Your Last Borders10 BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT IN SYRIA
Syria was once a very touristic country, hosting over 8 million visitors a year. Like nearby Egypt and Jordan, Syria offers ancient history, mesmerizing UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and delicious cuisine. There’s lots of beautiful places to visit in Syria.
However, this Middle Eastern Mediterranean country has recently undergone a 10-year-long civil war followed by a severe humanitarian crisis that has severely damaged the country. Nevertheless, as the overall situation keeps improving in Syria, so does its tourism industry. Consequently, it’s now safe to visit most of the country, including all of the below 10 most beautiful places to visit in Syria.
Keep this post handy when preparing your Syria itinerary and have a wonderful trip. If you’d like to see more of mine and hear about my personal experiences visiting Syria, check out my Instagram posts and stories.
Best cities to visit in Syria
1. Damascus
Damascus is the capital and biggest city in Syria. Like nearby Tyre and Sidon in Lebanon, Damascus is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Thus, it’s a vibrant mix of different cultures and historical remnants. To my surprise, I felt very safe exploring Damascus both during the day and at nighttime so I strongly recommend don’t missing out on an evening stroll.
The best places to visit in Damascus are spread across the city’s christian, jewish, and Shia quarters. Must see attractions in Damascus include the city’s lively old souk, which is an ideal spot to buy some spices, arts and crafts, carpets, and souvenirs while helping out locals overcome the many recent crises. There’s also plenty of food stalls, so do sample those fresh kebabs, hummus, falafels, baklavas, and ice-cream.
Additionally, make sure to visit Umayyad mosque, the world’s oldest continuously functional place of worship. It was once the Roman Temple of Jupiter and is now the 4th holiest mosque in Islam. This stunning building is open to visitors, so cover up appropriately (abayas available at the gate) and enjoy its patios, minaret, and praying areas. Moreover, this is where John the Baptist’s head is buried so the place is also an important pilgrimage site for christians.
Finally, explore Saint Ananias underground church, get lost wondering the narrow streets, spot the roman arches on Via Recta, chat with as many locals as you can, and go wine-tasting. We enjoyed the sweet Syrian wine every night and even went partying and to a Karaoke, as you can see on my Syria Instagram stories. No wonder the city’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
2. Aleppo
Aleppo is Syria’s second largest city and also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. However, it is one of the Syria cities most affected by the recent war and earthquake. Consequently, Aleppo’s souk and Great Mosque which used to be major tourist spots in Syria are now mostly in ruins. Nevertheless, Aleppo’s citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is still standing and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Syria.
Aleppo’s citadel is a fortress at the top of the hill within Aleppo’s old town. It hosts a large theater, a museum, and several towers offering awesome views over Aleppo. This fortified palace has been in service since 3,000 BC and was also used as a fortification during the recent war. Despite some bits are under renovation, it makes an amazing place to visit in Aleppo.
Make sure to also wander around the old souk, which was once over 12km long. It’s now a very sad area as barely 10% of its stalls are still standing. Nevertheless, it’s living history of the city and buying stuff at the souk is a great way to aid locals.
Finally, check out Al Joubaili Soap Factory, the world’s oldest soap factory. Along with Baron Hotel, the oldest operating in Syria, where Agatha Christie, David Rockefeller, Yuri Gagarin (who loved the woods in Kyrgyzstan) have all spent a night.
3. Homs
Homs is Syria’s third largest city and perhaps the one that suffered the most during the recent civil war. Consequently, many travelers skip Homs on their Syria itinerary as visiting the city might feel like dark/war tourism. However, as we had to spend a night in town on our way back from Palmyra we did take a walk around the city center in the morning and learnt lots from it.
Visiting Homs is emotional. The city was for over 2,000 years an major agricultural and trade centre. A link between the highlands with the Mediterranean sea. And a place of brotherhood between Christians and Muslims, as it hosts several churches and mosques side to side. However, after the siege of Homs, now it’s also home to endless piles of rock and barely standing apartment buildings.
