Halfway up the immense cliff face above Kousba in the Koura district hangs the Monastery of Our Lady of Hamatoura — a 13th-century Orthodox monastery built directly into the rock. The hike to reach it is short, steep, and unforgettable.
The trail
From the base near Kousba, a well-built stone path switchbacks up the cliff: roughly 3 km up and 3 down, with about 300–350 m of elevation gain. Most hikers reach the monastery in 45–60 minutes. The path is exposed in places but wide and secure — sturdy shoes are a must, fear of heights optional.
At the top
- Chapels and cells carved straight into the cliff
- Ancient frescoes inside the main church
- A sweeping view over the Koura plain to the Mediterranean
- On clear days, the coastline from Tripoli to Enfeh
Good to know
The monastery is active — dress modestly and visit quietly. Late afternoon is magical: the sun lights the cliff face gold and the heat of the day fades. We schedule our Hamatoura hikes for a 3:00 PM start to hit exactly that light.
This is an ideal 'first real hike' — short enough for beginners, spectacular enough for veterans.
