Tartus طرطوس

Tartus (طرطوس) is the second largest city on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, a provincial capital, and home to an important seaport. It is most well-known for its important role during the Crusades, when it was called Tortosa, but its history dates back to the Phoenician period. It is a well-developed city that has numerous parks and a generally quiet, slow-paced atmosphere. Historic remains include the old town, occupying the interior of the former Crusader castle, and a cathedral from the same period that now houses the city museum. There are numerous hotels in town to suit all budgets, making it a convenient base for visiting other attractions in the region.

 

Getting There: Tartus (طرطوس) is a major city and provincial capital, and therefore is well-connected by public transportation. Regular buses travel between Tartus (طرطوس) and Lattakia (اللاذقية), Homs (حمص), Damascus (دمشق) and Aleppo (حلب). From more distant cities such as Deir al-Zur (دير الزور), it may be easiest to transit via Homs (حمص).

Public transportation around Tartus (طرطوس) is very good, and made even easier by the use of a single bus station for all destinations around the region. While microbuses to and from certain destinations may stop running in the late afternoon, and a couple sites require a bit of walking or hitchhiking, the area around Tartus (طرطوس) is generally convenient to get around.

Coordinates: 34°53’29.98″N / 35°52’42.45″E

Transliteration Variants: Tartous

Rating: 7.5 / 10