3 The Christian Quarter
Head to the end of the Por t and you’ll enter Harat el Masihiyeh, the quaint Chr istian Quarter of Tyre that is home to some of the city’s fishing community and moves to its own slowed-down pace of life. Narrow cobbled streets twist and turn, passing by centur y-old sandstone houses, serene cour tyards with flowing fountains and small gardens with flowers in full bloom. In this old community, daily life spills out onto the streets – washing hangs outside, families gr ill on the pavement and scooters speed by, carr ying the morning’s catch of fish. Here you can always feel the close proximity of the sea. Wander down the area’s charming alleyways and you’ll come across a catholic church, the oldest in the area. Here too you’ll find the center of Tyre’s nightlife scene where pubs are hidden within its narrow streets. Star t with dinner at the charming Al Fanar (07
741111, 03 665016, alfanarresort.com) for a seafood dinner on the seafront. Then head to cozy pub Tavolino
(07 740135, Al Fanar Street) for fresh cocktails made with the season’s ingredients. There’s also the relaxed pubrestaurant Diver’s Inn (03 059052) with arched stone ceilings and tons of atmosphere and Blue Line (71 504094) which occasionally features live music.