Raoucheh Area

Address: Corniche (Raouché), Beirut, Lebanon

Hours: Open 24 hours

Admission: Free

Raoucheh, commonly written Raouché, refers to the natural sea stacks off the Corniche in western Beirut, Lebanon. The pair of limestone stacks with sea arches are a well-known coastal landmark for the city.

The rock formations are viewed primarily from the paved Corniche promenade, which provides continuous coastal viewpoints, seating and cafés. Small boats sometimes run from the shoreline for closer views around the stacks and through sea arches.

The formations are products of coastal erosion acting on limestone and have long been a popular local landmark and photo subject. They appear prominently on the Beirut skyline and feature in city imagery.

Situated on Beirut’s western seafront, the rocks lie just offshore from the Corniche promenade in the Beirut Governorate. The site is within walking distance of central Beirut and is set against the urban coastline of the Mediterranean Sea.

• Best time to visit: The seaside viewpoint along the Corniche offers the most accessible views and is busiest at sunset when locals and visitors gather to watch the light on the rocks.
• Boat access: Small boat trips operate from the waterfront that circle the stacks and pass through natural arches when sea conditions permit.

What to See#

• Pigeon Rocks (Raouché Rocks): The offshore limestone stacks commonly called the Pigeon Rocks form two large sea stacks with natural arches and are the site’s defining feature. They sit a short distance offshore from the Corniche and are visible from the waterfront promenade.
• Beirut Corniche: The Corniche is a paved seaside promenade along Beirut’s western district that provides public viewpoints, cafés and walking routes overlooking the rocks and the Mediterranean Sea.

Raouche sits along Beirut’s Corniche. From downtown Beirut it is a 10-20 minute taxi ride or a 15-30 minute walk (depending on where in the city center one starts). There is no metro; local buses and shared taxis ply routes along the seaside road. The Corniche is pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot once there.

• Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset and take a spot on the Corniche rather than on the road-sunset light transforms the limestone stacks into honeyed orange.
• Hire a small boat from the western end of the promenade to pass under the larger arch. The vantage from the sea is dramatically different, and boat captains know when tides are safe.
• Avoid the cliff edge after heavy rain-some of the ledges and informal viewpoints are eroding and not officially maintained.
• Weekends draw locals and families; mornings on weekdays are quieter for photography.