South of Lebanon - Sidon, Sarafan and Maghdouché

Leave your car here. The following attractions are within walking distance.
It's always great to walk and explore the city, but if it's boiling outside – take care of yourself and travel by car.

Visit one of the best preserved caravanserai - place where traders from Lebanon and Europe could exchange theirs products mainly spices, perfumes or silk, and get some rest on the upper floor put to sleep by calming water flow in the fountain at courtyard, which name Khan el Franj means "caravansary of the Franks".
This trade center was built in 17th century by Druze Emir and Sidon administrator, Fakhreddine II and after restoration later on has been used today as an address for French Cultural Institute.
Feel like being taken back in time when caravanseari was in full bloom, when strolling around this lovely ancient center for merchants, admiring the cross vaulted portico, fascinating main hall, former stables and picturesque limestone archways perfect for taking those souvenir shots.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 8:00 - 16:00

In this historic Ottoman hammam building, presenting delightful ornamental Islamic architecture, which served as a public bath house, situated close to old souks of the city of Sidon and dating back to the 18th century, you will find out how the public bathing culture and center of social life looked like and see the intriguing paintings display showing the flourishing time of hammam in this period. Look at the different rooms in the bath house which played various roles in the entire procedure of getting cleaned and the stunning decorations.
At Hammam Aljadeed there is an exhibition (REVIVAL) paintings of scenes of early forties and fifties of Sidonian life by a British painter : Tom Young.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 9:00 - 18:00

Discover the origin of authentic part of 6,000 years old Sidon in the maze of ancient souks where allow yourself to get lost wandering around the places along sandstone narrow streets which have not changed by a time, with shops owners keeping the traditional look of theirs property as during their ancestor's time.
See the fascinating market "Bazerkan" which dates back to 16th century, pass the amazing khans, ancient dwelling houses, still operating Hammam El Sheikh, shops with perfumes, fragrant hills of spices and oriental clothing and have a strong Arabic coffee and a snack from one of the cafés on the way.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 24hr

Come to this charming traditional café serving traditional Lebanse cuisine, hidden germ in the alleys of souks, with warm decor with stone walls and an old-fashioned ceiling lamps where kind staff will prepare for you delicious meal like fatteh where crispy pieces of flat bread are placed on the top of yogurt dip with fragrant mint, golden olive oil and delicate chickpeas with refreshing lemonade.
Open Hours: Monday - Thursday : 8:00 - 14:00 Friday - Sunday: 8:00 - 23:45

Pick up for your care from here where you left it earlier.

The technique of glassblowing and a type of transparent glass has been invented by Phoenicians around 50BC close to location of today Syria,and the glass crafting before that in Egypt around 14th century BC by Sumerians.
At the Khalife blown glass atelier, situated at the Main street of Sarafan town, run by a family for a generation you will be blown away my beautiful hand blown unique collections of artisan glass creations consisting of glasses, drinking bottles or pitchers available in different colors made by using the ancient Phoenician furnace for melting a glass which is 2000 years old.
More Information via calling this number: +9613644746

In this close to the Christians hearts place in the cave according to the ancient story, Mary the Virgin, was waiting for Jesus while he was preaching in Sidon. Helen, mother of Constantine, emperor of the Roman Empire, helped to set up the chapel and paid for the golden sculpture of Mary.
This shrine was refound after return of residents expelled from the village Maghdouché by the shepherd in 1721 and hence the main plot of the story was called "Our Lady of Awaiting". Until today, it has been extended to an entire shrine complex including the famous grotto, a tower with bronze statue of Mary holding Jesus, cemetery and cathedral, and it has been under the protection of the Melkite Greek Catholic Archeparchy of Sidon.
Have a look at the chapel in the grotto and the famous sculpture of Virgin Mary and admire the great architecture of the basilica and its interior, climb to the top of the tower to get a view over the stunning Mediterranean Sea, Sidon city and nature including mountains, valleys and lemon groves of Lebanon.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 24hr

Immerse yourself in the old time of khan popularity and enjoy viewing the entire complex of two hammas, the ancient oven for making tannour bread, an exhibition of the paintings and interesting family trees of one of the former owners of this place. This structure was built in 1720 by prince Ali Hammoud, and it became a center for merchants who after trading could rest there. And later the Sassy family took over the ownership and renovated the entire complex.
During your visit pay attention to the outstanding bathroom consisting of glass ceiling from the period of Mamluks and water containing wells with the elements of typical for era of Crusaders style
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 9:00 - 18:00
More Information

Before dinner, leave your car near the restaurant and take a walk along the coastline towards the port and enjoy the stunning views and fresh air. Remember to take some memorable photos.

For the delicious fish supper, chose Beit Al Samak restaurant located close to the beach with lovely greenery decorations, a place run by a family, where the owner, Mr Nassar will personally make sure you will have the best culinary experience.
Here at this, the best seafood restaurant in the region and the only one with alcohol license in the city of Sidon, you will take advantage of this opportunity and indulge in the tasteful options from the menu like amazing freshly baked fish or parsley and garlic calamari served with spicy batat harra - potatoes and flavorful tabbouleh salad and a glass of arak with aniseed flavor.
Open Hours: Monday: Closed Tuesday - Wednesday: 13:00 - 21:30 Thursday - Saturday: 12:00 - 23:00 Sunday: 13:00 - 21:30

After a day full of varied events, have a good night sleep to be ready for a continuation of your south of Lebanon trip.