Lattakia: A Coastal Gem with Mountain Retreats.
Lattakia is a coastal city and the primary port city of Syria. It boasts a significant historical legacy and is celebrated for its stunning Mediterranean shoreline, rich cultural heritage, and diverse population.
Geographically, Lattakia is located on the western coast of Syria, providing captivating views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Lattakia benefits from a mild Mediterranean climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking a coastal getaway. The scenic coastline of Lattakia is a major draw for both locals and visitors.
Kassab, a captivating mountain resort town in Lattakia region, stands out as an attractive destination in the region of Lattakia The town, predominantly inhabited by Christians, particularly Armenians, features traditional rural stone architecture, some of which has been beautifully restored. It also hosts numerous churches. The surrounding countryside is densely forested, making it an appealing location for hiking. Nearby lakes and the stunning beach of al-Samra, accessible from the neighbouring village, further enhance the area’s natural beauty.
Slenfeh, perhaps Syria’s most renowned mountain resort, is characterized by beautiful modern homes and a refreshingly cool climate during the summer season. While less populated during the off-season, the town comes alive in the summer. While Slenfeh does not have specific landmarks of note, it offers pleasant opportunities for strolling, especially during the peak summer months.
Al-Samra, home to Syria’s most exquisite stretch of beach, remains a well-kept secret due to its challenging accessibility, proximity to the Turkish border, and small size that discourages significant development. While reaching al-Samra presents a challenge, those willing to devote a full day to a beach trip will be rewarded with an exceptional experience.
Mashqita, a small town northeast of Latakia nestled in the mountains, overlooks the province’s largest lake. It is a popular summer destination, offering swimming and boating opportunities, along with numerous lakeside restaurants. Mashqita is an easily accessible retreat from Latakia, providing a scenic environment for relaxation or hiking, with pine forests extending eastward from the town.
Ras al-Basit and al-Badrusiyeh, two neighbouring towns, stand out as the more developed beach resorts in Syria. With turquoise blue waters and black sand beaches bordered by lush vegetation, they offer a picturesque setting. Bungalows, hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shops line the main streets, but these towns are relatively quiet and closed during the off-season, while bustling with activity during the summer. The resorts tend to attract conservative vacationers, predominantly families. It is worth noting that women in these resorts often swim fully clothed, and foreign women traveling alone might attract unwanted attention. Nonetheless, the area’s beauty makes it well worth a visit.
During the French excavations conducted from 1971 to 1984, a small settlement with a citadel was discovered, established as an outpost of Ras Shamra/Ugarit during the late Bronze Age. The settlement survived into the Iron Age and maintained strong connections with Phoenicia and Cyprus. In the seventh century BC, it became a Greek colony, but was destroyed during the Persian period. Alexander the Great passed through the area in 333 BC, near the Battle of Issus, and it later became a Seleucid settlement under the name of Posideium.
The town experienced a phase of redevelopment in the third century AD, including the fortification of the town, the construction of a basilica at the foot of the acropolis, improvements to the port, and the construction of houses for the affluent. The port remained active during the Crusades and served as a destination for Venetian ships in the 15th and 16th centuries.
