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"Ahlan Wa Sahlan ...
Welcome to Syria" Syria is one of the best Tourism place to visit for its
Historical and Religious places. But is not known to the world of Tourism due to
very low attention given by media. The weather of Syria is extremely good and it
has wide range of tourism such as beautiful beaches on its coast, forestry and
the best for freshly baked Bread. The History has been preserved to its best and
old historical monuments can be found in every corner of Syria. Food is the
thing to be enjoyed in Syria and all types of tropical fruits can be found at
its best in Syria. So do not wait, Syria is a Place for you to Explore.
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The Syrian Coast |
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It is difficult to find such a small area that has a combination of fascinating
nature & great monuments where history left its imprints on every corner & where
great civilization enriched mankind's knowledge & illuminated his way to
prosperity.
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The Mouhafazat of Latakia |
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Latakia
Syria's main sea-port on the mediterranean (186 km from Aleppo ). 348 kms north
of Damascus. It has retained its importance since ancient times. Latakia is the
sea-gate to Syria. It is well-provided with accommodation, and is well-placed as
a base which to explore the coastal regions of the country. Latakia...The pearl
of the coast...blooms every year when celebrating the Mahabba festival ... which
takes place from the second till the twelth of August. This cultural, sportive &
artistic event attracts many arab & foreign tourists.
Summer resorts and historical spots in the Mouhafazat of Latakia :
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The Beaches |
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The Syrian Seashore is about 175 kms long and its numerous beaches are
distinguished by soft sand, unpolluted sea, moderate climate, clear blue sky and
well equipped tourist establishments.
Only a half an hour drive will lead you to one of many mountanious summer
resorts where you can enjoy the cool weather.
There are beaches, mountains, archaeological sites and many relics of the
Crusaders, all within a few hours from each other.
Words fail to describe those high mountains covered with evergreen trees, those
silvery fresh-water springs surrounded with roses, lilies, narcissus, daisies
and various blooming wild flowers or those monuments narrating the glory of the
past.
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Ras Shamra (Ugarit) |
16 kms to the north of Latakia . It is the site of Ugarit, the kingdom that had
a golden past in administration, education, diplomacy, law, regligion and
economics between the 16th and 13th centuries B.C. It is the kingdom that gave
humanity the first alphabet in the world. Documents, statues and jewels from
Ugarit kingdom are also on display at the Latakia, Aleppo and Tartus Museums.
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Kasab |
65 kms north of Latakia, located on the Aqra' mountain amongst woods and
thickets, 800 ms above sea-level. The road leading to it from Latakia is one of
the most beautiful in Syria. It runs through woods & meadows of wild flowers and
groves of olive and pine, orchards of apple trees leading to the beautiful
forest of Frullloq.
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Ras Al-Bassit |
Located on the northern part of the Syrian shore, about 40 kms to the north of
Latakia, it is one of the most beautiful spots on the Mediterranean : a wide bay
, with clear water and clean sand, surrounded by mountains & green hills.
Chalets, camping sites and restaurants along the shore make Ras Al-Bassit all
the most attractive to visitors.
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Tartus |
The second most important Syrian seaport on the Mediterranean (90kms to the
south of Latakia). A jewel of Romanesque art is the cathedral of Tartus, which
is now a museum containing relics from various Syrian civilizations.During
summer an attrctive festival is held there containing many activities such as
sea sports, handicrafts exhibition, shopping center & cultural events.
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Hosn Sleiman |
25 kms from Safita, 14 kms beyound Draykish in the direction of Misyaf.It was
here, in the heart of these mountains cut through by ravines, that the
inhabitants of Aradus (the present Isle of Arwad) once built a temple dedicated
to Baal and Astarte.
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Qala'at Yahmur |
20 kms west of safita on the Tartus road. Like Arima, Qal'aat Yahmur was a small
fortress, and its 15 ms high keep is still impressive.
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Mashta al-Helu |
Located north-east of Safita, it is the largest in a group of small villages
scattered on the green hills, where the weather is cool even on the hottest
summer days. The most attractive among these white stone villages is
al-Kafroon(3 kms from Mashta al-Helu). It is located at the foot of a small
hill, completely covered with oak trees and surrounded by mountains with many
churches and mosques. Also worth visiting is Mar Elias, a cave like church in
the north of the village. An International hotel resort, in addition to many
hotels, restaurants and cafes are available in the apple orchards along the
streams that run through it.
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MAALULA |
45 km away from Damascus, capital of the Syrian Arab Republic along the
Damascus-Aleppo Highway, 6 km off to the west, Maalula slumbers in that quiet
highland lap, rising 1.500m above sea level.
The eastern slops of Al-Qalamoun mountains, Syria's most beautiful, base
mountains, whose pinnacles are adorned with milter-like capitals similar to the
the crown worn by kings, embrace the town of Maalula, surrounding it from all
sides. Everything here belongs to the past; yet it lives in the heart of the
present.
MAALULA..No wonder nature together with events, has prepared this wonderful town
to run with time along the same track.On entering Maalula, a visitor would feel
engulfed in an enhanted world of magic & legends that soon overwhelms the world
of reality.
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Summer resorts and historical spots
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Mouhafazat of Tartus
Arwad : This is the only island in Syria, and it is located 3 km from Tartus.
Arwad is a beautiful island, with a mass of houses and fortresses with narrow
lanes. It has many cafe's and restaurants overlooking Tartus and the sea.
Draykish : A lovely town, 29 kms from Tartus, situated on a mountain
covered with olive trees which overlook the sea. It has a raputation for its
well-known mineral water. It has several hotels and camping sites.
Arima : Today Qal'aat al-Arima (15 kms south of Safita), once a forward
strong - point for castle le Blanc and for the Crac, it still has two towers
dating back to 12th and 13th centuries.
Banyas : This city is located on the Syrian coast, 55 kms to the south of
Latakia. It was an ancient Phoenicaian seaport. Today it is better known for its
oil refinery.
Amrit : It is located to south of Tartus. It contains a unique temple
dating back to the 5th century B.C. This temple is carved in rock and surrounded
by water. Amrit also contains the remains of a big stadium which could seat 11
thousand spectators, and dates back to the 16th century B.C. The ancient Syrians
used the stadium for their sport seasons, a practice which was picked up by the
Greeks after 8 centuries, and was called the Olympic games
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Safita |
10 kms south of Draykish, 380 ms above sea-level, Safita is surrounded by hills
covered with olive trees and flowers on all sides.
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Al-Marqab Citadel |
Only 6 kms south east of Banyas, and is 500 ms above sea-level. There are
beautiful gardens and orchards surrounding it and the sea is not far away.This
citadel could accomodate 1000 people , in addition to the garrison, along with
provisions to last them for five years.
"Ahlan Wa Sahlan ... Welcome to Syria"
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Syria Travel Tips |
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