Why Syria?

Not a long time ago, Syria attracted a large number of tourists and had everything needed to be a popular tourist destination. Still, it has always preserved its authenticity and was well-known for its outstanding hospitality. However, the war starting in 2011 made us forget Syria as a tourist site. It is, however, possible to visit it again, and even if it is not the same as before, Syria has so much to offer, and it can be a highly insightful trip for you.

All you need to know before visiting Syria in 2024

It is now hard to imagine when, not long ago, 1000 people visited Palmyra daily and stayed in hotels directly at the magnificent ruins of the former flourishing trade city to enjoy it at sunrise or sunset. There are no hotels left, and the modern city is almost abandoned, but the 70% left of the archeological site is still amazing.

The bustling bazaar of Aleppo had thousands of shops, most of which had been destroyed, where traders made businesses from all over the world. It was a famously vibrant city with lights, music, and unique products where people came to enjoy their lives with countless activities. But Aleppo has something miraculous that is hard to describe. Reconstructed shops and houses emerge amid the ruins, and no doubt, it will regain its former vibe.

Damascus, supposedly one of the oldest cities in the world, is still a city like no other, where you could spend weeks wandering around in the narrow, curving alleys and the bustling bazaars. The Umayyad mosque, one of the first places of worship in the world, is beyond imagination.  
But Syria also has the earliest Christian communities. In some villages, people still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus, in their daily lives, and monasteries perch on top of the hills.  

Bosra, the most well-preserved Roman theatre, is one of Syria’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, five of which are still accessible.  Syrian cuisine is one of the most delicious, but the most memorable part of the trip is to see how welcoming the local people are despite hardships.   

Quick facts

Population: 2011 (24 million), approximately 18 million now as millions left the country

Area: 185 180 km2

Capital: Damascus

Geography: Only about one-fifth of Syria is desert. Another portion is semiarid; other regions, particularly along the Mediterranean coast and the Golan Heights, are incredibly verdant. There is even a cedar forest in Syria, not only in neighboring Lebanon.  The two main rivers are the Orontes and the Euphrates.

Ethnicity: Most of the population are Arabs (85-90%), while the rest are mainly Kurds and Armenians. There are also some Assyrians, who are Aramaic-speaking people indigenous to the Middle East, and Turkmen, who are initially from Central Asia. There is a significant number of Palestinian refugees.

Religion: Officially, Syria is the only secular country in the Middle East. 74% of the population are Sunni Muslims; 16% belong to Muslim minorities (including Alawites and Druze) and 10% are Arab Christians.

Highlights

Damascus old city and Umayyad mosque

Christian monasteries

Aleppo citadel and old city

Krak des Chevalier

Palmyra

Bosra’s Roman Theatre

Saladin’s castle

How to plan your trip to Syria?

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Due to international sanctions, you cannot book accommodation in Syria on the Internet. However, you can use local travel companies, like Golden Team, Marrota Travel, and Syrian Guides, to help you with that.

The best way to visit Syria is to join a group tour with a foreign or local travel agent, who can also make a tailor-made program for you whether you only visit Damascus or want to have a comprehensive tour of Syria.