Beyond the Ruins: 5 Underrated ‘Slow Travel’ Destinations in Jordan and Lebanon for 2026
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Khalid Al Mansoor
- . February 17, 2026
- . Update: February 17, 2026 5:01 pm
For the modern traveler, the Levant has always been synonymous with iconic landmarks—the towering Treasury of Petra or the Roman grandeur of Baalbek. But as we move into 2026, a quieter, more intentional movement is taking root. “Slow Travel” is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a rejection of the “touch-and-go” itinerary in favor of deep cultural immersion.
If you want to feel the pulse of the region rather than just check a box, these five underrated destinations offer a glimpse into the soul of Jordan and Lebanon, far from the madding crowds.
Jordanian Highlands: A Lesson in Stillness
1. As-Salt: The City of Tolerance
While most tourists rush south toward the desert, the ancient city of As-Salt, just a short drive from Amman, offers a masterclass in Levantine urbanism. Recently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Salt is famous for its yellow limestone architecture and its “Living Museum” philosophy. Slow travel here means sitting on a “dukan” (shop) bench for an hour, sipping tea with a shopkeeper, and learning about the city’s historic role as a bridge between the desert and the sea. It’s about the coffeehouses in Amman where the conversation is more important than the caffeine.
2. Umm Qais and the Ghor Valley
Perched on a hilltop with views spanning three countries, Umm Qais is more than just Roman ruins. It is the heart of Jordan’s burgeoning farm-to-table movement. Spend a day with a local “Baraka” guide, foraging for wild mallow, learning traditional basket weaving, or participating in a beehive workshop. Staying in a local guesthouse here allows you to wake up to the sound of the valley rather than the hum of a tour bus.
Lebanon’s Mountainous Sanctuaries
3. The Qadisha Valley: The Holy Silence
In North Lebanon, the Qadisha Valley remains one of the world’s most profound spiritual landscapes. To do it “slowly,” skip the viewpoint pull-offs and hike the ancient trails connecting hidden monasteries carved directly into the rock. In 2026, small-scale eco-lodges in villages like Bsharreh are offering “digital detox” packages, encouraging visitors to leave their phones behind and reconnect with the rugged beauty of the Cedar forests.
4. Douma: The Village of Red Tiled Roofs
Douma is often cited as one of Lebanon’s most beautiful villages, yet it remains blissfully quiet compared to the coastal hubs. Its charm lies in its preservation; the old souk still functions as the center of community life. A weekend here involves long, languid lunches featuring locally pressed olive oil and artisanal cheeses, followed by a stroll through the narrow alleys that look exactly as they did a century ago. It’s a parallel to the hidden garden cafes of Achrafieh, where time seems to stand still.
5. The Chouf Biosphere Reserve
The Chouf region is the green lung of Lebanon. While many visit for a quick photo of the Cedars, the true slow traveler explores the “Maasser el Chouf” and “Barouk” trails. This region is home to some of the best-preserved traditional Lebanese architecture and a growing network of sustainable guesthouses. It’s an immersion into a Lebanon that is resilient, green, and deeply connected to the land.
Why Slow Travel Matters Now
Choosing these destinations isn’t just about avoiding crowds; it’s about supporting the local economies that need it most. By staying longer and spending locally, you contribute to the preservation of the very cultures you’ve come to admire. As we look at projects like the Amra City groundbreaking in Jordan , it’s clear that the future of travel in the Arab world is sustainable, local, and—above all—slow.
