Divided into desert areas and lush river valleys, Syria is known for its numerous historical cultural sites.
According to countryaah, Syria is a Mediterranean country in the Middle East, bordering Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq. Syria is one of the oldest civilizations in the world and the region has been ruled by the Hittites, Babylonians, Egyptians, Persians, Greeks and Romans.
Dunes and mountains
Syria consists for the most part of sand dunes and mountains, with the exception of the lush coastal strip and the banks of the Euphrates River.
Syria is known for its historical sites and culture. Syria’s most famous destinations are the capital Damascus, the historic city of Palmyra, the Crusaders Fortress Krak des Chevaliers near the city of Hims, and the city of Bosra, home to one of the best-preserved Roman theaters.
Culture and ruins
Short for SY by abbreviationfinder, Syria is a cultural destination in particular. There are many old towns and ruins in Syria, and one of the cradles of the world’s oldest civilizations is located on the banks of the Euphrates River.
In Syria, you can also shop in the traditional bazaar areas. The well-known bazaar area is located in Aleppo, for example. Syria is an affordable travel destination.
Travel in the spring or fall
There are regional variations in the Syrian climate. In the Mediterranean climate of the coastal area, summers are dry from June to August and have an average temperature of just under 30 degrees. Winters from December to February are rainy and the average temperature drops to 10 degrees.
As the central parts of the country approach, the climate becomes hotter and drier. In desert areas, temperatures often rise to over 40 degrees in summer. The best travel times are spring and autumn.
Respect local customs
Syria is a Muslim state, so tourists should respect local codes of conduct and dress that favor conservative and opaque dress.
In the big cities of Syria, tourists get along in English or France, but in more remote areas, only Arabic is often spoken.
FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN SYRIA
Flying through Amsterdam to Syria
There are no direct flights from Finland to Syria, but you can fly to Syria via Amsterdam, for example.
The average price of flights is 300–2000 euros and the price is affected by the number of stopovers and the time of travel.
Syria’s main international airport is located near Damascus and has regular connections to cities in Europe and the Middle East, among others. You can also travel to Syria by land by car or bus from neighboring countries. There are border crossings from Jordan and Turkey, for example.
Hotels in Syria are cheap
In Syria you will find multi-level accommodation options from luxury hotels to affordable hostels. Especially many hotels can be found in major cities such as Damascus.
Hotel prices vary according to the desired level, but in general hotels are affordable. Hotel night prices range from 15 to 200 euros.
The bus is the easiest way to get around
Buses are trains and taxis a more recommended way to get around Syria. Traveling by bus is cheap and connections between cities are regular. Ordinary buses operate on both longer and shorter routes, and minibuses also run on short routes.
You can also travel in Syria by rental car, but you need an international driving license. The road network with signs is good, especially in the vicinity of cities, but in remote areas, for example, the signs are only in Arabic.
TRAVEL DESTINATIONS IN SYRIA
Historic Damascus
Considered a holy city, Damascus is one of the oldest still inhabited cities in the world. Historic sites can be found especially in the old part of the city.
Located in the northwestern part of the country, Damascus is the first destination for many tourists in Syria due to its international airport. Damascus is home to many hotels, restaurants and galleries.
Bazaar in Aleppo
Located in the northern part of Syria, Aleppo is an old trading town where you can still shop in the bazaar areas.
Aleppo Souq is Syria’s most famous bazaar and Aleppo’s most popular tourist destination. Aleppo has been spared major and radical modernizations and the old part of the city has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The famous Dead Cities are also close to Aleppo.
Palmyran oasis
Located in the middle of the desert, the city of Palmyra is one of Syria’s most famous tourist destinations. In addition to an oasis, the historic city of Palmyra, a couple of hundred kilometers northeast of Damascus, has temple ruins, tombs and funeral towers.
Palmyra’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The new town of Palmyra is home to hotels, restaurants and shopping.
