Jounieh

The drive up to Club Thermique’s jump point is so steep and winding it can be nauseating, but who cares because the glide down is worth it. The tandem paragliding company has been sailing across the Beirut skyline for almost 30 years—it’s a serious adrenaline kick and a totally unique way to view the city. By the time you touch down on the beach miles below (about a 30-minute sail), you’re ready to go again.


Set on a 1,880-foot summit, the Notre Dame du Liban (also known as Our Lady of Lebanon) is a huge tourist draw for a reason: The panoramic view is spectacular. Thought to be the guardian of Beirut, the molten bronze statue of the Virgin Mary can be reached by car or gondola, and at the top, there’s a small chapel inside the statue, cute restaurants, and a saint-studded gift shop.