across Lebanon, discovering scenic road trips, hidden hiking trails, sacred pilgrimage sites, rich cultural heritage, serene nature escapes, and breathtaking photography spots.
Through her words and lens, Nidal invites you to explore Lebanon’s untold stories and its best-kept secrets.

Uncovering Zambo’s Bizarre Blend: A Pre-Lenten Festival beyond Lebanon’s Traditions
A festival that defies classification, Zambo exists beyond history books, religion, and any single culture. Neither entirely Lebanese nor fully foreign, it is an enigma shaped by generations yet claimed by none—a space suspended between past and present, where identities merge and blur. And just as the frenzy reaches its peak, it vanishes into the sea with a final plunge, cleansing the past and leaving only its fleeting essence behind.
Unveiling Lebanon’s Forgotten Heritage Sites: The Lost Saint Maroun Refuge of Hermel, Lebanon
Hidden in the cliffs of Hermel, Lebanon, the Grotto of Saint Maroun is a long-forgotten sacred sanctuary, untouched for centuries, until now. During my visits, I documented its premises, capturing its forgotten state and sharing a guide to explore Hermel’s offerings in my 2018 articles.

Today's Lebanon’s Sky: A Stunning Sun Halo with a Deeper Climate Message
A rare sun halo graced Lebanon’s skies today, a breathtaking yet sobering reminder of nature’s beauty and change. As clouds signaled an impending shift in weather, the reality of declining snowfall and dwindling rainfall loomed—a silent warning of climate change's impact on our land.

Saint Charbel: A Pilgrim’s Guide to His Life, Legacy, and Shrine in Annaya
Saint Charbel’s shrine in Annaya, Lebanon, offers a peaceful retreat for pilgrims worldwide, set amidst stunning landscapes. This guide explores his inspiring life, the miracles attributed to him, and practical tips for visiting the serene Monastery of St. Maroun.

From Beirut to the World: Lebanon’s Shawarma Tops 2025 Sandwich Rankings
Recognized by TasteAtlas as the world’s best sandwich in Jan 2025, Lebanese shawarma stands as a true culinary masterpiece. This iconic dish embodies Lebanon’s rich gastronomic heritage.
In this article, I’ll be sharing my personal favorite shawarma spots in Lebanon. Stay tuned for more of Lebanon’s rich food scene.

Lebanon’s December Magic: A Christmas Journey across the Land
Despite the challenges, December in Lebanon shines with hope and festive cheer. Cities and towns dazzle with twinkling lights, bustling markets, and cherished traditions. Join my travels as I capture the holiday magic from Zgharta’s lake to the charming streets of Byblos, Batroun, Zahle and beyond.

Exploring Tannourine, Chatine & Baatara Gorge: A Magical Lebanese Winter Escape
Embark on an epic road trip to Chatine and Tannourine, home to the breathtaking Baatara Gorge. This hidden geological wonder, with its natural rock bridges and cascading waterfalls, sits in a region perfect for hiking and adventure all year round.

Lebanon’s Ultimate Hike: Baskinta’s Four-Season Trail in a Single Day
Through the mountains and valleys of Baskinta, this hike along the Baskinta Literary Trail takes you through all four seasons in a single day, from misty snow-covered peaks to lush green valleys, where nature and literary heritage intertwine in breathtaking harmony.

Ehmej, Byblos: A Hidden Gem of Nature, Adventure, and Serenity
Discover Ehmej, the hidden mountain gem of Byblos, where adventure meets breathtaking nature. Its trails wind through cedar and juniper forests, rugged rocky terrain perfect for hiking and climbing, and lead to the stunning Jaj Cedar Reserve. A must-visit for eco-tourism enthusiasts!

The Story of the Deer in Lebanon and the Beginning of Hunting Season
In the heart of Lebanon’s wildlands, a forgotten species is making its return. Once extinct, the Lebanese deer is now being reintroduced through the dedication of a single man, proving that conservation is possible even against the odds. As hunting season begins, the question remains: can we strike a balance between tradition and the urgent need to restore our natural ecosystems?

Deir Mimas, Lebanon: A Guide to Ancient Hidden Gems, Historic Monasteries & breathtaking Trails
Explore Deir Mimas, Lebanon – A sacred land of ancient heritage, historic monasteries, and breathtaking hiking trails. Walk among millennia-old olive trees and uncover its rich history and strategic beauty.
Discover Tannourine’s Hidden Marvels: Exploring the Ancient Wonders of Baatara Gorge
Tannourine enchants with its rich history, breathtaking nature, and the majestic Baatara Gorge, where a waterfall cascades through three natural rock bridges. Home to lush cedar forests, flowing rivers, and ancient relics, it remains one of Lebanon’s most stunning wonders.

Explore Falougha: Hiking Trails, Off-Road Adventures, Nature & Heritage Treasures
Discover Falougha, Lebanon—a breathtaking destination for mountain hiking, off-road adventures, and outdoor exploration. Nestled in Mount Lebanon, this charming village features scenic trails, an ancient cedar forest, and stunning panoramic mountain views. Stroll through traditional villages rich in Lebanese heritage and immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience amidst Lebanon’s natural beauty and cultural legacy.

Ammiq Wetlands: The Most Significant Ecological Treasure in the Bekaa Valley
Ammiq Wetlands, Lebanon’s largest protected marsh, is a vital stop for migratory bird species traveling between Europe and Africa. Listed under UNESCO and Ramsar, it offers stunning landscapes for hiking and birdwatching. A must-visit for nature lovers!

Chouf: The Wonders of Nature from Majestic Mountains to Its Timeless Cedar Reserve
Discover with me the wonders of Chouf, where diverse landscapes, ancient cedar forests, and stunning waterfalls come together to create an unparalleled natural escape. Whether you're seeking a night under the stars or an adventure through breathtaking mountain trails, Chouf is a must-visit destination in every season.

Baalbek Travel Guide: Explore Lebanon’s Ancient Temples, Hidden Gems, and Cultural Treasures
Step into the heart of Baalbek, where history, culture, and architectural grandeur collide. From the colossal Roman temples of Jupiter and Bacchus to the sacred shrines, vibrant souks, hiking trail, and hidden heritage homes, this ancient city offers a journey through time.

Join the National Campaign to Restore and Clean Our Shores
Having traveled to many of them myself, I’ve seen firsthand how clean they are, and published about them. However, some beaches are indeed in need of help! Fortunately, our Ministry of Environment is launching a great initiative to take action before things get worse.

Hike Akkar Al-Atiqa: Ancient Fortress and a Mesmerizing Waterfall
Discover Akkar Al-Atiqa, where its ancient fortress from the first millennium meets long cascading waterfalls and scenic hiking trails through breathtaking landscapes. A perfect destination for history buffs and hiking enthusiasts.

From Qannoubine Valley, Where the Mist Turns to Incense... A Historic Event
Qannoubine Valley, Lebanon’s spiritual heart and a centuries-old refuge for saints and martyrs. In this sacred sanctuary, prayers echo through towering cliffs as a 1,000-year-old Marian tradition is revived after 200 years of silence. Follow my journey into this timeless heritage and uncover the secrets of the holiest valley in the East.

On Earth Day: Let Us Protect Our Nature and Reforest Lebanon
في يوم الأرض، كيف يمكننا التكفير عن استغلال أنقى مساحات كوكبنا تحت ستار الحداثة؟ يجب أن نعترف بمسؤوليتنا الجماعية في حماية أنظمته البيئية الهشة والحياة البرية التي تسكنها. دعونا نتحد في جهود إعادة التشجير واتخاذ إجراءات واعية قبل فوات الأوان.