The Syrian city of Latakia is a distinctive destination that is not limited to its picturesque beaches, but is characterized by an atmosphere of relaxation and recreation, where charming natural scenery meets the surrounding mountains.
The streets of the old city and its archaeological sites reflect a rich history of diverse civilizations that have succeeded one another throughout the ages, and Latakia, with its unique location, is a suitable choice for those seeking an unforgettable cultural and natural experience.
Al Jazeera Net monitored the journey to Latakia through the mountains of Beit Yashout, where visitors pass through the villages of Al-Ghab in the western Hama countryside
This road is characterized by its picturesque scenery with green mountains surrounding it, making the journey enjoyable and inspiring, and it was completely safe, with limited car traffic in the morning.
Authenticity of Latakia
Public security personnel greet visitors at the city entrance near the University roundabout with kindness and welcome.
Upon entering the city, visitors can notice the authenticity and antiquity of Latakia in its streets and buildings, reflecting its rich history and unique culture.
Latakia is distinguished by the kindness of its people towards newcomers and their warm welcome, as Al Jazeera Net observed at the Sumer Restaurant, which is located on the southern Corniche of the city directly on the Mediterranean Sea.
The restaurant is over 36 years old and is considered one of the oldest restaurants in the city and the first on this Corniche, which is distinguished by offering fresh oriental and seafood dishes like other restaurants on the southern Corniche, according to Amin Abdeen, one of the investors in Sumer Restaurant.
Abdeen adds that he maintained the identity of his tourist restaurant through its seafood and oriental cuisine despite facing pressure from the ousted Bashar al-Assad regime, but he hopes for beautiful days after liberation.
Tourism is booming
Al-Abedin believes that tourism has begun to flourish with a glimmer of hope on the horizon, and they have begun to receive locals and families from northern Syria who have not visited the Syrian coast since 2011
He said that the situation is largely safe in Latakia today, the roads leading to it are good, and there is development taking place in the tourist resorts on the Syrian coast in preparation for receiving visitors and expatriates
As for the cost of lunch per person, it is currently around $18, and this applies to a seafood meal, while for oriental dishes the cost of the meal per person reaches $11.
Resorts tour
Al Jazeera Net toured the resorts on the Blue Beach in Latakia after entering the city and heading from the southern Corniche to the western Corniche.
You can follow the road signs indicating the way along the road adjacent to the sea, up to the Blue Beach roundabout, and enter the resort area located to the right and left of the road, with directional signs to reach each resort.
The average price per night in Latakia resorts ranges between $50 and $300, depending on the room, its size, the meals provided, and the resort’s classification. Meanwhile, the rental price of chalets on the Blue Beach in the first row ranges between $50 and $100. It is noted that there are detachments of public security around the area in order to secure the place.
On the other hand, there is a noticeable facilitation of the movement of public transportation that connects the markets of Latakia with the beaches located on the outskirts of the city, and there are also private cars to transport tourists from Pullman garages to those areas at prices ranging between 5 and 10 dollars.
Services are available in the area, whether it is restaurants or shops, as well as shops to buy handmade shell products, which the people of the Syrian coast are known for making.
Latakia at night
At night, you can visit the restaurants and cafes located on the western Corniche overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the port of Latakia.
You can also enjoy the stunning view of the ships moving in the port, and there are shops in the area that offer natural juices for $2 per person
According to Nour, who works at a school in the city of Latakia, the city experiences good activity in the evenings in the markets and “American Street,” in addition to parks, public gardens, and the southern and western Corniche, with a great turnout on Fridays at the city’s beaches for swimming, with a large presence of women and children.
She explained that the cost of entering tourist resorts for swimming only is about $1.50.
Coastal villages
Nour added that the villages of the Syrian coast are among the most beautiful areas in Syria, especially those that connect the mountains and the sea, such as the villages of Ras al-Basit, Ras Shamra, Burj Islam and other areas that are about 20 km away from the city of Latakia.
These areas are also distinguished by their ancient ruins, represented by the caves and grottos scattered along the beach, which visitors can visit safely.
Nour stated that the best time to visit the region is June and July, before the temperatures rise and the humidity begins, in order to enjoy the sea air and the green areas that can be visited
On the other hand, it is advisable to visit the villages of the Latakia region such as Salanfeh, Kasab and Ras al-Basit in July and August, as these areas experience cool weather at night despite the high temperatures in all of Syria, due to their location in mountainous areas and their high altitude above sea level.