Welcome to syria!!!

Syria, located at the heart of the Middle East, is one of the most beautiful countries in the region. It has historical sites throughout the nation, some metropolitan cities with a rich cultural life, and beach destinations in the Mediterranean coast. Syria has been inhabited for more than 10,000 years.

When to Go/Climate: Syria has a typical Mediterranean climate, with cold winters (December, January and February), with temperatures around 10º C; and hot summers (June, July and August), temperatures around 30º C. Spring and Fall, when temperatures are mild, are the best seasons to visit.

Get in: There are three international airports in Syria: Damascus (DAM), Aleppo (ALP) and Lattakia (LTK). You can also reach Syria by train from Istanbul (Turkey) and Tehran (Iran). Visitors from non-Arab countries need a tourist Visa to enter the country. It should be applied in advanced in your own country, or you can get it in Turkey.

Get around: The best way of moving around is by train, by taxi or by local microbuses. The Syrian Railway system is modern and very convenient for large distances between the main cities. It also possible to rent a car, but not recommended.

Money and Costs: The local currency is the Syrian Pound (£S). ATM's are becoming more popular every year, but not all towns have them. It is very convenient to travel with some cash (Euros or USD), which can be exchanged at local change offices. Cost of living is very low. Accommodation and food is from cheap to very cheap.

Length of stay: two or three weeks are enough to visit Syria's main tourist destinations.

Languages/People: the local language is Arabic. English is widely spoken in tourist facilities. People are very traditional and mainly muslim. Male and female travelers should dress very conservatively.

Food: Typical dishes are the falafel (chickpea patties), the shawarma (meat sandwich), and the kofta (balls of minced meat). Pork is not served in Muslim restaurants. Vegetarian food is very easy to find.

Safety: Syria is a very safe country. Street crimes are very rare.

Damascus - [video]

Damascus is the capital of Syria, and one of this country's top tourist destinations. The city has been continuously inhabited for more than 10,000 years, and thus it is the oldest living capital in the world.

Palmyra

The most important archeological site in Syria. It used to be an important stop along the Silk Route. International trade made of this one of the richest cities in the region.

Aleppo - [video]

Aleppo is the largest city in Syria, and one of its top tourist destinations. Its souqs, the Umayyad Mosque, the Christian Quarter and the Citadel are its tourist attractions not to be missed.

Latakia

Latakia is a city in Syria, located by the Mediterranean Sea. The main tourists attractions in Latakia are the ruins of Ugarit and the Saladin Castle, both in the outskirts of the city.