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Syria
Journey to Syria, a timeless mosaic of bustling souks and ancient citadels. Wander the historic streets of Damascus, stand before the resilient ruins of Palmyra, and experience enduring, legendary hospitality.
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Summary
Did you know?
Oldest Capital – Damascus is widely considered by historians to be the absolutely oldest continuously inhabited capital city in the entire world!
Overview
Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Vacation type
Beach, Hiking, Mountains, Nature, Desert
Expenses
0-50€, <100€, <150€, <200€, Over 200€
Temperature
10-20°C, 20-25°C, 25-30°C
Rainfall
0-50mm
Safety
Very dangerous
Continent
Asia, Middle East
Currency
Syrian Pound
Languages
Arabic
Currency Converter
When to visit
Travel to this country is currently not recommended or possible due to the ongoing war.
The optimal travel period for Syria is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these transitional seasons, the weather is exceptionally pleasant, with daytime temperatures averaging 20°C to 25°C, making it ideal for exploring ancient ruins and bustling souks without the burden of extreme weather.
The summer months (June to August) are fiercely hot, particularly in the eastern desert regions like Palmyra, where daytime highs routinely exceed 40°C. Conversely, winter (December to February) can be surprisingly cold and damp; coastal regions receive heavy rainfall, and higher elevations, such as the Anti-Lebanon Mountains near Damascus, frequently experience snow.
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Plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Climate Data
Peak Season (March to May / September to November)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 8 to 10 hours.
Rain Frequency: 3 to 6 days per month.
Rainy Hours per Day: 1 to 2 hours.
Intensity: Light to moderate, primarily brief spring showers.
Duration: Pleasant, clear days with cool, comfortable evenings.
Off-Peak Season (June to August / December to February)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 11 to 13 hours (Summer) / 4 to 6 hours (Winter).
Rain Frequency: 0 days (Summer) / 8 to 12 days (Winter).
Rainy Hours per Day: 0 hours (Summer) / 3 to 5 hours (Winter).
Intensity: Searing, relentless heat in summer; cold, steady rain and occasional snow in winter.
Duration: Prolonged heatwaves in July/August; persistent overcast and damp conditions in January/February.
Climate Chart
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Data Source: Global Historical Climatology Network
ClimateCharts.net
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: March-May / September-November
- Note: Independent travel for most Western nationalities is highly restricted. Tourists must typically book through a licensed Syrian operator who provides a guide, driver, and security clearances. Costs below reflect overall daily bundled rates.
1. Basic / Essential Travel ($100-150/day)
Accommodation: $30-50/night (basic but safe local guesthouses).
Food: $10-20/day (abundant, incredible street food like shawarma, falafel, and fresh manakish).
Activities: $10-20/day (entrance fees to major citadels and ruins).
Transportation: $50-60/day (shared costs of a mandatory tour driver/guide among a group).
Other Costs: $10/day (bottled water, coffee, local snacks).
2. Mid-Range Travel ($200-350/day)
Accommodation: $80-150/night (beautifully restored traditional Damascene courtyard boutique hotels).
Food: $30-50/day (sit-down meals at highly rated restaurants in the Old City).
Activities: $30-50/day (comprehensive guided tours of historic sites).
Transportation: $80-120/day (private car and dedicated guide for a solo traveler or couple).
Other Costs: $15-20/day (incidentals, museum fees).
3. Luxury / Premium Travel ($500 - $800+/day)
Accommodation: $200-300+/night (the finest historic luxury hotels, such as Beit Al Mamlouka).
Food: $80-120/day (premium dining, traditional Syrian feasts).
Activities: $100+/day (exclusive access, private historical lectures, extensive excursions).
Transportation: $150-200+/day (premium private SUVs with top-tier bilingual guides).
Other Costs: $50+/day (premium tipping, high-end souvenirs).
Off-Peak Season: June-August / December-February
1. Basic / Essential Travel ($90-130/day)
Accommodation: $25-45/night.
Food: $10-20/day.
Activities: $10-20/day.
Transportation: $45-55/day.
Other Costs: $10/day.
2. Mid-Range Travel ($180-300/day)
Accommodation: $70-120/night.
Food: $25-40/day.
Activities: $30-50/day.
Transportation: $80-100/day.
Other Costs: $15/day.
3. Luxury / Premium Travel ($450 - $700+/day)
Accommodation: $180-250+/night.
Food: $80-100/day.
Activities: $100+/day.
Transportation: $150+/day.
Other Costs: $50+/day.
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You can find accomendations that fit your trip and budget on Booking.com, Vrbo and Hotels.com
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Damascus
- Claimed to be the oldest continuously inhabited capital in the world, the "City of Jasmine" is the cultural and political heartbeat of Syria. The Old City is a mesmerizing labyrinth of narrow alleys, ancient churches, grand mosques, and vibrant markets.
2. Aleppo
- Historically the commercial capital and a massive hub on the ancient Silk Road. Though it suffered catastrophic damage during the war and the 2023 earthquake, its monumental Citadel still stands, and extensive reconstruction of its legendary souks is underway.
