Table of Contents
Introduction
Along Syria’s western Mediterranean coastline lies a sparkling oasis of sun, sand, and sea. Despite the country’s recent conflicts, Syria’s coastal region remains a popular tourist destination with plenty of natural beauty, ancient sites, and modern amenities to offer visitors. Stretching over 100 miles from north to south, the coastline features beach resorts, seaside promenades, ancient port cities, and offshore islands that provide a tranquil escape. The main coastal attractions include the beach towns of Latakia and Tartus, the well-preserved ruins at Ugarit, and the picturesque fishing island of Arwad. With activities like swimming, water sports, hiking, diving, and relaxing at beach clubs, Syria’s coast has something for everyone looking to soak up the sun, sand, and sea.
Latakia
Latakia is Syria’s principal Mediterranean city and beach resort. Its long waterfront promenade lined with palm trees leads to a busy commercial port, but also offers easy access to beaches, restaurants, and hotels. Latakia’s shores are dotted with beach clubs renting watersports equipment for activities like windsurfing, kayaking, and jet skiing. At night, locals and tourists flock to Latakia’s lively restaurants, open-air concerts, festivals, and the Sheraton Hotel’s casino and nightclub. With a cosmopolitan feel, Latakia is Syria’s most liberal and progressive city.
Tartus
South of Latakia lies the quieter port city of Tartus. Though smaller and more conservative than Latakia, Tartus also has lovely beaches and access to water sports. The city houses an ancient 3,000-seat Roman theater and baths complex dating back to the second century CE that reflects Tartus’s history as a former Roman colony. Travelers can wander through lively local markets and enjoy fresh seafood at oceanside restaurants. The area is also home to the Our Lady of Tortosa, a 13th century Crusader cathedral located directly on the Mediterranean Sea.
Banias
The coastal town of Banias provides a front-row seat to natural beauty. Situated at the foot of Mt. Hermon, Banias is home to the gushing springs that form the Banias Waterfall and the origins of the Jordan River. Visitors can hike through the Hermon Mountain Reserve and explore the ruins of ancient Caesarea Philippi, including a temple dedicated to the Greek god Pan. Banias is surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, and lush trails perfect for nature walks.
Ugarit
The Ugarit archaeological site contains the ruins of an ancient port city dating back to Neolithic times. Expansive and well-preserved, the site provides unique insights into early alphabetic scripts and Canaanite civilization over 6,000 years ago through its excavated tombs, palace, and temples. A walk through Ugarit’s open-air museum lets visitors step back in time to life in the Bronze Age Mediterranean.
Arwad Island
Located just offshore from Tartus lies Arwad Island, Syria’s only inhabited island. This tiny fishing island feels like a step back in time with its stone houses and lack of cars. Visitors can wander through Arwad’s picturesque alleyways, shop at the local market, go diving and snorkeling off the coast, and enjoy fresh seafood at its waterside restaurants. The island offers a unique glimpse into timeless Mediterranean island life.
Beach Activities
Syria’s coastline offers endless opportunities for fun in the sun and surf. The warm Mediterranean waters are perfect for swimming, waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Most beach clubs rent out equipment for water sports and also offer amenities like beach volleyball, table tennis, and beachside pools. At night, many beaches host concerts, festivals, and outdoor dance parties. Syria’s beaches have an energetic vibe with both locals and tourists enjoying the sand and surf.
Seafood Cuisine
Dining on Syria’s coast means enjoying the bounty of the Mediterranean through local seafood specialties. Tartus is known for its fish markets teeming with the daily catch like sea bass, snapper, sardines, crab, and shrimp. Coastal restaurants serve up mezze spreads including tabbouleh, hummus, and baba ghanoush alongside grilled fish and seafood dishes like sayadieh (fish with rice) and shrimp kibbeh. Don’t miss the chance to savor Syria’s famous seafood with ocean views.
Nightlife
When the sun goes down, Syria’s coast comes alive. Seaside promenades like the Corniche in Latakia buzz with crowded cafes and restaurants. Pubs and dance clubs clustered around the Sheraton Hotel cater to tourists looking to party late into the night. In the summer, travelers can enjoy open-air concerts, beach bonfires, and outdoor festivals featuring folk music and dancing. Night cruises and yacht parties are also popular nightlife activities. Syria’s coastal nightlife offers something for everyone.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit Syria’s coast is from April to October, when temperatures are warm and perfect for lounging at the beach. The peak tourist season with the most crowds and highest hotel prices runs from June through August. Travelers can explore the coast by rental car, taxi, or bus system between cities. Well-located beachfront hotels range from budget options to 5-star resorts. While Syria’s coastal region remains relatively safe, check government travel advisories for the most up-to-date information before traveling.
Conclusion
With its Mediterranean vistas, natural scenic beauty, ancient historical sites, and modern beachside attractions, Syria’s coastal region is a sun-soaked gem waiting to be explored. Visitors can soak up the region’s laidback seaside ambience while discovering remnants of the many ancient civilizations that once occupied this stretch of coastline. Whether you’re looking to relax under the sun, dive into Syrian culture and cuisine, or pursue adventure on land and sea, you’ll find your oasis on Syria’s shores. The sun, sand, and sea beckon—experience the magic of Syria’s coastal paradise for yourself.
FAQs
What are the best beach towns to visit in Syria?
The top beach destinations are Latakia for its vibrant nightlife and beach resorts, Tartus for its ancient ruins and seaside promenade, and Banias for its natural scenery and water activities.
What water sports can you do off Syria’s coast?
Popular water sports include swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, waterskiing, sailing, kayaking, and jet skiing. Most beach clubs rent equipment for these activities.
What ruins can be explored along the coast?
Top ancient ruins include the Roman theater and baths in Tartus, the excavated Bronze Age city of Ugarit, and the ancient religious site of Caesarea Philippi near Banias.
What is Syria’s coastal cuisine like?
Syrian coastal cuisine makes abundant use of fresh seafood like fish, shrimp, crab, and squid often served grilled or in dishes like sayadieh, kibbeh, and mezze spreads.
What is there to do at night on the coast?
Nightlife activities include bars, clubs, cafes, concerts on the Corniche, beach bonfires and parties, night cruises, and the casino and nightclub at the Sheraton Hotel.