Beirut: the Corniche and the Mediterranean at Sunset

Beirut occupies a narrow coastal strip on a promontory facing west into the Mediterranean, with the Lebanon Mountains (peak: Qurnat as Sawda at 3,088 m) rising abruptly 30 kilometers inland to the east. The Corniche, a 4.7-kilometer seafront promenade, runs north-south along the western shore and faces directly into the setting sun. Raouché Rocks (Pigeon Rocks), two sea stacks 35 meters offshore at the southwestern tip, are the iconic foreground element for sunset compositions. In winter, snow on the Lebanon Mountains appears above the city roofline; the combination of Mediterranean-lit promenade and alpine backdrop in a single frame is unique to Beirut. The Achrafieh neighbourhood, on the eastern ridge, gives elevated views west toward the sea. At 33.9°N, golden hour lasts about 33 minutes.