3. Homs
- Located in central Syria, Homs was heavily scarred by conflict but serves as a crucial logistical crossroads and the gateway to the imposing Crac des Chevaliers.
4. Latakia
- The principal port city on the Mediterranean coast. It represents a completely different side of Syria, featuring a relaxed coastal atmosphere, seafood restaurants, and access to nearby mountain resorts.
Damascus
Did you know?
First Alphabet – The ancient coastal city of Ugarit is famously where archaeologists discovered what is widely considered the world's very first alphabet!
Islands
1. Arwad Island
- The only inhabited island in Syria, located roughly 3 kilometers off the coast of Tartus in the Mediterranean Sea. Historically settled by the Phoenicians, it is a dense, charming town of narrow alleys, traditional wooden boat builders, and a crusader-era sea fortress.
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Find the perfect place to stay in any of these top cities and islands with Booking.com, Hotels.com and Vrbo – offering entire homes and apartments for a comfortable and private experience.
Things to see
Natural Attractions
1. The Syrian Desert (Al-Badia)
- A vast, arid steppe that covers much of eastern Syria. It is a harsh but beautiful landscape of gravel and sand, historically traversed by Bedouin tribes and ancient trading caravans.
2. Mount Hermon (Jabal al-Sheikh)
- Straddling the border with Lebanon, this towering mountain range dominates the skyline west of Damascus and provides a dramatic, snow-capped backdrop during the winter months.
3. The Coastal Mountains (Jabal al-Ansariyah)
- A lush, green mountain range running parallel to the Mediterranean coast, dotted with ancient castles, pine forests, and cool summer retreat villages like Slunfeh.
Historical and Cultural Sites
1. The Umayyad Mosque
- Located in the heart of Old Damascus, this is one of the oldest, largest, and most breathtakingly beautiful mosques in the world, featuring stunning golden mosaics and a history that layers Roman, Christian, and Islamic heritage.
2. Crac des Chevaliers
- Arguably the greatest and best-preserved Crusader castle in the world. Perched on a high ridge in the Homs gap, its massive concentric stone walls are a masterpiece of medieval military architecture.
3. Palmyra (Tadmur)
- The legendary "Bride of the Desert." Despite tragic destruction by ISIS, the expansive Roman ruins, including the Great Colonnade and the surviving elements of the Temple of Bel, remain a hauntingly spectacular testament to this ancient oasis city.
4. The Citadel of Aleppo
- A massive, heavily fortified medieval palace rising organically from a mound in the center of Aleppo, offering panoramic views over the ancient, recovering city.
Unique Experiences
1. Wandering Al-Hamidiyah Souq
- Walking the length of the grand, iron-roofed bazaar in Damascus, dodging crowds, smelling spices, and stopping at the famous Bakdash parlor to eat pounded, pistachio-covered Syrian ice cream (booza).
2. Staying in a Damascene 'Beit'
- Sleeping in a traditional courtyard house hidden behind plain exterior walls, where opening a heavy wooden door reveals a spectacular, tranquil inner courtyard filled with citrus trees, a central fountain, and intricate tile work.
3. Experiencing a Traditional Hammam
- Visiting a centuries-old public bathhouse, such as Hammam Nur al-Din in Damascus, for a vigorous, traditional scrub, steam, and massage beneath stunning domed architecture.
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The best way to explore major cities and must-see attractions is by booking guided tours.* They offer convenience, local insights, and often save time when visiting popular sights.
Tours to do
1. The Syrian Core Circuit
- A classic 7-to-10 day itinerary covering the essential government-held highlights: starting in Damascus, driving north to Maaloula (where Aramaic is still spoken), exploring Crac des Chevaliers, visiting the ruins of Aleppo, and returning via Homs.
Best Time: April or October
Average Cost: $1,200 – $2,000 per person
2. The Coastal and Crusader Route
- A 5-day exploration focusing on the Mediterranean side, operating out of Tartus. Includes taking a boat to Arwad Island, visiting Saladin’s Castle (Qal'at Salah al-Din), and exploring the coastal mountains.
Best Time: May or September
Average Cost: $800 – $1,200 per person
How to get around
1. Private Tour Vehicles
- The mandatory standard for most international tourists. You are assigned a dedicated driver and an air-conditioned car or minivan coordinated by your local tour operator, managing all military checkpoints smoothly.
2. Overland from Beirut
- Because of flight volatility, the most common entry method is flying into Beirut, Lebanon, and taking a private, pre-arranged taxi across the Masnaa border crossing directly into Damascus (a 2.5 to 4-hour drive, depending on border traffic).
3. Intercity VIP Buses
- Companies like Al-Ahliah and Al-Qadamous operate comfortable, cheap, air-conditioned buses between major secure cities (Damascus, Homs, Tartus, Aleppo), widely used by locals.
4. Domestic Aviation
- Limited flights operate between Damascus, Latakia, and Aleppo via carriers like Syrian Air or Cham Wings, but schedules are highly subject to change.
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You can find great car rental deals for your vacation on Expedia *
Did you know?
Crusader Fortress – It is home to Krak des Chevaliers, a breathtakingly massive hilltop castle that is officially recognized as the world's best-preserved medieval fortress!
