Damascus-Islamic Tourism
The coastal summer resorts in Syria are numerous. Scattered on the hills and the mountains near the sea, they boast fresh air, cool weather in summer and a moderate climate in winter. Among the crowded resorts in summer is Slenfeh which is some 50km east of Latakia and 1,200m above sea-level. It has spectacular scenery and good weather. There is also Kasab situated some 65km north of Latakia, located on the Aqra’ mountain amongst woods and thickets, 800m above sea-level. The road leading to it from Latakia is one of the most beautiful in Syria. It runs through woods and meadows of wild flowers, groves of olive and pine and orchards of apple trees.
Salma Situated 12km from Slenfeh and 800m above sea-level. It is characterized by moderate climate and pure mineral water. Draykish is a lovely town, 29km from Tartus, situated on a mountain covered with olive trees which overlook the sea. It has a reputation for its well-known mineral water.
Misyaf is located 50km east of Banyas, 400m above sea level. Most important is the Arab citadel (Qal’at Misyaf) which was captured by the Crusaders in 1103, but recovered by the Arabs in 1140. This citadel is surrounded by orchards of fig and pomegranate trees. There is also Safita which is situated 35km east of Tartus.
The Zabadani is a summer resort some 45km north of Damascus, 1,175m above sea-level. The source of the River Barada is in this plai and it the source of the river forms a little lake which is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and playgrounds.
Many Damascenes, however, prefer another nearby resort, Bludan, which spreads over the mountain overlooking Zabadani. This is a somewhat cooler spot and the scenery is particularly impressive, especially at sunset.
The Syrian Coast
The Syrian coast consists of long stretches of beach and green mountains extending from Ras al-Basit in the north to Tartus in the south. The Syrian shore is about 175km long, and its numerous beaches are distinguished by soft sand, unpolluted sea, a moderate climate and clear blue skies. Among its sea side regions are:
Ras al-Basit
Located on the northern part of the Syrian shore, about 40km to the north of Latakia, it is one of the most beautiful spots on the Mediterranean with a wide bay, clean waters and sand, surrounded by mountains and green hills.
Latakia
Latakia is Syria’s main seaport on the Mediterranean (186km south-west of Aleppo). It was one of the five cities built by Salukos Nikator in the 2nd Century BC, who named it after his mother, Laudetia. There are ancient Roman remains survived in Latakia, in addition to a beautiful Ottoman construction called Khan al-Dukhan, which is now a museum.
Tartus
The second most important Syrian seaport on the Mediterranean and it goes back to the Byzantines times. Tortusa had a turbulent history with the Crusaders. |