Lebanon
After years of unrest, Lebanon is regaining its former reputation as «The Switzerland of the Middle East». Its mountains and its scenic beauty were almost untouched. Visiting Lebanon you’ll discover a country of great contrast and diversity both in the places you go to and in the people you meet. Thanks to its location at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa, Lebanon has been shaped by many civilizations throughout history. Its position as a meeting point for diverse peoples is evident in the extraordinary richness of its archaeological sites and historical monuments. From Stone Age settlements to Phoenician city-states, from Roman temples to rock-cut Christian hermitages, from Crusader Castles to Mamluke mosques and Ottoman hammams, the country's historical sites are a true encyclopedia of ancient and modern world history.
The capital and largest city of Lebanon, located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline. It serves as the country's largest and main seaport and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan area which consists of the city and its suburbs.
The city is the focal point of the region's cultural life, renowned for its press, theatres, cultural activities and nightlife.
After the destructive Lebanese civil war, Beirut underwent major reconstruction and the redesigned historic city centre, marina, pubs and nightlife districts have once again rendered it a tourist attraction.
Often referred to as the Paris of the Middle East it was named the top place to visit in 2009 by The New York Times and was also listed as one of the ten liveliest cities in the world by Lonely Planet.
In 2011, Beirut had the second highest visitor spending levels in the Middle East and Africa and as such it is still considered a "high-end", destination
