Home › Destinations › Harissa
Harissa, لبنان - Things to Do in Harissa

Harissa

Harissa, لبنان - Complete Travel Guide

Harissa is a sacred mountaintop pilgrimage site located 20 kilometers north of Beirut, perched dramatically on a hilltop overlooking Jounieh Bay and the Mediterranean Sea. This spiritual destination is crowned by the iconic Our Lady of Lebanon statue, a towering 8.5-meter bronze sculpture that has watched over the Lebanese coast since 1908. The site serves as one of Lebanon's most important Christian pilgrimage destinations, attracting both devout visitors and tourists seeking impressive panoramic views. Beyond its religious significance, Harissa offers visitors a unique blend of spirituality, natural beauty, and Lebanese culture. The journey to reach the summit via the historic cable car system is an experience in itself, providing spectacular aerial views of the coastline and surrounding mountains. The site features beautiful gardens, religious shrines, and peaceful walking paths that make it a perfect escape from the bustling cities below, while the surrounding area offers traditional Lebanese hospitality and cuisine.

Top Harissa

Our Lady of Lebanon Basilica and Statue

Explore the magnificent basilica and climb to the base of the towering bronze statue of the Virgin Mary for unparalleled views of the Lebanese coast. The site features beautiful mosaics, peaceful prayer areas, and well-maintained gardens perfect for contemplation. The panoramic vistas from this vantage point stretch from Beirut to the northern mountains on clear days.

Booking Tip: Entry is free, but consider hiring a local guide for $15-20 to learn about the site's history and significance. Visit early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Dress modestly as this is an active religious site.

Ride the Teleferique Cable Car

Take the historic cable car system from Jounieh Bay up to Harissa, enjoying spectacular aerial views during the 9-minute journey. This scenic ride covers 1.5 kilometers and rises 550 meters above sea level, offering unique photo opportunities of the coastline and mountains. The cable car system has been operating since 1965 and is an iconic part of the Lebanese experience.

Booking Tip: Round-trip tickets cost approximately $8-10 for adults. Operating hours are typically 10 AM to midnight in summer, shorter in winter. Purchase tickets at the base station in Jounieh - no advance booking needed, but expect longer waits on weekends and holidays.

the Pilgrimage Trail and Stations of the Cross

Walk the peaceful pilgrimage trail that winds around the mountaintop, featuring the traditional Stations of the Cross and smaller shrines. The trail offers multiple viewpoints and quiet spots for reflection, surrounded by pine trees and Mediterranean vegetation. This spiritual journey provides insight into Lebanese Christian traditions while offering exercise and fresh mountain air.

Booking Tip: The trail is free to access and takes 1-2 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, especially in summer. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer cooler temperatures and better lighting for photography.

Sunset Viewing and Photography

Experience one of Lebanon's most spectacular sunset locations, with unobstructed views over the Mediterranean Sea and Jounieh Bay. The elevated position provides perfect conditions for photography, with the statue silhouetted against colorful skies. The peaceful atmosphere during golden hour makes this a romantic and memorable experience.

Booking Tip: Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset for the best positioning and lighting. The cable car operates until late evening in summer months. Bring a jacket as temperatures drop after sunset, and consider staying for the illuminated statue and city lights view.

Local Restaurants and Cafes

Enjoy traditional Lebanese cuisine at the mountaintop restaurants and cafes that offer both excellent food and panoramic dining experiences. Sample local specialties like mezze, grilled meats, and fresh seafood while taking in the spectacular views. The area features several family-run establishments that have been serving pilgrims and tourists for generations.

Booking Tip: Restaurants range from $15-30 per person for a full meal. Reservations recommended for weekend dinners and sunset dining. Try local specialties and ask for tables with the best views - most establishments are happy to accommodate if you arrive early.

Getting There

Harissa is easily accessible from Beirut, located just 20 kilometers north of the capital city. The most popular and scenic route is to drive to Jounieh and take the historic Teleferique cable car system directly to the summit. By car, the journey from Beirut takes 30-45 minutes via the coastal highway, with clear signage directing visitors to both the cable car station and the winding mountain road that leads directly to Harissa. Public buses and service taxis (shared taxis) run regularly from Beirut to Jounieh, where you can catch the cable car, or you can arrange private transportation through hotels or tour operators.

Getting Around

Once at Harissa, the site is compact and easily explored on foot, with well-maintained pathways connecting all major attractions and viewpoints. The main basilica, statue, restaurants, and shops are all within a few minutes' walk of each other. For those arriving by cable car, the station is centrally located with easy access to all facilities. The pilgrimage trail and various viewpoints can be reached via clearly marked walking paths, though some areas involve moderate uphill walking. Local taxis are available for transportation to nearby attractions or back to Jounieh if you prefer not to take the cable car for the return journey.

Where to Stay

Jounieh Bay Area
Kaslik Coastal Strip
Beirut City Center
Byblos Historic Town
Broummana Mountain Village
Dbayeh Marina District

Food & Dining

Harissa offers several excellent dining options that combine traditional Lebanese cuisine with spectacular panoramic views. The mountaintop restaurants specialize in fresh mezze, grilled meats, and seafood, with many ingredients sourced locally. Popular dishes include kibbeh, fattoush, hummus, and fresh fish from the Mediterranean below. Most establishments offer both indoor and outdoor seating, with terraces providing unobstructed views of the coastline. The dining experience ranges from casual cafes perfect for coffee and pastries to more upscale restaurants ideal for romantic dinners. Prices are reasonable considering the location and views, and the quality of food reflects Lebanon's renowned culinary traditions.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Lebanon

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

appetito trattoria

4.7 /5
(1167 reviews)

Un basilico

4.8 /5
(535 reviews)

Stun Sushi Lounge

4.9 /5
(342 reviews)
bar

Appetito Trattoria Hazmieh

4.7 /5
(304 reviews)

Verona Resto

4.8 /5
(238 reviews)

Ryukai

4.7 /5
(243 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Harissa is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are mild and comfortable for walking and outdoor activities. Summer months (June-August) can be quite warm during midday but offer the advantage of longer daylight hours and extended cable car operating times, making sunset visits particularly spectacular. Winter visits (December-February) are possible but weather can be unpredictable with occasional rain and cooler temperatures, though clear winter days provide exceptional visibility and fewer crowds. For the most comfortable experience and best photography conditions, plan visits during the shoulder seasons when the weather is pleasant and the site is less crowded.

Insider Tips

Visit on weekdays to avoid large pilgrimage groups and tour buses that are common on weekends, especially during religious holidays and summer months.
Bring layers of clothing as the mountaintop can be significantly cooler than sea level, particularly in the evening and during winter months when temperatures can drop unexpectedly.
The statue and basilica are beautifully illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere that's worth experiencing if you're staying in the area - the view from Jounieh Bay looking up at the illuminated Harissa is equally spectacular.

Activities in Harissa