What I recall from our walk are the people. How they approached us asking to take pictures, something we all wanted to avoid. How they shared their sufferings and asked us to show the world what happened to their home, their land, and their country. And how they kept digging into the ruins to find their belongings, something to sell, and a way to start again. Along with the food. The delicious smell of falafel coming out of the few market stalls that were reopening. And the unbeatable cheese-based sweets that once made Homs a foodie destination.
Although the city center is certainly mostly in ruins, some of the suburbs survived the siege and life goes on almost as normal in those areas. Experiencing the contrast is also one of the best things to do in Syria. You can see more of my time in Homs on my Syria Instagram stories.
4. Hama
Hama is Syria ‘s fourth largest city and the most conservative among major cities in Syria. It stands on the banks of river Orontes, in west-central Syria, on the way to Krak des Chevaliers. Therefore, most tourists (including myself) only visit Hama in a quick lunch plus walk stop on the way to/from Krak des Chevaliers.
Hama is famous for its historical irrigation system, consisting of several impressive waterwheels. Some of these norias reach a length of 30 meters and once help farmers irrigate their lands. However, nowadays the river is mostly dried out and the water wheels became tourist ornaments.
Nevertheless, seeing locals swim nearby and relax by the ‘I love Hama’ sign after savouring a delicious meal in Aspasia restaurant is one of the best thighs to do in Syria.
5. Latakia
Latakia is the fourth biggest city in Syria and it’s main seaside resort town. It’s where the Syrian forests meet the Mediterranean sea, so a place of outstanding natural beauty. Despite Syrian beaches being recently more famous for its massive refugee crisis, better times have come. Thus, many hotels and restaurants are reopening in the area.
If you’d like to take the time to remember the recent crisis and help out by spending some time and money on the ground, make sure to visit Latakia. Here you’ll find beautiful historical buildings, nice monuments, some castles, and delicious seafood. All by the border with Turkey, at about 150km from Aleppo and 350km from Damascus.
Top archeological sites to visit in Syria
6. Palmyra
Plamyra is an ancient city in central Syria. It’s inhabited since the second millennium BC and was an important caravan trade centre. This UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts remnants from its Neolithic, Aramaic, Arab, Greek, and Roman times. So it’s one of the most iconic Syria tourist attractions.
Before the Syrian war, the ruins of Palmyra attracted millions of tourists every year. And were packed with camels, souvenir vendors, restaurants, and hotels. However, since ISIS took over Palmyra in 2014 the place became famous for the atrocities it both hosted and suffered. Nevertheless, despite the Temple of Bel and part of the Great Colonnade were blown up with dynamite, the ruins are so large there’s still plenty to see. Especially along the Senate, court, and temples of Baal Shamin and Nabu.
Nowadays, visitors require a special permit to visit Palmyra and should be accompanied by an escorted guard. This is for security reasons, as Palmyra is in the middle of the desert and the rod leading to it is full of checkpoints and military radars targeting ISIS soldiers. Local agencies arrange the permits and escort. I felt totally safe when visiting Palmyra in 2021 and consider it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Syria. You can see more of my trip on my Syria stories on Instagram.
Just bear in mind that, while the destruction of the ancient ruins is heartbreaking, besides the ancient city Palmyra there is a modern city also in ruins. And that’s less famous yet way more devastating. Seeing locals trying to carry on with their lives and rebuild their city is part of visiting Syria in 2023, so I strongly encourage buying from their shops and supporting their activities while visiting Palmyra.
7. Bosra
Bosra, a city 1.5hours south of Damascus and by the Jordan border, is home to the world’s best preserved Roman theater. Yes, it’s much more well-preserved than any Roman theater in Italy. Plus you’ll most likely have it all for yourself. Consequently, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must among places to visit in Syria.
