🪨 Jeita Grotto – Lebanon’s Hidden Underground Jewel

Where nature carved poetry in stone

 

A magical escape just 30 minutes from Beirut – perfect for families, couples, and adventure lovers.

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🧭 Why Visit Jeita Grotto?

Jeita Grotto is Lebanon’s most spectacular natural attraction, a two-level limestone cave system stretching over 9 kilometers. Discovered in the 19th century but formed over millions of years, this wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and underground rivers will leave you breathless.

Finalist in the New 7 Wonders of Nature, Jeita Grotto is not just a cave — it’s a national symbol of Lebanese pride and beauty.

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🏞️ What to See & Do

🕳️ 1. Upper Grotto

🚶‍♂️ Explore via a suspended walkway
Home to the world's largest known stalactite (8.2 meters long), the Upper Grotto is a dramatic cathedral of rock formations. No photos allowed, but your memory will hold on tight.

🚤 2. Lower Grotto

🛶 Enjoy a short boat ride through the underground river
Drift through an echoing, silent world of water, shadows, and stone. It’s one of the few underground boat rides in the world!

🚡 3. Cable Car Ride (Téléférique)

🌄 Glide through the trees up the hill to the grotto entrance. A scenic and fun way to arrive, especially with kids!

🌿 4. Surrounding Gardens & Sculpture Park

Take your time post-visit in the relaxing outdoor space, featuring Lebanese art, fountains, and forest views.

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📸 Best Photo Ops

• The outside stone bridge near the cable car station

• The lush entrance tunnel with cascading greenery

• The "Love Tunnel" bridge by the ticket area
  (Photography is forbidden inside the caves to protect the environment)

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🍴 Where to Eat Nearby

• La Table de Christelle – Lebanese food in a garden setting

• Le Téléphérique Café – Snacks and drinks with a view

• Bring your own picnic and enjoy it in the shaded park area!

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🚗 How to Get There

• 📍 Location: Jeita, Mount Lebanon Governorate (18 km north of Beirut)

• 🚘 By Car: 30–40 minutes from Beirut

• 🚌 No direct public buses – a taxi or private driver is recommended

• 🧭 Combine it with Harissa & Byblos for a fantastic day trip

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💡 Insider Tips

• ❌ Photography inside the caves is not allowed – respect the rule to help preserve this wonder

• 🧥 Bring a jacket – the temperature inside stays cool (around 16°C)

• 👟 Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll walk a lot!

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🛍️ Souvenirs & Extras

• A small gift shop sells postcards, crystals, and Lebanese crafts

• Don’t miss the mini train ride from the parking area to the lower grotto for extra fun