What to eat
1. Fatteh
- A beloved breakfast or brunch dish consisting of layered toasted flatbread, warm chickpeas, and a rich, garlicky yogurt-tahini sauce, topped with toasted pine nuts and sizzling ghee.
2. Kibbeh
- Considered a national obsession, particularly in Aleppo (which boasts dozens of variations). The classic version consists of torpedo-shaped, deep-fried bulgur wheat shells stuffed with heavily spiced minced meat and pine nuts.
3. Yalanji
- Grape leaves tightly stuffed with a vegetarian mixture of rice, tomatoes, parsley, and pomegranate molasses, served cold with a sharp, tangy flavor.
4. Halawet el-Jibn
- A decadent dessert originating from Hama and Homs. It consists of sweet, stretchy cheese and semolina dough rolled tightly around thick clotted cream (ashta), drenched in rose-water syrup and crushed pistachios.
Fatteh
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
* Please note: All prices are rough estimates for orientation purposes only and may vary by region.
Main Airport: Damascus International Airport (DAM)
- Note: While DAM resumed operations in mid-2026, many Western travelers still prefer to fly into Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport [BEY] in Lebanon or Queen Alia International Airport [AMM] in Jordan and cross into Syria by land due to airspace restrictions on Western carriers.
Flight Prices and Seasons
- (For Flights directly into DAM via regional carriers):
From Europe
- Average Round-Trip Cost: €600 to €900 (Requires flying into a hub like Istanbul or Dubai, then connecting via a regional carrier like Cham Wings or foreign carriers flying into DAM).
- Cheapest Months: February and November.
- Peak Prices: July, August, and late December.
From North America
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $1,200 to $1,800 (Complex routing requiring transfers in the Gulf).
- Cheapest Months: October and February.
- Peak Prices: June and December.
From Asia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $800 to $1,400 (Typically connected via Doha, Dubai, or Kuwait directly to DAM).
- Cheapest Months: March and May.
- Peak Prices: August and January.
From Australia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $1,800 to $2,500 (Long-haul to the Middle East, then local connections).
- Cheapest Months: May and November.
- Peak Prices: December and January.
From Africa
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $400 to $700 (Connectivity via Cairo or Addis Ababa, onward to Amman or Beirut).
- Cheapest Months: September and October.
- Peak Prices: July and December.
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You can find the best flight deals with Skyscanner or plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Airport Location
Visa
1. Visa Requirement
- Visas are strictly required for almost all nationalities. A security clearance (visa approval) must be arranged in advance through a licensed Syrian tour operator.
2. Consular Processing
- Visas are not typically issued at embassies; the pre-approved security clearance allows travelers to receive a Visa on Arrival and pay the fee directly at the border or airport.
3. Required Documentation
- A passport valid for at least six months, the printed security clearance document, and absolutely no evidence of prior travel to Israel (stamps or border crossing anomalies result in immediate denial of entry).
4. Health Requirements
- No mandatory vaccinations are required, but routine vaccines and typhoid/hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended; medical infrastructure remains severely degraded due to years of conflict.
5. Travel Insurance
- Standard international policies universally void coverage for Syria; highly specialized war-zone and high-risk insurance is an absolute operational necessity.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- The local currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). The economy is strictly cash-based; ATMs and credit cards are completely disconnected from international networks, requiring travelers to bring crisp USD or EUR notes for local exchange.
2. Tap Water
- Municipal tap water is not safe for foreign consumption; total reliance on commercially sealed bottled water is strictly recommended for drinking and dental hygiene.
3. Electricity
- The standard electrical voltage is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz, utilizing plug types C, E, and L. The national grid suffers from severe daily rationing, making private diesel generators the primary power source for tourist accommodations.
4. Tipping
- Tipping (baksheesh) is deeply ingrained in the culture; leaving 10% at sit-down restaurants and providing cash gratuities to dedicated guides and drivers is customary.
5. SIM Cards
- Local telecommunications providers (such as Syriatel and MTN) supply prepaid SIM cards, which can be registered with a passport at border crossings or in major cities, though network coverage can be spotty.
6. Driving Side
- Vehicles operate on the right side of the road.
Souveniers
1. Aleppo Soap (Savon d'Alep)
- One of the oldest manufactured soaps in the world, made from olive oil and laurel bay oil. Cured for months until the exterior turns golden brown, it is world-renowned for its moisturizing and natural healing properties.
2. Damascene Marquetry (Aghabani)
- Intricate, geometrically patterned wooden boxes, backgammon boards, and furniture completely covered in microscopic mosaics made from walnut, rosewood, lemon wood, and mother-of-pearl.
3. Damascus Steel / Brassware
- While the original secret to forging legendary Damascus steel swords was lost to history, the city's metalworkers still produce spectacular hand-hammered brass and copper plates, lamps, and coffee pots featuring elaborate Arabic calligraphy.
Aghabani
Location
You already visited this country? Share your experiences with others! Tell us what’s worth seeing, what to skip, the things you wish you knew before your trip, what surprised you, what do you wish you knew earlier? Leave a review and help others plan smarter. Thanks in advance! :))
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