The Koura District in North Lebanon stretches from the sea up to the mountains, holding a historical past and full of olive trees.
Extensive Olive Orchards
El-Koura is known for its olive groves and the production of olive oil. Olive trees stretch across fields creating a sea of greenery.
The Hamatoura Monastery
An impressive monastery of the Qadisha Valley, by the town of Kousba, the 13th-century Hamatoura monastery is where Saint Jacob began his ascetic life.
Home to many beautiful villages
El-Koura is composed of over 50 villages and towns. Below are listed a handful of the most popular ones:
Amioun
Amioun is the capital of El-Koura, full of historical evidence that dates back to Paleolithic times.
Anfeh
Anfeh is a coastal town belonging to the Koura District. It is located between the sea towns of Chekka and Qalamoun.
Kaftoun
Kaftoun is a small village near the Walnut River (Nahr El Joz). It’s so small it has around 300 residents only.
Deddeh
Deddeh is located 295 meters above sea level. It houses around 4,000 inhabitants, some who have a clear view of the Mediterranean and nearby Tripoli.
Kousba
Tucked between mountains, the village of Kousba is one of the most inhabited parts of the Koura District. It is located near Amioun.
Batroumine
Ten minutes from the sea, Batroumine is a village with roots from the Byzantine period. It is most known for its production of olives, oil, soap, wine, arak, grapes, figs, and blueberries.
Bishmizzine
Bishmizzine is considered to have the largest uninterrupted olive grove in the world. There is also evidence in this village that dates back to pre-historic times.
Ejdabrine
Ejdabrine is located in the southernmost part of the Koura District near Batroun.
It is a popular hiking spot for its beautiful greenery and the Jaouz River that runs through it.
Barghoun
The small village of Barghoun holds the remains of a 12th-14th-century church dedicated to Saint Barbara.