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The Corniche is the city's most visited site. A long sidewalk along the coast of the city, approximately 4.5 km long, where people come for a walk, sports and leisure activities such as fishing and sailing. A large number of cafes along the corniche is an attractive site for tourists and locals alike.

Visit the old fishmarket (Masmaket Annous) in the early morning and enjoy the traditional fish auctions. Remember that the best fish in Lebanon comes from El Mina.

El Mina is the only Lebanese city that has several small islands where people can enjoy a dip in the crystal clear water in the summer. There are numerous boat taxis that take you there for a minimal fee.

The Lion Tower is a miniature fortress dating from the end of the 15th century and was built by the Sultan Qait Bey to protect the coastline against attack from the Turks. It is an exceptional example of Muslim military architecture. At the top of the tower there is a terrace which has views over the city and the harbor area.

One of the historical places that have been badly damaged and neglected during the Lebanese civil war (1975-1990) is Khan Al Tamasylee. It was built by the Mamalik during the 14th century. It was initially used as a residence for travelers and negotiators. Although it is of great architectural and historical value, today the building is in bad shape and is mostly occupied by underprivileged illegal residents. The Khan consists of one floor that combines thirty rooms. The decorations of the interior yard are still intact and the main wooden gate is reinforced by metal nails. The Khan is a basic of element of El Mina's national heritage. In 2009 the municipality of El Mina will start the process of restore the Khan to regain its historical role.

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Inhabited since the 14th century B.C., El Mina was ruled sequentially by Persians, Alexander the Great's successors, the Romans, Mamluke Muslims, Turkish Ottomans, and the French. As a result, the old town is filled with history, including mosques and churches, a Caravan Serail, a Mamluk Fortress, and souk (traditional marketplaces).

Build on the remains of an old church, Beit Alfan has become a center for cultural activites in North Lebanon.

Pottery
For over 300 years, the Arairo family has been working in the pottery tradition. Georges Arairo is struggling to keep this tradition alive. Historical records show that pottery was a main industry in the city and there was a pottery tower in the old town.

Known by the locals as Abou-Georges pottery workshop (Fakhourat Abou-Georges), the shop is located in the west wing of the Corniche and offers for both young and old visitors an educational and entertainment experience, exploring a prehistoric tradition that refuses to vanish. Pottery souvenirs are also sold at this place. For more information, call Georges Arairo: 03-517267.

Boat Making
In El Mina, visitors can see hundreds of fishing boats (or flouka as the locals call them) sailing from the fishing port. These vessels have been used as fishing boats for countless centuries. The boats are still being constructed out of wood using traditional methods, which you can see in progress by visiting Hamra Atelier (in the west wing of the Corniche) near Alameddine Palaces or Konyali Atelier (West Wing of the Corniche- near Abou-Georges Pottery). Of course, nowadays in most instances the sail has given its way to clunky engines and propellers, but despite this the boats still manage to hold a sense of mysticism and decadence of days gone by. Call Hussam Konyali 03-340752.

Traditional Handmade Soap
One of the most traditional handcrafts in Tripoli and El Mina is soap making. Mostly made using 100% olive oil base from the nearby El koura region, in addition to wild and organic herbs with pure essential oils, el mina soap bursts with freshness and provides a wellness experience you will never forget. Visit the Azm and Saade Handcraft workshop in Labban Street near the Silver Shore restaurant and witness the traditional making of soap from A-Z. www.azmsaade.net or 03-209494.

Traditional Oriental Sweets
Tripoli is well-known as the ‘sweet capital’ of Lebanon. Similarly, El Mina prides itself for the delicious handmade oriental sweets (Arabic Pastry) that local shops have been producing for centuries. A must-eat delicacy that you should try is karbouj, made and served only during the holy month of Ramadan. Another specialty is halawet Aljibn, a delicious sweet made of cheese and sugar syrup. You can always visit the two workshops in the old town: Sabbagh and Zakkour and see how the sweets are produced. www.sabbaghsweets.com

Palm Islands Reserve

If you are enchanted by marine ecology, be sure to spend some time in the Palm Islands Reserve, comprising three uninhabited islands located approximately 5km northwest of El Mina. more...

Enjoy the Lent Carnival (ZAMBO)

Each year on the weekend preceding Clean Monday (usually between March and April), hundreds of locals organize and participate in lively musical parades wearing Pagan outfits and masks. The origin of this old tradition is unknown but some people link it to local Greek families (Greek Mardi Gras). What ever the origin is, El Mina is surely the only place in Lebanon where you enjoy such an exotic experience.

Supporting small producers of high quality, Souk El Tayeb is a producers market only, gathering farmers and producers from all around North Lebanon, and supporting local production, seasonal, natural, traditional and better if organic. Souk el Tayeb is a weekly market, taking place every Thursday in El Mina - Sheikh Afan Garden.

Unlike other Lebanese cities, El Mina has not yet been invaded by the 'mall culture', so the traditional shopping habits of the 50's are still preserved and visitors can practice their bargain skills. Most of the retail shops are concentrated on Port Said Street and they mainly sell inexpensive clothes and shoes (mostly made in Lebanon or imported from neighboring Syria or China), gold, electronics, and oriental sweets. Opens Monday to Saturday from 9.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.

El Mina, the ‘Furniture Capital’ of Lebanon

El Mina has been acknowledged in the last ten years as the "furniture capital" of Lebanon. With over 50 galleries that display the finest wooden-handcrafted-furniture made by the most creative and highly skilled local carpenters and designers, El Mina is attracting thousands of Lebanese and Arab visitors who purchase the finest furniture in the best prices. The galleries are located in the northern part of Port Said Street.