Known to many as “Little Greece” due to the small coves and blue and white chalets that dot its coast, Anfeh is not a town that one merely passes through; it is a place so firmly rooted in its history that it becomes endearing, almost magnetic.
Photo – Theodor Bafitos
Getting There
Anfeh is located in North Lebanon, about an hour and a half from Beirut. It is accessed by the Beirut-Tripoli highway and can also be reached by the old coastal road.
What to Do
Walk Around
Nothing is more pleasant than to walk around Anfeh to discover the town’s hidden gems, including Our Lady of the Wind Church, with its recently restored 12th-century paintings. You can also visit the impressive remains of the crossed citadel, destroyed by the Mamluks.
Salt Marshes
Daughter of the wind and sea, Anfeh was destined to become a capital of salt, or of “white gold.” Its famous salt marshes can be admired in the grounds of Our Lady Saydet El Natour Convent in the far north of the town. As an extension of the sea, sparkling with a thousand lights, these traditional structures mark the landscape with a beauty of their own.
Photo – Lisa Jerejian
Little Greece
For many years now, Lebanese and foreigners have fallen in love with its small coves and blue and white chalets where you can rent a chair and a parasol and spend the day eating in tiny restaurants, go swimming and diving or have a few cocktails while people-watching.
Where to Eat
Photo – Lisa Jerejian
Several charming restaurants can be found in Anfeh, such as the famous Gergi El Dayha (+961 3 127693) near the port, Al Baydar (+961 6 542942), Al Hara Al Sharkiya (+961 6 545532), Wassim Aal Baher (+961 70 180124) and Chez Fouad (+961 70 830117).
Where to Sleep
There are three guesthouses in Anfeh: O Fleur de Sel (+961 70 365920), Anfawiyat (+961 70 240650) and Marsé (+961 70 000425). For those looking for a property with plenty of facilities, the four-star Las Salinas (+961 6 540970) offers a plethora of leisure activities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a health club and kids’ play area.