South Lebanon Coast

The south Lebanese coast from Sidon to the Israeli border is a historically layered shoreline — Phoenician, Crusader, Ottoman, and modern settlement all visible within a short coastal strip. Sidon (Saida) retains its old fishing harbour flanked by the Sea Castle, a Crusader fortification built on a small island connected to the shore. The tidal regime is Eastern Mediterranean microtidal: spring range 0.3 to 0.5 m, the tide almost invisible against the background of wind-driven and atmospheric surge effects. The coast south of Sidon toward Tyre (Sur) passes through citrus groves and banana plantations running to the water's edge, then opens onto the sandy beaches and shallow lagoon at Tyre — a UNESCO World Heritage site where Phoenician harbour infrastructure is still partially traceable underwater. Water clarity in summer is good on calm days; autumn through spring brings periodic northwest swell that makes exposed beaches unsuitable for swimming. Access to some coastal areas remains restricted due to security considerations; checking current advisories before visiting is essential. Open-Meteo Marine gridded model, accuracy class ±45 min / ±0.2–0.3 m.