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

Things to Do in Harissa

Harissa, لبنان - Complete Travel Guide

Harissa is a picturesque hilltop town located about 20 kilometers north of Beirut, Lebanon, perched dramatically on a mountainside overlooking Jounieh Bay and the Mediterranean Sea. This sacred pilgrimage site is famous for its towering bronze statue of Our Lady of Lebanon (Notre-Dame du Liban), which stands 8.5 meters tall and has watched over the region since 1908. The town offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Lebanese coastline and serves as an important religious destination for Christians from around the world. Beyond its spiritual significance, Harissa has become a popular tourist destination that combines religious heritage with stunning natural beauty. Visitors can reach the shrine via a historic cable car system that provides spectacular aerial views during the ascent, or by winding mountain roads that offer equally impressive vistas. The town's elevated position makes it a perfect escape from the heat and hustle of Beirut, offering cooler temperatures and serene surroundings that attract both pilgrims and tourists seeking peace and magnificent views of Lebanon's coastal landscape.

Top Things to Do in Harissa

Visit Our Lady of Lebanon Shrine

The magnificent bronze statue of Our Lady of Lebanon dominates the Harissa skyline and serves as Lebanon's most important Marian shrine. The basilica complex includes beautiful chapels, religious artifacts, and offers stunning 360-degree views of the Mediterranean coast and Lebanese mountains. Pilgrims and visitors can climb the spiral staircase inside the statue's base for even more spectacular panoramic vistas.

Booking Tip: Entry to the shrine is free, though donations are welcomed. Visit early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for the best lighting and fewer crowds. The site can get very busy during religious holidays and weekends.

Ride the Téléférique Cable Car

The historic cable car system connecting Jounieh to Harissa has been operating since 1965 and offers one of Lebanon's most scenic journeys. The 9-minute ride covers 1.5 kilometers and climbs 550 meters, providing breathtaking aerial views of Jounieh Bay, the coastline, and the surrounding mountains. The vintage gondolas add a charming nostalgic element to this unforgettable experience.

Booking Tip: Round-trip tickets cost around $8-12 USD. Operating hours vary by season, typically 10 AM-11 PM in summer and shorter hours in winter. Avoid weekends and holidays for shorter wait times, and check weather conditions as service may be suspended during high winds.

Explore the Basilica of Our Lady of Lebanon

This beautiful modern basilica, completed in 1970, features stunning architecture that blends traditional and contemporary elements. The interior houses impressive religious art, intricate mosaics, and peaceful prayer areas where visitors can experience the spiritual atmosphere. The basilica's design incorporates Lebanese cedar wood and local stone, creating a uniquely Lebanese religious experience.

Booking Tip: Free entry with modest dress code required (covered shoulders and knees). Mass times vary, with special services during major Christian holidays. Photography is generally allowed but be respectful of worshippers and ceremonies.

Hiking and Nature Walks

The mountainous terrain around Harissa offers excellent hiking opportunities with well-marked trails that wind through pine forests and Mediterranean vegetation. Popular routes include walks to nearby villages, scenic viewpoints, and ancient ruins scattered throughout the hills. The cooler mountain climate makes hiking pleasant even during Lebanon's hot summer months.

Booking Tip: Trails are free to access, but bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the best weather conditions. Local guides can be arranged through hotels for around $30-50 per day for more challenging routes.

Photography and Sunset Viewing

Harissa's elevated position makes it one of Lebanon's premier photography destinations, offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean coastline, Jounieh city, and the Lebanese mountains. The golden hour and sunset provide particularly magical lighting conditions, with the shrine and statue creating dramatic silhouettes against the colorful sky. The panoramic vistas extend from Beirut to Byblos on clear days.

Booking Tip: Best photo opportunities are 1-2 hours before sunset. Bring a tripod for low-light photography and layers of clothing as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. The viewing areas near the statue offer the most expansive vistas, and weekday visits provide more space for photography.

Getting There

Harissa is easily accessible from Beirut, located just 20 kilometers north of the capital city. The most scenic route is via the coastal highway to Jounieh, then taking the famous Téléférique cable car system up the mountain - a journey that's an attraction in itself. Alternatively, visitors can drive directly to Harissa via winding mountain roads that offer spectacular views, though the roads can be narrow and challenging for inexperienced drivers. Taxis from Beirut cost around $15-25 USD, while service taxis (shared) are available for about $3-5 USD. Many tour operators include Harissa in day trips from Beirut, often combined with visits to Byblos or other nearby attractions.

Getting Around

Harissa is a small hilltop town that can easily be explored on foot, with most attractions within walking distance of each other. The main shrine complex and viewing areas are connected by well-maintained paths and stairs, though some areas involve uphill walking. For those arriving by cable car, the station is just a short walk from the main religious sites. Parking is available for those driving, though spaces can be limited during peak times and religious holidays. The compact nature of the town means that most visitors can see all the main attractions in a half-day visit, making it perfect for a peaceful walking exploration.

Where to Stay

Jounieh Bay Area
Harissa Village
Kaslik Coastal Strip
Zouk Mikael
Sahel Alma
Ghazir Mountain Area

Food & Dining

Dining options in Harissa itself are limited, with a few small cafes and snack stands near the shrine serving basic Lebanese fare, coffee, and refreshments. The real culinary experience lies in nearby Jounieh, just a cable car ride away, which offers an excellent selection of Lebanese restaurants, seafood establishments along the marina, and international cuisine. Many visitors enjoy traditional mezze, grilled meats, and fresh fish while taking in views of the bay. For a unique experience, some restaurants in the area offer outdoor terraces with views up to the illuminated Harissa shrine at night, creating a magical dining atmosphere.

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)
all dining options →

When to Visit

The best time to visit Harissa is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when temperatures are mild and comfortable for walking and sightseeing. Summer months (June to August) can be quite hot, though Harissa's elevation provides some relief from the coastal heat, and the cable car offers a cooling breeze. Winter (December to February) can be cool and sometimes foggy, which may obscure the famous views, though the shrine takes on a mystical quality in the mist. Religious holidays, particularly those honoring the Virgin Mary, see increased pilgrim activity and special ceremonies, offering cultural insights but also larger crowds.

Insider Tips

Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and get better photos, especially if you're planning to ride the cable car
Bring layers of clothing as temperatures can drop significantly in the evening, even during summer months
The shrine is beautifully illuminated at night and can be seen from Jounieh - consider viewing it from below after your daytime visit for a different perspective

Explore Activities in Harissa