Syria Travel Guide

Syria sits at a crossroads between the Mediterranean and the Mesopotamian plains, home to some of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities and staggering archaeological sites. Before the civil war that began in 2011, travellers visited Roman temples, crusader castles, and souks that had functioned for millennia. The country remains unsafe for tourists at present, with significant portions inaccessible.

When travel does resume, Syria's draws are undeniable: Palmyra's desert ruins, the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Aleppo's medieval bazaar, and the Mediterranean beaches near Latakia. The landscape shifts from coastal plains to mountain ranges to arid steppes—each region has its own character and history stretching back to antiquity.

Current advice from most governments recommends against all travel. Check your foreign ministry's latest guidance before considering any visit. If and when the situation stabilises, Syria will be a serious destination for those interested in ancient history and Islamic architecture.

Highlights

1. Desert archaeology — Palmyra and other Silk Road ruins rise from the Syrian steppe, remnants of trade empire and Roman might.
2. Damascus old city — Medieval souks, the Umayyad Mosque, and Roman-era street grid create a living museum of Islamic civilisation.
3. Aleppo's bazaar — One of the world's oldest covered markets, a labyrinth of spice stalls, textiles, and metalwork stretching for kilometres.
4. Crusader castles — Fortresses like Krak des Chevaliers perch on hills, commanding views and revealing medieval military strategy.
5. Mediterranean coast — Latakia and smaller coastal towns offer beaches, seafood, and relief from inland heat during summer months.
6. Mountain villages — Terraced farms and stone settlements in the coastal and interior ranges show rural Syrian life and tradition.