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Jeita Grotto
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Landmark
The Jeita Grotto, located in the Nahr al-Kalb valley north of Beirut, is a spectacular system of two interconnected limestone caves. With a total length of nearly nine kilometers, it is the longest cave system in the Middle East and serves as a national symbol for Lebanon. The lower grotto was discovered in 1836 by Reverend William Thomson and can only be explored by boat as it contains an underground river that supplies drinking water to Beirut. The upper grotto, opened to the public in 1958, features a staggering array of stalactites and stalagmites, including one of the world's largest hanging stalactites. The caverns were formed over millions of years through the dissolution of limestone by carbonic acid-rich water. Maintaining a constant temperature of 16 degrees Celsius year-round, the grottoes attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Jeita Grotto reached the final stages of the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition, highlighting its global geological importance.
- Location: Lebanon
- Top sights: Donkeys · Marine and Wildlife Museum · Lower Grotto
- Nearby: Jounieh (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 17 | 13 |
| Rain mm | 115 | 82 | 43 | 23 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 23 | 56 | 96 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Jeita Grotto is open to visitors and consists of two levels: the upper gallery and the lower cave, which is toured by boat. Part of the cave is wheelchair accessible.
Typical hours
Opening hours vary by season; typically the grotto is open daily. It is advisable to check current times on the official website before visiting.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the upper gallery, without flash or tripod. In the lower cave, photography is not permitted for safety reasons.
Time needed
The tour of both levels takes about 1.5 hours. Allow extra time for the park and visitor center.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a drive along the coast to Beirut. The nearby town of Jounieh also features a cable car and beautiful views.
Getting there
The grotto is about 20 kilometers north of Beirut, easily reachable by car or taxi. There is a large parking lot on site.
Insider tip
Book your tickets online in advance to avoid waiting times. The cave has a constant temperature of about 16°C, so a light jacket is recommended.
Geography
Facts
- Total length of the cave system is nearly 9 kilometers
- Lower grotto was discovered in 1836 by William Thomson
- Home to one of the largest hanging stalactites in the world
- Primary source of drinking water for the capital, Beirut
- Internal temperature remains constant at 16 degrees Celsius
- Finalist in the New 7 Wonders of Nature global competition
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Jeita Grotto (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Are photos allowed inside the cave?
No, cameras and mobile phones must be left in lockers at the entrance.
How cold is it in the grotto?
The temperature is a constant 16°C; a light jacket is recommended.
Is there a boat ride?
Yes, the lower grotto is explored exclusively by small boats.
When is the grotto closed?
During heavy rain, the lower grotto may be closed due to flooding.
How to get to the upper grotto?
It can be reached by a short cable car ride or a small train.
Jeita Grotto: where is it located?
Jeita Grotto is located in Lebanon.
Jeita Grotto: what is there to see?
Highlights include Donkeys, Marine and Wildlife Museum, Lower Grotto.
Jeita Grotto: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Jeita Grotto: why is it worth visiting?
The Jeita Grotto, located in the Nahr al-Kalb valley north of Beirut, is a spectacular system of two interconnected limestone caves.
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