This Mediterranean port city has ancient mosques, a Crusader-era castle, and sandy beaches. Local markets sell Syrian crafts, while restaurants serve fresh seafood.
Latakia, Syria's main Mediterranean port city, stretches along the coast with 550,000 residents. Walk through streets lined with date palms to reach the active waterfront, where locals sip coffee at seaside cafes. You'll find ancient clay tablets inscribed with the world's first alphabet at the National Museum, and can windsurf or water ski at Cote d'Azur Beach just north of the city center.
Getting Around Latakia
Taxis take you anywhere within the city, though you'll need to plan ahead as main attractions like the beach, downtown, and archaeological sites are spread out. Catch regular buses from the southern station to major Syrian cities. The Damascus route takes 4-5 hours, while air-conditioned buses run throughout the day to Aleppo, Hama, Homs, and Tartous.
Beaches and Water Activities
Head to Cote d'Azur Beach, 6 kilometers north of the city center, for swimming and water sports. You can rent equipment for water skiing, jet skiing, and windsurfing. Walk along Jamal Abdel Nasser Street by the water to find local restaurants and the city museum.
Archaeological Sites Near Latakia
Take a day trip to the ruins of Ugarit, where archaeologists uncovered some of the earliest alphabetic writings. Visit Saladin's Castle, recognized by UNESCO in 2006, perched on a rocky headland above a deep moat cut into the rock. Medieval engineers left a single stone column in the moat to support the drawbridge - you can still see this impressive feat of engineering today.
The National Museum
Step into the National Museum near the seafront to explore regional artifacts dating back thousands of years. Examine ancient jewelry, coins, and clay tablets from Ugarit with early alphabetic inscriptions. The museum displays Arab and Crusader-era chain-mail suits and swords, alongside collections of ceramics and pottery that document the region's history.
Current Safety Considerations
As of 2024, while Latakia remains calmer than many other Syrian regions, travel to the city requires careful consideration due to the broader regional situation. Stay away from the northern areas of the governorate, which contain unexploded ordnance. Security conditions can change quickly, so check current travel advisories before planning your visit.
