Chinese whispers that Syria is a base for terrorism, with allegations that the government sponsors terrorist activity, has undoubtedly done a lot of damage to the country’s profile both as a tourist destination and in respect of international relations. The Foreign Office continues to issue security warnings. However, whilst there have been isolated incidents, so there have been in many countries globally, including the UK and other European destinations still deemed to be ‘safe’ to travellers. It is wise to take precautions but also to weigh up the evidence.

Irrespective of the assumed terrorist activity, Syria has never been up there in the Top 20 tourist destinations and yet the overwhelming question begs to be asked - ‘WHY’? Over time, little known travel destinations slowly make their mark on the global travel map until they simply become subject to the ever increasing numbers of tourist traffic passing through. Unbelievably, Syria has so far managed to elude the crowds. Fantastic! A well kept secret - don’t let the word get out! Those who make the trip leave astounded at the sheer number of monuments, castles, palaces, mosques and other such relics of Syria’s chequered past that pepper the dramatic landscape so that you cannot go from one day to the next without stumbling upon yet another amazing discovery that threatens to challenge the standing of other more famous global ‘wonders’. And best of all? Until word gets out, you’re sharing these places with only a handful of others. 

Some highlights of Syria include the following: 

Damascus

Known as ‘The City as Old as Time’ there is no doubt that Damascus is ancient. It is easy to be transported back to bygone days and just as easy to lose yourself in the maze of honey coloured alleyways that criss-cross the city boundaries. Consider the number of civilisations that have tried to claim Damascus as their own and the resulting architecture left behind in their efforts. This is all part of the allure, as exploring a city this old is one of the most rewarding travel experiences you will ever have. 

Follow in St Paul’s footsteps by walking the famous street called ‘Straight’ (Via Recta) and make sure you don’t miss the stunning Umayyad Mosque, a rarity in the sense that non Muslims are allowed to enter the mosque (even if you do have to don standard issue cloaks in order to comply with the extremely modest dress requirements). The mosque houses the burial site of St John the Baptist and is significantly said to be the mid-way point between Istanbul and Mecca. 

Also a must-see is Al Azem Palace, now a national museum which houses, amongst other Islamic art collections, some magnificently illuminated copies of the Koran. Al Azem Palace was formerly a Pasha’s residence. Take time to gaze at the beautiful interior and stroll through the peaceful courtyards reflecting on days of old. 

Navigate your way through the ancient souks and watch the artisans at work in a city that buzzes with industrious craftsmanship.

Palmyra

Syria’s jewel in the crown is Palmyra, a jaw dropping complex of Roman ruins set in a balmy desert oasis surrounded by palms. This was once the domain of Syria’s lady of power, the legendary Queen Zenobia, who stood against both the Roman and Persian empires, until she was eventually taken captive to Rome by Emperor Aurelian in AD272 when he conquered and destroyed the city. 

Today, the ruins cover an area of roughly 6 kilometres square and require a full day to really take in and appreciate both the beauty and astonishing history behind this town that is fondly referred to as the ‘bride of the desert’. 

Bosra

Historically a stopover for those on the pilgrimage to Mecca, Bosra was a prosperous city until the 17th century. It was also the first Syrian Arab Republic to become Muslim and as such is home to some of the oldest minarets in the whole of Islam. 

Bosra is home to a famously well preserved Roman amphitheatre that is host to a music festival every two years, seating a phenomenal 15,000! The festival aims to integrate over 20 countries musically and spans over 10 days. With a stage that allows music to be heard from all sides of the amphitheatre without technical assistance the setting really is second to none. 

Aleppo

Nestled in hills in Northern Syria, Aleppo has an alluring charm all of its own, vying with Damascus for the title of oldest city. Reaper of the surrounding countryside bounty, Aleppo acts as distribution centre and purveyor of pistachios, olives, cotton and sheep, in keeping with the city’s mercantile background. Going hand in hand with the abundance of natural produce from Aleppo’s hinterland backdrop, cuisine in Aleppo is widely considered to be Syria’s finest. In particular, those with a sweet tooth are in for a treat as Aleppo’s iconic pistachios are bound, rolled and combined into the sweetest pastries imaginable. 

There is evidence of Aleppo’s embrace of modern civilisation in the arms of its modern suburbs, but lurking beneath lays the old city untouched in its beauty, with its ancient souks, streets and architecture, not to mention an impressive number of mosques. 

In the evenings, Aleppines come out for an evening stroll, or sit and drink coffee whilst chatting about their day. Take to one of the terrace cafes and watch the world move at its melodic pace without the rat race of western influence. 

Getting there and around

With two international airports and frequent routes between Europe, The Middle East, Africa and Asia, Syria is well served in terms of flights in and out of the country. 

Syria is also accessible overland by bus from Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon, as well as train routes from Damascus to Amman and from Aleppo to Istanbul.
The excellent network of buses and trains is also a good bet for getting from place to place once in the country. Taxis are a slightly more expensive option and even more costly are the rental cars – it is worth remembering that fuel is both expensive and also not as accessible as you would otherwise be used to, so forward planning is a must. 

Fast Facts

Full Country Name: The Syrian Arab Republic 

Population: Approximately 20,000,000 

Official Language: Arabic 

Major Religion: Islam 

International dialling code: +963 

Time zone: GMT +2