Zireh Island

A memorable and cost effective trip This is how you need to plan this simple but enjoyable trip: you take your swimming suit, plenty of water and soft drinks, snacks, and first aid kit. You better have a small cooler to keep the drinks cold. You will need to use the first aid kit to treat some small wounds if you get any scratches from the rocks as you swim into the sea. There are few simple restaurants that serve fried sardines, french fries and fried vegetables. The place and setting might make you question the cleanliness of food but you will most probably get a fresh food that is safe and delicious. If you want a grilled fish that will need to be arranged in advance, so you can ask about that from the deck where the sea taxis are parked, just few hundred meters after the famous Sidon castle by the sea side. It will cost a little more than 1 USD to take each person on a round trip to the island. If we include the cost of food, this outing will cost around 4 USD per person. Not a lot for such a memorable and enjoyable day by the clean sea waters. One small tip, ask the people on the island for the areas that are free from jelly fish to enjoy...

For me, the Zireh island in Saida isn’t just an island – it’s the soul and the breath of the city. The water there is the clearest in the Mediterranean, and honestly, a swim without visiting Zireh doesn’t even feel like a swim or a real vacation. Every time I go, it takes me back to memories, emotions, and a deep sense of belonging.

Beyond its natural beauty, Zireh carries a rich history; the Romans once used it as a small harbor, and for centuries people have seen it as Saida’s guardian standing tall in the sea. It’s like a mirror reflecting the city’s culture, its fishermen, and its heritage.

So Zireh isn’t just a swimming spot – it’s part of memory, history, and identity. Without it, Saida wouldn’t...

Clear and clean water, because it's a bit far from the shore There are several water depths throughout the island The municipality is doing a great job preserving the island There's always cleaners and workers taking care of the place No alcohol allowed, which is an...