The scorching heat of summer is upon us. Unless you prefer limiting yourself to the comfort of your air-conditioned home (it's too tempting, I know,) it's time to get out of the city and explore the great outdoors ... and where better to do that than in Lebanon?
If you're tired of hitting the beach in Tyre and Batroun, and you're looking for an adrenaline rush, here are 7 outdoor activities you should try this summer:
1. Paragliding over Jounieh
What better way to tour the coastal city of Jounieh than by flying over it?
Make your way to the glorious Harissa mountain, at 500 meters above sea level, and fly over Jounieh all the way to Maameltain with a professional paragliding instructor.
Book your flight on SKILEB.com for $120/person at least 48 hours in advance.
2. Parasailing over the Mediterranean
Parasail over the Mediterranean at Aqua Sports in Movenpick Hotel & Resort in Raouche, Beirut. The activity includes 40 to 50 minutes on the boat and 10 minutes in the air for $75/person (Bonus: Get a discount coupon here).
Call Beirut Aqua Sports on 01/806608 for booking.
3. Glide over the sea on a towable tube
Hold on tight to the side-handles and glide over the sea while towed to a turbo boat.
That's a thrill you won't get from sitting at home.
This is also available at Beirut Aqua Sports for $25/passenger.
4. Zip-biking in Ehden
Biking on the ground is too mainstream. You should try biking on a tight rope meters above the ground for a change.
You can do this at Ehden Adventures for $10. Call 76/556 887 for details.
5. Mountain climbing in Afqa
Stay up-to-date with the latest mountain-climbing events via the Lebanese Mountaineering Association's Facebook page.
The association brings together mountaineers and alpine adventurers who organize highland activities.
For a toned-down experience, you could book an abseil climb at Ehden Adventures' outdoor climbing arena.
6. Zip lining and slack lining in Ehden
Explore the mountainous town of Ehden by zip-lining across its slopes or going on a slack-lining walk by balancing yourself on a webbing.
For details, call Ehden Mountains Activities on 03/754928.
7. Rafting in Assi river
Pump your adrenaline while following the white stream on a seven-kilometer ride on the Assi River, crossing three waterfalls.
The starting point beings at Al-Zwaytineh village in Hermel, located at 150 kilometers away from Beirut.
Book your day at SKILEB.com starting at $55 per person including rafting and lunch.