Arnun

Southern Lebanese town below Beaufort Castle, a Crusader fortress overlooking the Litani River.

Arnun (also spelled Arnoun) is a small town in southern Lebanon notable for Beaufort Castle (Qalaat al-Shaqif), a Crusader fortress perched atop a 300-metre cliff overlooking the Litani River. The castle has a dramatic history — it changed hands many times between Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottomans, and modern militias, and was used as a military position during the civil war and subsequent conflicts.

The castle was damaged during fighting but remains an imposing sight. Southern Lebanon was heavily affected by conflict in 2024, and travelers should check current conditions and security advisories before visiting this area. Arnun is about 65 km south of Beirut.

The surrounding Nabatieh District has significant historical depth — the Litani River valley below the castle has been settled since antiquity, and the landscape of terraced hillsides, tobacco fields, and scattered olive groves is distinctively southern Lebanese. The area is predominantly Shia Muslim and the town of Nabatieh nearby is a regional centre.

Guide

Getting There

Arnun is about 65 km south of Beirut and 15 km east of the coastal city of Sidon (Saida). The drive from Beirut takes around 90 minutes via the coastal highway south to Sidon, then inland on the road to Nabatieh. There is no passenger rail in southern Lebanon.

Service taxis and buses from Beirut's Cola Bridge transport hub head south to Sidon and Nabatieh, from which local taxis can continue to Arnun. Renting a car is significantly more convenient for exploring this area. Check security conditions and consult current travel advisories before visiting southern Lebanon, as the region has been affected by conflict.

Guide

Things to Do

Arnun's sole attraction — but a very good one — is Beaufort Castle. The surrounding landscape offers walks and views, but the castle is the reason to come.