Lattakia (اللاذقية) is largest city on the coast, and the fourth largest in Syria overall. With a wide range of accommodation options, it is arguably the best base for exploring the coastal region. While most of the city is quite modern and developed, there are some interesting historic remains from the Roman period as well as some attractive older mosques. The city also has a …
Jableh (جبلة) is a major coastal town about twenty five kilometers south of Lattakia (اللاذقية). Seldom visited by tourists, there is an impressive Roman amphitheater in the center of town along with one of the oldest mosques in the coastal region. On the outskirts of town, just north of the microbus station, is the bronze age archaeological site of Tel Tweini (تل تويني). Since Jableh (جبلة) …
With the most beautiful stretch of beach in Syria, there should be no doubt why many of those who know about al-Samra (السمرا) want to keep it a secret. Due to it’s difficulty to reach, proximity to the Turkish border, and small size (too small for any significant development), it will hopefully remain largely unknown. Getting to al-Samra (السمرا) is a challenge, but if you …
One of the most attractive stretches of Mediterranean coastline in Syria, Burj Islam (برج اسلام) is only a short trip north of Lattakia (اللاذقية). White stone beaches between rocky white cliffs and the turquoise blue sea make Burj Islam (برج اسلام) an extremely picturesque spot. While the sand beaches at Ras al-Basit (رآس البسيط), Wadi Qandil (وادي القنديل), and al-Samra (السمرا) may be better suited for swimming …
Of the more developed beach resorts in Syria, the two small neighboring towns of Ras al-Basit & al-Badrusiyeh (رآس البسيط و البدروسية) are perhaps the nicest. Turquoise blue waters and mostly black sand beaches border the northern side of this peninsula, backed by lush vegetation. Bungalows for rent, hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shops line the main streets through these towns, which are practically empty and shut …
Ras Ibn Hani (رآس ابن هاني) is a peninsula north of Lattakia (اللاذقية) most well-known for its luxury hotels and beach homes. While the nicer beaches on the peninsula are owned by two hotels, there are a few other beaches pleasant enough to take a swim. The peninsula also has numerous restaurants. Ras Ibn Hani (رآس ابن هاني) is a busy vacation spot in the summer, but fairly quiet the …
The attractive black sand beach of Wadi Qandil (وادي القنديل) is perhaps the best place to swim if you don’t have the time to travel to al-Samra (السمرا). While it is somewhat popular with locals, it is still a much more comfortable place to swim than the generally conservative Ras al-Basit (رآس البسيط) or the crowded beaches of Ras Ibn Hani (رآس ابن هاني). It is also a large enough beach that you shouldn’t have …
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 …
