Hilmi's famous lemonade is now sold from a roadside stall by the highway 7km south of central Batroun. As well as the straight-up version, there are numerous quirky versions, cocktails, sundaes and low-cal manifestations of the stuff, which is undeniably delicious on a hot day.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
22.58 MILES
Located on the former Green Line, this is Beirut's major cultural institution. Its impressive, magnificently displayed collection of archaeological…
22.49 MILES
Under the St Joseph university, this atmospheric and beautifully designed museum presents an extraordinary collection of exquisitely selected and…
20.63 MILES
An enticing blend of tradition and modernity, the web of narrow streets of Tripoli's port quarter makes for wonderful strolling. The Phoenician city stood…
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21.57 MILES
When a bomb fell on the Orthodox cathedral in 1975, the only silver lining was that it revealed these ruins beneath. Though the area is small, an…
16.72 MILES
One of the Middle East's greatest natural wonders, the stunning Jeita Grotto cave system extends around 6km into the mountains 18km, northeast of Beirut…
4.89 MILES
A restored 12th-century Crusader castle surrounded by a 10m-wide dry moat is located just inside the entrance to Byblos' atmospheric archaeological site…
5.14 MILES
Producing a range of wines made with grapes from its three vineyards (one at Basbina in the hills above Batroun, one in Jezzine and another in the Bekaa…
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18.22 MILES
From where the Qadisha road meets the valley floor, it's a 5km (1½-2 hour) walk to the serene still-working convent of Deir Qannoubin, probably the oldest…
Nearby Lebanon attractions
4.33 MILES
Overlooking Batroun and the Mediterranean, this winery in Edde opens its 300-year-old farmhouse for tastings on Saturdays between 10am and noon. Bookings…
4.54 MILES
Between the old town and the sea, sections of what is labelled the Phoenician sea wall still stand. It actually dates from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD…
4.56 MILES
Overlooking the remains of the sea wall, this simple Greek Orthodox church is built right on the water's edge and has a charming terrace with an arched…
4.77 MILES
The most interesting of the town's places of worship, this Byzantine-style Greek Orthodox church was built in the 19th century and features an elegant…
5. Church of St John the Baptist
4.78 MILES
Construction of this heartwarmingly beautiful Romanesque church in the medieval streets above the harbour commenced in 1115 and the structure was extended…
4.81 MILES
Batroun's main Maronite church is set on a square right next to the harbour. The stone building with its arched entrance, decorated facade and square…
4.86 MILES
A well-restored Crusader castle dominates Byblos' atmospheric archaeological site, which incorporates Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Greek and Roman ruins –…
4.89 MILES
You can begin your tour here by turning left to explore the ruins, which include the remains of city ramparts dating from the 3rd and 2nd millennium BC.