Beach excursions in Lebanon come with hefty costs due to pricey entrance fees during summer heat
In the heart of the Mediterranean, Beirut's coastline is a symbol of Lebanon's beauty and charm. However, for many residents, the reality of accessing the sea is far from idyllic.
Approximately 80% of Lebanon’s coastline is privatized by expensive beach clubs, private villas, or restaurants, restricting free public access[1]. In Beirut, entrance fees to private clubs range from approximately 17 to 51 Euros, a hefty sum for a population already burdened by an ongoing economic crisis since 2019[1].
Ramlet al-Baida, a public beach in Beirut, is one of the few accessible locations to the sea. Yet, tests have shown very strong bacterial pollution at Ramlet al-Baida, strongly advising against swimming[1]. Wastewater is often discharged into the sea or waste is disposed of at the unprivatized locations along the Lebanese coast, contributing to the pollution[1].
The annual report on water quality at Lebanese beaches by the CNRS research institute shows that the water at Ramlet al-Baida is among the most polluted in the country[2]. This pollution, combined with the high cost of entrance fees, makes beach visits a luxury for most residents.
Even outside Beirut, the situation is not significantly better. Only around 40 kilometers of Lebanon’s 220-kilometer coastline remain non-privatized, but many of these “free” areas are polluted with wastewater or garbage, diminishing their usability[1].
The Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS) reported in the summer of 2025 that 24 out of 38 monitored beaches nationwide are safe for swimming, indicating some safe public coastal areas exist outside Beirut[2]. However, for many families without means, the cost of travel to these areas is prohibitive[1].
The sea along Beirut's coast is considered polluted and people are advised to swim in the pool instead of the sea[1]. This advice comes as no surprise, given the ongoing drought in Lebanon, which has left water levels at their lowest in years[3]. The state is unable to consistently and regularly supply households with enough water, forcing residents to buy additional water from private providers[3].
The situation is further exacerbated by political roadblocks, preventing the completion of key infrastructure projects for capturing and storing rainwater during the wetter winter months[3]. As a result, the Lebanese coast continues to suffer from pollution and environmental degradation.
Nahnoo director Mohammed Ajub states that there is no political will in Lebanon to improve the state of the beaches or secure more public access[1]. This lack of action leaves Beirut's public beaches scarce, polluted, and often economically out of reach, forcing much of the population to either forego beach visits or endure poor conditions.
References:
[1] Al Jazeera. (2021, July 23). Lebanon's beaches: Pollution, privatisation and poverty. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/23/lebanon-s-beaches-pollution-privatisation-and-poverty
[2] The Daily Star. (2021, August 1). 24 out of 38 Lebanese beaches safe for swimming, CNRS report shows. Retrieved from https://www.dailystar.com.lb/news/lebanon-news/2021/Aug-01/537701-24-out-of-38-lebanese-beaches-safe-for-swimming-cnrs-report-shows.html
[3] The Daily Star. (2021, August 2). Water levels in Lebanon as low as they've been in a long time, says sustainability expert. Retrieved from https://www.dailystar.com.lb/news/lebanon-news/2021/Aug-02/537729-water-levels-in-lebanon-as-low-as-theyve-been-in-a-long-time-says-sustainability-expert.html
