Stone, Souq & Sea
Castle, northern souqs and Mediterranean coast.
Damascus · Krak des Chevaliers · Hama · Aleppo · Latakia
✦ Krak des Chevaliers✦ Aleppo and its souqs
Price on requestView journey →
Tartous
A compact Mediterranean old city where Crusader-era fortifications meet a working seafront — and the boat connection to Arwad.
WHY GO
A compact Mediterranean old city where Crusader-era fortifications meet a working seafront — and the boat connection to Arwad.
Tartous combines a contemporary coastal city with surviving medieval fortified fabric. Its old quarter preserves sections of citadel walls and gates and major Crusader-era stone structures, including the former cathedral, while the harbour and seafront remain part of daily life. Tartous is also the boat departure point for Arwad, which remains a distinct destination rather than a substitute image for the city.
What to see
- Citadel walls, gates and surviving fortified fabric in the old city.
- The former Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa and other major Crusader-era stone structures.
- The harbour and living seafront.
What to experience
- Walk between medieval stonework and the rhythm of a contemporary coastal city.
- Use Tartous as the boat gateway to Arwad when marine conditions allow.
Food
Seasonal seafood and coastal produce according to availability.
How long to stay
One to two nights for the city and a connection with Arwad or the coast.
SUGGESTED JOURNEYS
Place it within a route.
Grand Syria
Fourteen days from the south to cities and coast.
Damascus · Bosra · Maaloula · Palmyra / Tadmur · Homs
✦ Six World Heritage properties in context✦ Cities, desert and coast
Price on requestView journey →