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The Coast and Mountains of Syria is a region in the west of the country. It is green and fertile, relatively Christian, somewhat liberal, and dominated by Phoenician and Crusader history.
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A scenic hike to a popular mountain in the region. See the link for the GPS track and video of the route. Start at the main square in Mashta heading southeast out of town, passing by many restaurants and views of the valley. Stay on the wide sidewalk as the road descends. At the large intersection, there is a small zoo to the left. Continue straight slightly to the left. Follow the winding road all the way to the top. Initially, olive trees hug the road with an occasional fig tree. As you get closer to the top, the trees give way to full views of the villages. Often, you can see Safita Tower and the Lebanese Mountains. From the top, either walk back down, or schedule a taxi to drive you.
The most scenic and quiet hike in the area. See the link for the GPS track and video of the route. Very few people drive on this road let alone walk it. Start at the main square in Mashta heading southwest on the narrow road going uphill. Take the first right and follow this road all the way through. Beautiful views all the way through. At the end of the hike, take a taxi back from Kafroun. The main road back to Mashta is busy and dangerous.
Find geocaches in the area.
As of 2020, the most accessible way of reaching the Syrian Coast is overland, either with car, taxi or long distance bus. While the route from Damascus is generally safe, conditions can change rapidly.
Read in the guideAs one of the few regions in Syria that has been spared the violence of the Civil War, public transport infrastructure are still somewhat functioning.
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Latakia · Regional · LTK
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small city with an impressive Crusader castle
ancient city with a Roman theater
a major port city, Saladin's Castle, Fronloq Forests and Al Samra Beah near Kasab
a historical port city and historical small island called Arwad
Krak des Chevaliers (also "Crac des Chevaliers" - 'Castle of the Knights') located near Homs in Syria is widely recognised as the archetypal Crusader castle. Described by T.E. Lawrence (of Arabia) as "perhaps the best preserved and most wholly admirable castle in the world", this somewhat isolated site is located magnificently (750 m or 2,300 ft above sea level) and is, indeed, extremely well-preserved.
Latakia (اللاذقية), also spelt Lattakia, is a major port in Syria, with a population of 550,000. Latakia is a city extending back to Ancient Greek times, and continues to be an important commercial port for Syria today.
Articles and travel topics about Syrian Coast and Mountains and Syria.
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