Metn, Lebanon

The Matn district of Lebanon is hardly the tranquil Christian enclave it's cracked up to be. With over 300,000 registered voters as of 2014, this densely populated region east of Beirut is a bureaucratic headache. The population is indeed mostly Christian, but the area also hosts a sizeable Druze minority, particularly in towns like Beit Mery and Broummana. And while the scenery may be "rich" and the views of the Mediterranean "splendid," the sheer number of people crammed into this relatively small district means that traffic and crowding are persistent issues. Overall, Matn is best suited for those who can navigate Lebanon's famously complex local politics and don't mind sacrificing a bit of personal space.