Jeita Grotto

The Basics

The Jeita Grotto is a sprawling cave complex, divided into upper and lower levels. Guided tours take in all the highlights. Visitors enjoy a boat cruise through the lower grotto, a walking tour of the upper grotto, a cable-car ride, and a scenic train ride between the two grottoes. Most travelers visit on a day tour from Beirut, often in combination with nearby attractions such as UNESCO-listed Byblos or the pilgrimage site of Harissa.

Things to Know Before You Go

• A complete cave tour takes two hours, and the entrance fee covers all attractions.

• The cave complex has a restaurant, gift shops, gardens, a video presentation about the caves, and even a small zoo.

• Photography is not allowed within the caves.

• The caves are not wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The cave complex is located 11 miles (18 kilometers) north of Beirut, or about 20 minutes’ drive. There is no direct public transportation to the caves, but buses from Dawra will drop you off at the Jeita exit along the Beirut–Jounieh Highway, and from there it’s only about five minutes’ journey to the Jeita Grotto by taxi.

When to Get There

Tours of the Jeita Grotto run Tuesday through Sunday year-round, and the sight is open from 9am until 5pm. However, the lower grotto is often closed during the winter months due to high water levels.

History of the Jeita Grotto

Though evidence suggests the Jeita Grotto was inhabited during ancient times, the caverns were rediscovered in 1863 by an American missionary. The subterranean Nahr el-Kalb river runs through the Lower Grotto, making it accessible via boat at certain times of the year. During the Lebanese Civil War the grottos were closed to the public and used as munitions storage, but in 1995 the Jeita Grotto was reopened to the public.

Is visiting Jeita Grotto worth it?

Yes. Even if you’re not keen on spelunking, you'll still experience the sheer scale of this 5.6-mile (9-kilometer) cave complex. Some of the caverns were used in neolithic times. The stalactites and stalagmites alone are worth the price of admission, and there’s also an underground waterfall.

How long does it take to tour Jeita Grotto?

Count on tours taking around two hours. The complex is divided into two parts—the Lower Grotto and the Upper Grotto, which are connected. Tours take visitors to both sections. The Upper Grotto is only reachable by boat ride, while you can tour the Lower Grotto on foot.

How should you dress in Jeita Grotto?

Layer up! The underground cave complex is considerably cooler than above-ground temperatures, making for a refreshing respite in the blistering hot Lebanese summers. But if you’re prone to getting chilly, bring a sweater or light jacket. You’ll also want sturdy, closed-toe shoes.

Is Jeita Grotto good for kids?

Yes. Jeita Grotto is a hit with kids of all ages, including toddlers. Children enjoy the boat ride along the underground river. Visitors can also take a cable car to visit the Lower Grotto. Even better, children under 4 can visit for free, and older kids get discounted admission.

Do you need reservations to visit Jeita Grotto?

Typically, no. Jeita Grotto is open year-round, and visitors can usually book tickets for the next departing tour upon arrival. Don’t turn up on a Monday when the site is closed. Avoid winter if you want to see the Lower Grotto, as high water levels can lead to closures.

Can you take photos inside Jeita Grotto?

No. Photography of any kind is strictly forbidden. While it may seem unfair not to be able to photograph the cathedral-like rock formations, this measure is to protect the limestone structures from flash photography. Visitors will be asked to put cameras and phones in a locker before their tour.