About Byblos
Venture 45 kilometers north of Beirut and enter the magical realm of Byblos, a thriving ancient port city, and one of Lebanon’s most scenic towns.
The earliest records of Byblos date back 7,000 years. According to fragments of old writings, it was built as the first city in Phoenicia; and since then, it witnessed numerous conquerors and its fate as a port has waxed and waned depending on its rulers. Today it is believed to be the oldest continuously-inhabited city in the world.
Surrounded on the hillsides by the modern city, Byblos is dominated by the imposing shape of a Crusader castle. Around it stretches an old market boasting a plethora of commodities from tourist knickknacks to fossilized fish. A Jasmine-edged road runs down to the harbor where several boats bob on the undulating waters. Standing there, you’d find it hard not to be wowed by this picturesque setting.
Today, Byblos is budding as an upscale touristic hub. Its ancient port, Phoenician, Roman and Crusader ruins, sandy beaches and the picturesque mountains that surround it make it an ideal tourist destination. The city is illustrious for its wealth of fish restaurants, open-air bars, and outdoor cafes.
Byblos is a town of many contrasts where the old and historic meets the contemporary and hype. It is a modern town with an ancient heart, a mix of sophistication and tradition.
Explore Byblos
Byblos Sur Mer reveals the spirit of Byblos city in a warm, peaceful, and romantic setting that honors both past and present. Originally built in 1967, Byblos Sur Mer was reborn in 2010 as a charming boutique hotel where modern luxury marries an odyssey of 7,000 years of history.
Exquisitely set at the edge of the sea, Byblos Sur Mer embraces the ancient port and castle on one side, and an endless expanse of deep blue on the other. We offer our guests the comforts of a home at the heart of a legend, in a carefully decorated space furnished with local art and artisanal wares, ancient relics, and precious items from private collections.
Byblos Sur Mer is a tribute to Byblos and its history as much as it is a first class hotel hosting a full array of amenities at an international standard. We invite our guests to unwind and experience enchanting moments with us that just might be as eternally unforgettable as the city of Byblos itself.
Ancient Ruins
For over 7,000 years Byblos (or Jbeil) has been a bustling cultural crossroads, passing through the hands of the Phoenicians, the Assyrians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Persians, and the Crusaders. Established as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, the ruins of Byblos date back to 5,000 BC, making Byblos one of the world’s oldest, constantly inhabited cities. Pay an enriching visit to the archeological site and museum, then wander through Phoenician temples, a Crusader castle, and the medieval city walls. Phoenician Temples
There, in the archaeological site of Byblos, 
lie the remains of an ancient yet never lost civilization. Visit the Great Temple built in 2700 BC, the Temple of Baalat Gebal built in 2700 BC and the Temple of the Obelisks built around 1600 BC.
lie the remains of an ancient yet never lost civilization. Visit the Great Temple built in 2700 BC, the Temple of Baalat Gebal built in 2700 BC and the Temple of the Obelisks built around 1600 BC. Byblos Castle
In the heart of the old town, adjacent to the port, stands the Byblos Castle, proud and defying the passage of time. Built by the crusaders in the 12th century, it is a must see during your visit to the city. Medieval City Wall
Byblos is surrounded by ramparts 
running about 270 meters from east to west and 200 meters from north to south. While in the city, delight your senses with an excursion around these historic walls where the scent of jasmine and the sight of the old city will carry you back to enchanting medieval Byblos.
running about 270 meters from east to west and 200 meters from north to south. While in the city, delight your senses with an excursion around these historic walls where the scent of jasmine and the sight of the old city will carry you back to enchanting medieval Byblos. The Old Souks
Shopping takes on a whole new meaning in the old souks, where people have been treading across its narrow pebbled paths in search of textiles, pottery, glass, jewelry, and more for thousands of years. Today the souks feature artisan workshops, trendy boutiques, galleries, and many delightful cafes, bars, and restaurants with sidewalk terraces ideal for soaking up the lively ambiance. To try a hand at living like a local, barter with the souk merchants and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of walking away with a special deal or two. St. John Marc Cathedral
This medieval cathedral in the old 
city was built in 1116 by the crusaders. It was transformed into a stables during the Ottoman rule, but restored to its original function as a cathedral and given back to the Maronite Christians in the mid-1700’s as a gift from Prince Youssef Chehab, in return for helping him to capture the city.
city was built in 1116 by the crusaders. It was transformed into a stables during the Ottoman rule, but restored to its original function as a cathedral and given back to the Maronite Christians in the mid-1700’s as a gift from Prince Youssef Chehab, in return for helping him to capture the city. Armenian Genocide Orphans’ “Aram Bezikian” Museum
Located at the heart of the ancient site of Jbeil, not far from the 12th century citadel, the Armenian Genocide Orphans’ “Aram Bezikian” Museum is a place of memory, promoting the common values and principles of humanity: concern for others, friendship and tolerance, peaceful coexistence and respect for human rights and human dignity. Byblos Fossil Museum
Located in the old souk, the Byblos 
Fossil Museum contains a rich fossil collection that includes fish, sharks, eels, shrimps, squids, rays, and other remarkable creatures from the depths of the Mediterranean Sea.
Fossil Museum contains a rich fossil collection that includes fish, sharks, eels, shrimps, squids, rays, and other remarkable creatures from the depths of the Mediterranean Sea. Byblos Wax Musuem
To see local history take shape, visit the wax museum and meet some of Byblos’ heroes, from the age of the Phoenicians to the 20th century. Byblos International Festival
During the summer, Byblos hosts 
one of country’s most famous festivals, hosted in an outdoor amphitheater at the edge of the seaside ruins. International talents headline throughout the season. Contact the front desk to inquire about ticket bookings.
one of country’s most famous festivals, hosted in an outdoor amphitheater at the edge of the seaside ruins. International talents headline throughout the season. Contact the front desk to inquire about ticket bookings. Byblos Public Garden
Take a walk to the public garden of Byblos located at the hotel foot steps where kids can enjoy their time riding a train, playing on a swing or wondering around a green garden while eating some ice cream. Byblos Night Life
Byblos old souk is also well known 
for its vibrant night life and variety of pubs and restaurants. you may contact the reception for more information and reservations.
for its vibrant night life and variety of pubs and restaurants. you may contact the reception for more information and reservations.