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Welcome traveler!
We're Andre & Lisa, adventurers and experienced budget travelers.
We have over two decades of travel experience and since 2018 have led a full-time nomadic lifestyle.
Thank you for visiting and we hope you find value in our destination pages! We thoroughly research and curate all content ourselves and everything you find on this site is put together by only the two of us.
SYRIA TRAVEL GUIDE
Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in Western Asia.
From the Euphrates to the Mediterranean, every part of Syria has been touched by history. A land of Biblical tribes, Syria’s most beautiful legends were born where the sand has turned to stone. Home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world, the country has a diverse variety of both historical and archaeological sites, from ruins of the great Greek, Roman and Byzantine Empires, to the legacies of the Nabateans and the Palmyrans, the Crusaders, Marmalukes and Ottoman Turks.
Travel to Syria is emphatically discouraged due to an ongoing civil war. Foreigners are at risk of kidnapping, injury or death. The war has caused total destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, and power and water utilities in many areas.
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Capital: Damascus
Currency: Syrian Pound (SYP)
Area: 185,180 km²
Population: 16,91 million (2018)
Language: Arabic
Religion: Sunni Muslim 74%, Alawite, Druze, and other Muslim sects 16%
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz (European plug)
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SEASONS AT A GLANCE
Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists.
Peak Season
Shoulder Season
Off Peak Season
JANUARY
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FEBRUARY
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MARCH
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APRIL
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MAY
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JUNE
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JULY
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AUGUST
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SEPTEMBER
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OCTOBER
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NOVEMBER
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DECEMBER
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BEST TIME TO VISIT SYRIA
Syria has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The country has four seasons:
- Spring: March to May - During this time, temperatures start to rise and the weather becomes more pleasant.
- Summer: June to August - This is the hottest time of year, with temperatures often reaching over 35°C (95°F). It is also the dry season, with very little rainfall.
- Autumn: September to November - Temperatures start to cool down during this time, and there is more rainfall.
- Winter: December to February - This is the coolest time of year, with temperatures often dropping below 10°C (50°F). There is also more rainfall during this time.
It's worth noting that the weather can vary depending on the region of the country. For example, the coastal regions tend to have a milder climate than inland areas.
It is not safe to travel to Syria at this time and we recommend checking with the U.S. Department of State for the most up-to-date travel advisories and guidelines.
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Syria is divided into 14 governorates, which are further divided into smaller administrative divisions. Here is a list of the main regions of Syria and some highlights of each:
Aleppo Governorate - This region is home to the country's largest city, Aleppo, which is known for its ancient citadel and the souks (marketplaces) in the Old City.
Al-Hasakah Governorate - This region is located in the northeast of the country and is known for its agricultural fields and oil production.
Ar-Raqqah Governorate - This region is located in the north of the country and is known for its ancient ruins, including the city of Raqqa, which was an important center of the Islamic empire.
As-Suwayda Governorate - This region is located in the south of the country and is known for its Druze population and the city of As-Suwayda, which is known for its Roman ruins.
Deir ez-Zor Governorate - This region is located in the east of the country and is known for its oil production and ancient ruins, including the city of Deir ez-Zor, which was an important center of the Islamic empire.
Daraa Governorate - This region is located in the south of the country and is known for its ancient ruins, including the city of Bosra, which was an important center of the Roman empire.
Hama Governorate - This region is located in the west of the country and is known for its ancient ruins, including the city of Hama, which is known for its traditional water wheels.
Homs Governorate - This region is located in the center of the country and is known for its ancient ruins, including the city of Palmyra, which was an important center of the Roman empire.
Idlib Governorate - This region is located in the northwest of the country and is known for its agriculture and the city of Idlib, which is known for its ancient citadel.
Latakia Governorate - This region is located in the west of the country and is known for its Mediterranean beaches and the city of Latakia, which is known for its ancient citadel.
Quneitra Governorate - This region is located in the south of the country and is known for its ancient ruins, including the city of Quneitra, which was an important center of the Roman empire.
Rif Dimashq Governorate - This region is located in the south of the country and is home to the capital city, Damascus, which is known for its ancient souks and the Umayyad Mosque.
Tartus Governorate - This region is located in the west of the country and is known for its Mediterranean beaches and the city of Tartus, which is known for its ancient citadel.
