20 free beaches in Lebanon are people reclaiming their right to the sea?

Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Works has added 13 locations to its list of free public beaches, bringing the announced total to 20 along the coast.

The new sites include Ghazir, Nahr Ibrahim, Monsef, Jounieh, Kfarabida, Dbayeh–Zouk El Kharab, Touhoum, Hamat, Okaibeh, Sidon, Ghaziyeh, Sarafand and Baysariyeh.

Previously authorized locations include Barbara, Qlayaat, Tabarja and Kfaryassine, the Amchit Fishermen’s Cooperative, Ramlet El Baida, Byblos and Sarafand.

Entry must remain free, and visitors may bring food and drinks. Optional paid services, such as chairs, tents and meals, may be offered.

However, Sarafand appears on both lists, leaving 19 distinct locations despite the ministry’s announced total of 20.