Explore
Al-yasmine guesthouse is located between Tyre, also known as 'Sūr ', and Naqoura. It is only a short distance away from the greatest attractions in the South of Lebanon, whether you're looking to learn about Tyre and its rich history or to simply lie on the beach and soak up the sun. Tyre boasts one of the world's largest and most important Roman ruins (sea or land), a beautiful coast, great food and hospitable locals.
Ruins
Founded more than 4,000 years ago, Tyre, was known as queen of the seas, an island of unprecedented splendor. It is an ancient Phoenician city and the legendary birthplace of Europa and Dido (Elissa). Famous for its wealth and prosperity from its trade of purple-dye made from locally harvested murex shell, Tyre attracted the attention of a lot of conquerors among them the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar and Alexander the Great.
Tyre ruled the seas and founded prosperous colonies such as Cadiz and Carthage before its decline. When the Romans took Tyre, they built a triumphal arch and one of the world's largest hippodromes used for the famous chariot races. These ruins as well as the impressive Al Mina Roman ruins are now part of the UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites and are a must see.
Unesco - Source: Veronique Dauge
Tyre/Sūr Public Beach
Located about 15 minutes from al-yasmine guesthouse by car, Tyre public beach is the most famous stretch of sandy beach that welcomes everyone: locals, foreigners, staycationers, men, women, families and singles. There is no strict beach attire as people wear anything from bikinis to hijab swimsuits for women and speedos to shorts for men. The beach is also an short walk to the Tyre Coast Nature Reserve
The summer season is the high season and all along the beach you'll find gazebos/tents/restaurants with tables stretching outwards towards the sea that will serve Lebanese food and fresh fish as well as alcohol (not available everywhere). Each restaurant caters to a specific style of clientele and will provide very basic showers and toilets. The beach is free and there are no minimum charges required to enjoy a simple day tanning, swimming, jogging, and watching the sun set.
The only word of advice: beware of currents, respect the sea!
Naqura
Naqura is a Lebanese village near the border that was occupied by the Israeli army until the year 2000 and that is 20 minutes away from al-yasmine guesthouse. Naqura is now the headquarters for the United Nations interim forces.
Due to the occupation, this area has remained relatively untouched. The village sits on top of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the beautiful virgin most southern coast, which makes for a beautiful car ride. On your way to Naqura or the villages bordering the country, you should stop by random cliffs or rocky beach areas and enjoy a dive into the sea.
You should also stop by Ras el Bayada, famous for its beautiful white rock formation.
Tyre Town
The colorful souk of Sour is the liveliest part of the city where you will find all kinds of products: From spices, to animals being butchered, to fish to jewelry. You will also find the Ottoman Khan at the market entrance and on the side street the "Mamluke House", an Ottoman period residence that is being restored.
You should also explore the famous fishermen port nearby then enter the tiny pedestrian area leading to the picturesque Christian quarters. If you look up you'll also spot the still standing medieval towers from the Crusader times.
On your way to the guesthouse
Pass by Sarafand and learn about the ancient Phoenician Art of Glass Blowing that is still practiced.
Visit the Soap Museum in Saida.
Visit Qana: Believed to be the location where Jesus-Christ performed his first miracle of turning water into wine
Tomb of Hiram: On the road to Qana El-Jaleel, (6 Kilometers southeast of Tyre) is a burial monument from the Persian period (550 - 330 B.C.). This has traditionally been called the tomb of Hiram, the celebrated Phoenician architect of the Temple of Jerusalem.