Al-Raqqah Governorate - This region is located in the north of the country and is known for its ancient ruins, including the city of Raqqa, which was an important center of the Islamic empire.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN SYRIA
Syria has a rich history and culture, and there are many interesting things to see and do when visiting the country. Some top attractions include:
- The Ancient City of Palmyra: An ancient city located in the Homs Governorate, known for its well-preserved ruins of Roman and Greek temples, amphitheaters, and tombs.
- The Old City of Aleppo: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Aleppo Governorate, known for its ancient citadel and the souks (marketplaces) in the Old City.
- The Umayyad Mosque: A mosque located in the capital city, Damascus, known for its architectural beauty and historical significance.
- The Ancient City of Bosra: An ancient city located in the Daraa Governorate, known for its well-preserved Roman theater.
- The Ancient City of Raqqa: An ancient city located in the Al-Raqqah Governorate, known for its well-preserved ruins of Islamic-era buildings.
- The Ancient City of Deir ez-Zor: An ancient city located in the Deir ez-Zor Governorate, known for its well-preserved ruins of Islamic-era buildings.
- The Ancient City of Quneitra: An ancient city located in the Quneitra Governorate, known for its well-preserved Roman ruins.
Aside from visiting historical sites, you can also try traditional Syrian cuisine, visit local markets and craft fairs, go hiking in the countryside, or visit the Mediterranean beaches in the Latakia and Tartus governorates. It's worth noting that the availability of certain attractions and activities may vary depending on the region of the country you are in.
WHAT TO EAT IN SYRIA
Syria has a rich culinary tradition with a variety of dishes and ingredients. Some popular foods to try when visiting the country include:
- Kebabs: Grilled meat skewers that are often served with rice or pita bread.
- Shawarma: Thin slices of meat (usually chicken, lamb, or beef) that are cooked on a spit and served in a pita with vegetables and sauce.
- Fattoush: A salad made with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and toasted pieces of pita bread.
- Hummus: A dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
- Baba ghanoush: A dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini, and spices.
- Falafel: Fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, often served in a pita with vegetables and sauce.
- Ma'amoul: Small, shortbread pastries filled with dates, nuts, or other sweet fillings.
- Knafeh: A dessert made from shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and syrup.
You can also try various Syrian teas, such as mint tea or red tea, which are often served with traditional meals. It's worth noting that the availability of certain foods may vary depending on the region of the country you are in.
LGBTQ IN SYRIA
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WHERE TO STAY IN SYRIA
It's important to note that due to ongoing conflict and security concerns, travel to Syria is highly discouraged and many hotels may not be operational or safe for tourists. However, if the situation were to change in the future and tourism resumes, here are some areas and accommodation suggestions:
Where To Stay In Damascus:
Damascus is the capital city of Syria, known as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, offering a blend of ancient history, bustling souks, and architectural wonders like the Umayyad Mosque.
Budget Accommodation: Consider staying at Beit Al-Mamlouka for affordable rooms and a central location near Damascus' historic Old City and major attractions.
Mid-range Accommodation: The Talisman Hotel provides comfortable accommodations with traditional Syrian decor and easy access to Damascus' markets and cultural sites.
Luxury Accommodation: Opt for the luxurious ambiance of the Four Seasons Hotel Damascus, featuring upscale rooms, multiple dining options, and views of the city.
Best Value Tip: Visit Damascus during the offseason (October to April) for better accommodation rates and fewer tourists, while still enjoying pleasant weather and cultural experiences.
Consider traveling with a reputable tour operator for safety and local insights, and always check travel advisories and entry requirements before planning your trip to Syria.
Please note that the situation in Syria is volatile, and travel to the country is not recommended due to safety concerns. It's essential to stay updated on travel advisories and consult with relevant authorities before planning any trips to Syria.
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Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. These are our favourite flight search engines. They index other travel websites and airlines across the globe to easily find you the best deal.
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Booking.com is our number one resource for researching and booking accommodation. In addition to Booking.com, we have found Agoda.com to consistently returns the cheapest rates in Southeast Asia.
TRANSPORT
DiscoverCars.com is a leader in online car rental bookings; we compare car rental deals from many companies so that you can choose which is best for your trip. 12Go connects the world door-to-door, from transfers to flights, under the same user-friendly ticket.
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Travel insurance can protect you against unexpected illness, injury, theft, and cancellations.
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