Latakia

Introduction

You will find Latakia situated along the Mediterranean coast, where it serves as both a vital port city and a primary manufacturing hub for the nearby agricultural regions. Historically known as Laodicea in Syria or Laodicea ad Mare, this coastal destination offers a rich historical backdrop near the northern reaches of the Mediterranean.

Before you go

Prepare for an urban landscape defined by white stucco highrises and streets lined with palm trees. You will find a diverse community where the local population includes a mix of Christian, Alawi, and Sunni residents. The city is known for its relatively socially progressive and liberal atmosphere compared to other areas in Syria.

Explore the coastal regions to the north of the city to reach the most popular beaches. You can also visit the area home to Latakia University, one of the largest universities in the country.

Getting there

You can reach the city by bus via routes connecting regional cities along the Syrian Coast. While travel from cities such as Aleppo, Damascus, Hama, and Homs is possible, you must make arrangements on the ground and should expect long delays caused by security checkpoints.

Train services are limited to a twice-daily connection from Tartous, which reaches the station located at the major roundabout Yemen Square. Long-distance trains from Aleppo and Damascus are currently cancelled indefinitely. Please note that flight operations have been suspended and the international airport is closed.

Getting around

You can navigate much of Latakia by taxi, which serves as a convenient way to traverse the city's various districts. While the city is not generally walkable due to the significant distances between locations such as the beach, downtown, and Ugarit, you can enjoy a stroll along the corniche.

The city features an extensive bus system with numbered routes that operate frequently. You can find maps of route intersections inside the buses to help navigate your journey. A single ticket provides you with two rides. Specific routes include:

• Bus number 1, which travels in a circle from the train station through Zera'a and the port to the corniche, providing access between the train station and the city center.
• Bus number 2, which starts near the city center at the beginning of 14 Ramadan Avenue and travels via the University to the new microbus terminal.
• Bus number 3, which operates around the southern corniche.

Where to stay

Depending on your budget and preferred atmosphere, you can find various accommodations throughout the city. For a more modest stay, choose from options that offer basic amenities like televisions and refrigerators. Some establishments provide friendly service with owners who can offer local information or help organize trips in the area.

If you prefer a higher-end experience, head toward the coast for an upscale resort or a large hotel featuring its own private beach in a desirable coastal area. For those seeking more economical options, you can find accommodations offering double and triple rooms with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and wifi.

Food & drink

You can enjoy a variety of local flavors along the coastal promenade. At Al Siwar, located on the corniche, you can dine on Syrian mezze, kebabs, and fish while taking in views of the sea. For those seeking fresh seafood, Spiro is another well-known establishment situated on the corniche that specializes in high-quality fish.

If you prefer a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a drink before sunset, head to View Restaurant on the southern corniche. This spot serves a mix of Western, Italian, and Middle Eastern dishes alongside your beverage.

What to see and do

Explore a diverse landscape of green mountains and sandy beaches while visiting significant archaeological sites like the Saladin Castle or the ruins of Ugarit, an ancient Phoenician city known for its early alphabet. You can also visit the National Museum of Latakia or explore local religious architecture, including the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the historic National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Latakia.

Experience the local atmosphere in different neighborhoods: visit American street to see where the young and fashionable gather at night, or explore the hip, upcoming areas of the Zira'a quarter and the district surrounding the university. If you enjoy being active, you can find running routes along the waterfront with sea views or near green parks, as well as neighborhood parks where children can play.

When to go

You can experience Latakia's Mediterranean climate across two distinct seasons. During the summer months, you will encounter warm to hot conditions with high humidity levels. While these months are characterized by very little rainfall, the atmosphere remains heavy and humid.

If you prefer cooler weather, visit during the winter when the climate becomes cool and wet. These months bring significant precipitation and a much cooler atmosphere compared to the summer heat.

Three days in Latakia

Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the coastal atmosphere of Latakia. You can walk along the Mediterranean to take in the views of the sea while experiencing the local culture of this Syrian coastal city.

Day two, you can travel toward the interior or explore nearby areas such as Tartous. You can also visit the area near the university if you wish to see more of the local surroundings.

Day three, you can spend your final day wandering through the streets. You might find yourself at a restaurant for a meal while enjoying the scenery of the Syrian coast.