Byblos is a quintessentially Mediterranean yet very Lebanese fishing port. It is famous for being the birthplace of the written word and one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Always consult the Foreign Office before travelling.

BYBLOS FISHING CLUB
(00 961 9 540 213). A charming restaurant-cum-hotel overlooking the harbour. The rooms are romantic but basic. £

BYBLOS-SUR-MER
(00 961 9 540 356; fax: 944 859). One of the smarter hotels along the harbour-front. £

HOTEL AHIRAM
(00 961 9 540 440; fax: 941 474). Also along the harbour-front, but less deluxe than the Byblos-sur-Mer. £

RESTAURANT ABICHEMOU
(00 961 9 540 484). A well-established restaurant with a first floor terrace and impressive views of the castle.

AL-ARZ RESTAURANT
(00 961 9 540 278). Offers a selection of mezze plus grills.

BYBLOS FISHING CLUB
(00 961 9 540 213). A popular and very romantic spot which has in the past attracted Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra and more recently Jacques Chirac and Richard Clayderman.

CAVE D’AHIRAM RESTAURANT
(00 961 9 540 206). Serves mezze and grills and has live music in the evenings.

Byblos is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities - and, as such, everywhere in this stone-built old town offers fascinating remnants of a bygone era. Visit the Crusader castle built in 1108 and the remains of the Roman temple and theatre nearby. Among the most interesting Byblian ruins are seven mysterious deep pits situated at the western end of the remains of the Reshef Temple. These are the ancient resting-places of the local Gebilitic royalty.

AIRPORT
Fly to Beirut. The airport is 5km south of the city centre. Byblos is about an hour's drive (60km) from Beirut. Virtually the only way to get there is by taxi. Expect to pay about £10 per person.

AIRLINES FROM THE UK
British Airways, through specialist operator British Mediterranean Airways (0845 779 9977; www.britishmediterranean.com), flies daily from Heathrow to Beirut. Middle East Airlines (0171 493 2799; www.mea.com.lb) also flies daily from Heathrow to Beirut. Visas are not required for Lebanon, nor are there any entrance or exit taxes.

Following the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers on the border between Israel and Lebanon on 12 July 2006, there has been a major escalation of violence between the two countries, including major Israeli strikes across Lebanon. As a result the Foreign Office is advising against all travel to Lebanon. For more information, visit www.fco.gov.uk

Nights can be muggy but sea breezes keep days bearable. Avoid August, when the hot, dry Khamsin wind arrives.

The Tourist Information Office (00 961 9 540 325) is near the main entrance to the Crusader castle site.