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 …
Kassab (كسب) is one of the most attractive mountain resort towns in the whole of Syria. The town is predominantly Christian, mostly Armenian, and many from Lattakia (اللاذقية) and Aleppo (حلب) maintain vacation homes here. During the summer, demographics can change considerably as Syrians from around the country come here for vacation. Kassab (كسب) has numerous hotels, though those on a budget would be better …
The most impressive historic monument in the region of Lattakia (اللاذقية) is the magnificent Crusader castle of Qalaat Salah al-Din (قلعة صلاح الدين). Known as Saône to the Crusaders, this site should be considered a must-see if visiting the coastal region. Not only is the castle itself spectacular, but the surrounding countryside provides some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in Syria. Getting There: Getting to Qalaat …
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 …
Of the more obscure and less-visited castles along the coast, Qalaat al-Mahalbeh (قلعة المهالبة) is one of the most impressive. It is in a fairly good state of preservation and has recently seen a bit of restoration work. In addition, the mountain scenery is beautiful and the castle easy to reach using public transportation. If time allows, it is definitely a good addition to any …
Ras Shamra/Ugarit (رآس شمرا/آوغاريت) is one of the most important bronze age archaeological sites in Syria, and was the capital of a large kingdom that controlled much of the eastern Mediterranean coast. The Ugaritic language was one of the first to develop an alphabet, at around 1400 BC. There is debate as to whether the Ugaritic or Phoenician alphabet came first, and there is likely some …
Qalaat al-Maniqeh (قلعة المنيقة) is a seldom-visited castle in the mountains southeast of Jableh (جبلة), overlooking the village of Wadi al-Qalaa (وادي القلع). While the exterior walls of the castle are fairly well-preserved and still an impressive sight from afar, the interior is mostly destroyed and/or buried (much of the interior has been used, until recently, for agriculture by local villagers). Restoration and excavation work is currently …
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 …
