There’s been a lot of bad press about Lebanese beaches lately–well mainly one article that made some incredibly sweeping generalizations.
But while pollution is a serious problem in many places, we shouldn’t forget that we also have some great Mediterranean coastlines, such as this beach near Naqoura in south Lebanon.
![](https://i0.wp.com/beirutreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_1603.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
It’s one of many clean beaches in the country, but unlike the popular resorts, there are no poolside bars blasting techno music and you can actually hear the waves crashing.
![](https://i0.wp.com/beirutreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_1641.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
The beach is surrounded by a forest
![](https://i0.wp.com/beirutreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_1661.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
Small plants near the shore reminded me of Nantucket:
![](https://i0.wp.com/beirutreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_1691.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/beirutreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_1657.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
I searched high and low for a piece of garbage:
![](https://i0.wp.com/beirutreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_1659.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
But all I found was sea weed and shells:
![](https://i0.wp.com/beirutreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_1652.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/beirutreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_1664.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/beirutreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_1694.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
And more sand than you can shake a stick at.
![](https://i0.wp.com/beirutreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_1708.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
You have to cross an orchard to get there, run by the sweet folks at Orange House, who maintain this hidden gem, which also serves as a turtle reserve.
They also run a nice bed and breakfast on site.
![](https://i0.wp.com/beirutreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_1723.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
There are more beautiful spots a little further south, not far from border with Israel.
But the people at Orange House warn that developers are interested in the area. So go support them!