Shouf Mountains

The southern district of Mount Lebanon, also known as the Shouf Mountains, is located about 40 kilometers from Beirut and filled with vineyards, apple orchards, olive groves and cedar trees. Now predominantly Druze and Christian, it used to be the center of power for Fakhr el-Dine Maan II and Emir Bashir Shehab II, ruling from Deir el-Qamar and Beiteddine respectively. Reasons to visit the area, besides its beautiful environment, are the Ottoman palace in Beiteddine, the pleasant town of Deir el-Qamar, the old forests of the Shouf Cedar Reserve and the eco-village near Dmit. Wine and food, can either enjoy a breakfast or lunch on the lovely terraces of Bkerzay, or learn about the high quality wines of Château Florentine. One can also visit the charming villages of Baaqline and Moukhtara, although some might feel these do not warrant a detour. While Baaqline and Barouk are easily reached by bus during the daytime, probably the easiest way to visit this area is by car.