(Summer Resorts 17, 25 and 27 km)  

Until the end of the 19th century Aley was just another small mountain village, but when the railroad linking Beirut with Damascus was built in 1892 - 95 it took on a new life. The train (no longer operating) made it easy for residents of Beirut to summer here. Some of the Ottoman governors of Mount Lebanon also chose Aley as their summer 

residences and the train station was often crowded with elegant passengers and their retinues. With time, Aley became one of the most celebrated summer villages in Lebanon.

Nearby Bhamdoun also benefited from railroad as it developed into a large, popular resort. Sofar at an elevation of 1,280 meters was another stop on the Beirut-Damascus railroad and, in fact, is said to have earned its name from the train’s whistle (saufar in Arabic). Sofar is known for its lovely tree-shaded “corniche” overlooking the Metn river valley and Mount Kneiseh. There is also the war-ruined but still impressive Grand Hotel and many beautiful old houses to admire.