This calm Mediterranean port city maintains its daily life despite Syria's civil war. A Russian naval base and local beaches make it a quiet alternative to Damascus.
Tartus sits on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, where Phoenician traders, Roman soldiers, Crusader knights, and Ottoman rulers left their marks. Walk through the 12th-century Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa, now a museum with Phoenician stone coffins, Roman floor mosaics, and medieval swords. Take a boat to Arwad Island to see the remains of a Canaanite fortress rebuilt by Crusaders. In the old town, stone streets pass crumbling Crusader walls and Ottoman houses with wooden balconies. The city’s beaches, such as Alrimal Alzahabeya, draw Syrian families in summer, and the Corniche fills with people eating grilled shrimp at sunset. Tartus avoided major damage during Syria’s recent conflicts, keeping its calm coastal rhythm, though Russian naval ships anchor nearby.
Key Historical Sites to Explore
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa, constructed by the Knights Templar in the 1100s, retains its arched doorways and thick stone walls. Inside the building, now the National Museum of Tartus, you’ll find Phoenician carvings of gods, Roman statues of emperors, and Crusader-era chainmail armor. A short walk away, the ruins of the Templar Castle include sections of defensive walls and underground storage rooms. Drive 15 minutes south to the Phoenician Water Temple, where stone channels once directed spring water into ritual baths. The old town’s market sells spices like sumac and za’atar, handmade soap, and syrup-soaked pastries from open stalls.
Coastal Areas and Beaches
Arwad Island, Syria’s sole inhabited island, lies a 20-minute boat ride from Tartus. Climb the citadel’s worn steps to see Crusader-era arrow slits and Ottoman inscriptions carved into the walls. On the mainland, Alrimal Alzahabeya Beach has gentle waves and concrete piers where locals fish. Mashta Al Helou, a 30-minute drive inland, sits among pine-covered hills and has cooler air during summer heat. The Corniche stretches along the harbor, where you can watch fishermen unload their catch in the early morning. For less crowded swimming, head north to Holiday Beach Resort, which has umbrellas and simple changing rooms.
Food to Try in Tartus
Order sayyadiyeh at waterfront restaurants—crispy fried fish layered over rice with slow-cooked onions. Start your day with ftoor, a breakfast platter of tangy labneh, olives, cucumber slices, and warm flatbread dipped in olive oil. Street vendors near the old town sell kaak, circular bread stuffed with salty white cheese or thyme mixed with sesame seeds. At dinner, share plates of hummus, fried eggplant with garlic sauce, and grape leaves stuffed with rice and lamb. End with qataif—thin pancakes filled with nuts or cream—or shredded phyllo dough baked with sweet cheese for dessert.
Transportation Options
Most visitors arrive from Damascus via the M5 highway, a three-hour drive past olive groves and citrus orchards. Bassel Al-Assad International Airport near Latakia handles flights from Beirut and Cairo, followed by a 90-minute taxi ride to Tartus. Shared minibuses depart hourly for Homs and Latakia from the main station; pay the driver directly in Syrian pounds. Within the city, taxis are plentiful but rarely use meters—confirm the fare before getting in. Renting a car with a driver helps for trips to Krak des Chevaliers or Margat Castle, as rural roads lack clear signage.
Nearby Places to Visit
Krak des Chevaliers, a massive Crusader fortress, takes 45 minutes to reach by car. Walk its defensive corridors and climb to the rooftop for views of surrounding farmland. Safita, a hilltop town 40 minutes northeast, has a Crusader watchtower and stone homes with terracotta roofs. Margat Castle, 30 minutes south, includes a chapel with faint medieval paintings of saints. Al-Qadmus, an hour east, has a small castle and orchards where pomegranates ripen in October. Hama, two hours inland, lets you see 20-meter-wide wooden waterwheels that still channel river water into aqueducts.
Travel Safety Tips
Check your government’s travel advisories before planning a trip to Syria. Tartus has fewer security incidents than other areas, but military checkpoints on highways may delay journeys. Do not take photos of government offices, ports, or military personnel. Learn basic Arabic phrases like “kam al-thaman?” (how much?) and “ayn al-hammam?” (where is the bathroom?), as English speakers are rare. Book lodging in advance—Al Wali Hotel near Wadi al-Nasara has basic rooms and reliable electricity. Carry cash in small denominations; credit cards are rarely accepted.
