LEBANON

Participant companies in the project

Traditional coastal salt production was once popular in Lebanon, but the fully artisanal practice now survives in just a single seaside town, Anfeh, around 70 kilometers (45 miles) north of Beirut. A total of six of those few Lebanese artisanal salinas participate in the MedArtSal project, being beneficiaries of subsidies that will contribute to making improvements and keeping this ancient craft alive.

1 – Al Najjar salinas
2 – Sleiman salinas
3 – Malek salinas
4 – Abou Jean salinas
5 – Salacia Beach and Salinas

1 – Al Najjar salinas

Founded in 1955 by Al Najjar family in the coastal town of Anfeh, the salinas were passed down from the grandfather to the son and then to the grandsons, making salt production a traditional family business.

The salinas extends over 5000 m 2 and is one of the last remaining artisanal Salinas in the Mediterranean Basin. Blanc Sel produces the finest artisanal sea salt, by harvesting it manually and with care during the season that starts in June and lasts till the end of September.

Today, the salinas is specialized in producing 3 unique types of salt, Fleur de Sel (known as “White Gold Salt”), sea salt rocks, and medium sea salt. Each type is harvested during a certain period of the year and under specific weather conditions using different techniques which impart unique textures and flavor profile to the salt.

The salinas currently produces between 85 to 90 tons of salt per season. The salt harvesting process takes up to 20 days starting with filling the ponds with seawater, manually swiping and cleaning the ponds, waiting for the water to completely evaporate, and finally harvesting the salt.

Contact information

  Blanc Sel, Al-Najjar Artisanal Salt, Enfeh, North Lebanon, Hraishe, near Deir Annatour

  (+961) 3 362740 – (+961) 3 105184

  jessica.alnajjar@gmail.com

  Monday till Saturday from 8.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.

Services

Learn about the unique and traditional harvesting of artisanal sea salt while you explore the beauty of Anfeh and enjoy the fresh air breeze in a one-of-a kind guided tour. You will experience first-hand the art of harvesting sea salt and purchase directly from the salinas.

Activities

Shop

2 – Sleiman salinas

One of the few remaining artisanal salt producers in Lebanon, Sleiman Salinas was built in the 1940s on flats of 3500m2 on the seashore of Anfeh village.

Producing handmade Fleur de Sel and other salt products, Sleiman Salinas is also committed to the preservation of Anfeh’s ecosystem, and operates fully on green energy, using solar power and traditional wind pumps built in the 1950s. Using the same traditional production methods as their ancestors, salt producers at Sleiman Salinas also believe in preserving this rich cultural heritage.

The salinas currently produces between 45 to 55 tons of salt per season. The harvesting is practical only in warm climates where the evaporation rate exceeds the precipitation rate. The Fleur De Sel are hand- harvested and is collected from the top of salt ponds. It is white, crispy, and flaky which is often used as a “finishing” salt to flavor foods right before eating

In 2022, Sleiman Salinas launched its brand EVAURA for traditional authentic salt products from Anfeh. The product is rich in nutrients and minerals.

Contact information

  Anfeh el Koura, North Lebanon. Below Deir el Natour

  (+961) 71805674

  cg_sleiman@hotmail.com

  Always open

Services

Several activities are organized such as free of charge educational tours for schools and families, relaxing meditation days and natural spa with an amazing sunset view, to strengthen the immune system and create memories. You can also enjoy diving lessons with professional licensed trainer upon request.

Activities

Spa

School outings

Diving

3 – Malek salinas

Established in the 1930s and located on the beautiful coast of Anfeh, Imad Malek Salinas is all about preserving the natural salt treasures of Anfeh and creating sustainable and artisanal premium sea salt products.

The salinas are specialized in producing several types of salt including the coarse salt and Fleur de Sel (also known as “White Gold”), all collected naturally from the sea using traditional tools and under specific weather conditions.

The salinas currently produce between 20 to 25 tons of salt per season, all harvested using traditional methods through solar evaporation, the oldest technique for salt extraction. The process is labor-intensive and salt is harvested by hand to yield a white, crispy, and flaky sea salt.

Today, the salinas have expanded its production by introducing different products such as seaweed pickles, which perfectly accompanies all seafood and fish dishes.

Contact information

  Hrayshe, North Lebanon

  (+961) 70293016

  maleksalinas0@gmail.com – imadmalek10@gmail.com

  From 8.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.

Services

We offer an unforgettable tour around our salinas for anyone looking to experience the traditional art of salt harvest and explore the region of Anfeh. Our visitors also get to savor our fresh catch of the day and a variety of delicious seafood, all while enjoying the beautiful sea view.

Activities

Restaurant

 

4 – Abou Jean salinas

Built more than 80 years ago on the beautiful shores of Anfeh, it’s one of the few salinas that remain operational today. A family business passed down through generations to preserve Anfeh’s heritage and maintain traditional salt harvesting methods.

The salinas are specialized in producing artisanal Fleur de Sel (known as “White Gold”), famous for being rich in essential minerals and soft texture, both preserved when the salt is harvested by hand. There are several factors which also contribute to the high-end quality of Anfeh salt including weather conditions, purity of water, the unique structures of the antique salt ponds, and finally meticulous extraction methods.

The salinas currently produces between 25 to 30 tons of salt per season. The whole production process starting with the stabilization of water, evaporation, concentration, until harvesting, is done using traditional tools and human power.

We recently launched the production of fertilizers for plants and trees from collected algae. It’s an organic product, rich in nutrients, which promotes the growth of roots for plants and trees.

The salinas is one of the most beautiful places where one can watch how salt is produced and harvested on the shores of the Mediterranean. While tourists are here, they can also enjoy a calm and breathtaking hike to explore the salinas and learn about Anfeh’s rich history of salt production.

Contact information

  Anfeh El Koura, North Lebanon, near Deir El Natour

  (+961) 70955740

  Always open

Services

A guided tour is provided upon request with prior scheduling and is free of charge.

Activities

 

5 – Salacia Beach and Salinas

Located a bit away from the hustle and bustle of Anfeh popular beaches, the Salacia Beach and Salinas will seduce you with its authenticity and its Mediterranean Sea breeze.

In the shade of the olive trees, our rustic beach resort offers you a relaxing moment on a green terrace overlooking the traditional salinas with its blue windmill. Enjoy the day at your own pace in an oasis of beauty and serenity. For those who like nightlife, you can attend our parties at sun set and enjoy the breathtaking view of the sun disappearing over the horizon. And for those seeking to deepen their knowledge of traditional salinas, our experts will be more than happy to accompany you through this great experience. You will discover a unique place, designed and carried out with total respect for the salinas and the environment. It is in this unique and multi-faceted setting that we invite you to come and enjoy sea salt, the Mediterranean Sea and its benefits. You will leave with memories of a day out of the ordinary. For your special occasions, our dedicated team  and great venue will make your personal events an unforgettable success.

Contact information

  Coastal Road Anfeh, North Lebanon

  (+961) 81 079 494

  salaciabeach@gmail.com

Services

Discover the salinas and learn about the history of natural salt, swim, eat, and enjoy the sunset.

Activities

Restaurant