Tartus

Syria, Middle East

Tartus, a coastal jewel in Syria, boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture. Renowned for its charming old town with narrow streets and ancient architecture, it also offers stunning Mediterranean beaches. Visitors can explore the Crusader castle and enjoy the vibrant fish market. Its unique blend of seaside relaxation and historical exploration makes Tartus an appealing getaway. Coupled with warm hospitality and delicious local cuisine, it's a place where ancient history meets modern seaside life.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

City

Vibe

History

Airport

Bassel Al Assad

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

10 Best Things to Do in Tartus

1

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Crusader Castle

Visit the ancient fortress with stunning sea views.

No booking required
2

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Stroll along Tartus Corniche

Enjoy a scenic walk along the Mediterranean waterfront.

No booking required
3

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the National Museum of Tartus

Discover artifacts from ancient civilizations in Syria.

No booking required
4

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Old Town

Wander through the charming streets of Tartus.

No booking required
5

Est. 2 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Relax at Tartus Beaches

Unwind on the beautiful sandy beaches of Tartus.

No booking required
6

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Taste local seafood at restaurants

Savor fresh seafood dishes at local eateries.

No booking required
7

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Adults only

Visit the Port of Tartus

Experience the bustling energy of this essential port.

No booking required
8

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the nearby ancient city of Arwad

Discover the historic island and its rich heritage.

No booking required
9

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Attend local festivals and events

Experience vibrant local culture through festivities.

No booking required
10

Est. 4 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Visit the ancient city of Palmyra

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, a must-see.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

No data

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Very Low

LGBTQ+ safety score

-13 (#184 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Syrian Pound

Majority religion

Muslim

Language

Arabic

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Kibbeh Bil Sanieh

Baked kibbeh with spiced meat. (National dish)

Fattoush

VE

Mixed salad with crispy bread.

Hummus

VE

Creamy chickpea dip with tahini.

Baklava

V

Sweet pastry filled with nuts and syrup.

Shawarma

Spiced meat wrapped in pita bread.

Phrases to learn

English

Arabic

Hello

Marhaban

(Mar-ha-ban)

Yes/No

Naam / La

(Nah-am / Lah)

Thank you

Shukran

(Shook-ran)

Excuse me

Afwan

(Ahf-wan)

How much?

Kam?

(Kam)