Jeita Grotto, one of Lebanon's natural wonders, is a system of two separate, but interconnected, karstic limestone caves including the Upper Grotto and the Lower Grotto. Here are detailed instructions on how to get there:
From Beirut:
- Start on the Beirut–Jounieh Highway (Lebanese Highway 32).
- Continue north past Jounieh and the Casino du Liban.
- Take the exit toward Zouk Mikael.
- Follow the brown touristic signs indicating “Jeita”.
- The drive from Beirut to Jeita Grotto is approximately 20 kilometers and usually takes around 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
- Take a bus or a shared taxi (“service”) from Beirut heading towards Jounieh or Byblos (Jbeil).
- Alight at the Jeita roundabout.
- From there, you can take a local taxi directly to the Jeita Grotto entrance as it is not within walking distance from the main road.
- The cost and availability of public transport can vary, and it is recommended to negotiate the fare beforehand.
- Many travel agencies in Lebanon offer day tours to Jeita Grotto which could be combined with visits to other nearby attractions such as Harissa or Byblos.
- Tours usually include transportation and a guide.
- The Upper Grotto is only accessible by foot or via the cable car provided by the facility.
- **Opening Hours:** Jeita Grotto has seasonal opening hours, usually closed on Mondays. It is advisable to check the latest timings before planning your trip.
- **Tickets:** There is an entrance fee which can change, so check the latest prices before visiting.
- **Accessibility:** The Upper Grotto might not be accessible to individuals with mobility issues due to its natural setting and steps.
- Due to conservation efforts, photography is not allowed inside the caves.