As you might be wondering, the theater is not on its own. It stands within a fortress and was once part of a large Roman city, now in ruins. Nevertheless, visiting the columns and remnants of its public baths, temples, and houses is also one of the best things to do in Bosra Syria. Especially with a fresh orange juice in hand.
Bosra also makes an interesting visit for its recent history as it’s the only part of the country not controlled by the government that tourists are allowed to visit. During the day only though, as no overnight stays are allowed. Bosra is still under control of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and their flags are all over the place.
There’s no Syrian army here, although there’s a strong surveillance by the Russian Army. Additionally, locals here look similar to the peoples of Jordan and Saudi Arabia. I strongly recommend staying for lunch in the nearby restaurant, where locals perform dances for tourists. We were the first group they danced for after the war and it was such a magical moment. Check it out on my Syria stories on Instagram.
8. Krak des Chavaliers
Krak des Chevaliers is an 11th century castle famous for being one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world. WHich is especially important given the recent bombings in Syria. Therefore, Krak is another must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site among Tourist attractions in Syria.
The castle stands on top of a hill near Homs, overlooking green valleys extending to Lebanon and the Mediterranean. This was a key location during the times of the crusades. And again during the recent Syrian war when it also served as a fortress for Al Nusra until recovered by the Syrian Army.
This imposing castle is quite large and has plenty of rooms and patios to visit. Moreover, the views from the top are amazing. Make sure to also admire it from the outside before entering, as the surrounding hills are equally beautiful. You can see them on my Instagram profile.
9. Maaloula
Maaloula is a very special mountain village to visit in Syria. It’s one of the only three villages where locals still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ. The place is home to several Christian monasteries that suffered severe damage during the recent civil war, which makes it a must-visit due to both its ancient and recent history.
What makes Maaloula one of the 10 most beautiful places to visit in Syria are its ancient monasteries. Especially those of Saint Sarkis and Saint Thecla. You’ll find them 30km North of Sednaya, so about 60km from Damascus, on top of a hill. Many visit both sites on the same day, as a day trip from the Syrian capital.
Make sure to enjoy the religious music, ask one of the nuns to pray for you in Aramaic, and admire the 11th century frescoes. It’s certainly one of the most exciting places to visit in Syria in 2023. Additionally, take a slow walk through the canyon and visit Al Safeer, a 4-star hotel now mostly in ruins following the recent battle of Maaloula.
10. Sednaya
Sednaya is a city in the Syrian mountains famous for hosting the wonderful Greek Orthodox Monastery of Our Lady of Sednaya. The Bizantine Emperor Justinian I founded it in 547AD which makes it one of the world’s oldest working monasteries.
The monastery stands on top of a hill at about 1,500 metres above sea level. Therefore, visitors will have to climb plenty of stairs to reach its gate, yet they will be rewarded with awesome views over the city and nearby mountains. Additionally, the place is famous for its iconostasis, particularly the icon of the Virgin Mary revered both by Christians and Muslims as the legend stand that she appeared to Christians and Muslims at this very location.
As the monastery stands less than 30km from Damascus it makes a great day trip from the Syrian capital. Moreover, it’s a pilgrimage site and a must-see for those into Christians in Syria and the suffering this has undergone during the recent civil war.
RECAP ON BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VIST IN SYRIA
Syria is a very special place to visit. A country that suddenly went from being a major touristic hub in the Middle East to making the international news due to its terrible civil war. A place that is slowly recovering from devastation. And aiming to go back to its glorious days, one step at a time.
Travellers willing to explore a wonderful land without the crowds, learn about its ancient and recent history, savour some of the nicest cuisine worldwide, and experience true human kindness should certainly consider visiting Syria.
From ancient cities such as Damascus and Aleppo, to christian monasteries and Roman ruins, crusader castles such as Krak des Chevaliers, and wonderful beach resort towns, there’s endless beautiful places to visit in Syria. If you make the trip, I’d love to hear more about it in the comments section below. And/or via my Instagram and Tiktok pages. I’m available to help with any questions as well, as always. Have a wonderful trip to Syria.
