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Ancient city in central Syria
Photo: Jerzy Strzelecki, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Palmyra was the only oasis in Syria and perhaps the only truly tourist town.
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Founded in 32 AD and dedicated to the Mesopotamian god Bel. While severely damaged in 2015 and the main building destroyed, its exterior walls and gate still stood.
قلعة فخر الدين المعني
A castle built by the Mamluks in the 13th century. While damaged in the conflict, the castle is still structurally intact.
Damaged during the Civil war, closed as of Dec25.
If you visited Palmyra around October/November time you might have been lucky enough to be there for the week of camel racing. This was an exciting day out, especially if you had gotten a lift in one of the many vehicles travelling round the track, alongside the camels. There was a camel beauty competition and racing with and without riders - although it was recommended to go with someone who could explain what was going on.
Spend an evening in the desert, in a Bedouin tent with traditional music, food and wonderful hospitality - just ask at your hotel or your tour group leader. After the ruins, this was definitely the highlight of any trip to Palmyra. A drive away from the ruins is a natural sulphuric water lake (take care as at certain times of the year it is pretty dried up!) and a camp site was nearby.
Just outside of Palmyra, go for a walk up to the top of the sandstone cliffs at sunrise or sunset - truly stunning! You could have taken a taxi to Palmyra castle or walked gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=amgulutvahkfhilk there.
See the external link for the GPS track of the route. This loop ran from the middle of town up to Palmyra castle to view the sunrise or sunset. The first half of this loop was on sidewalk and paved road. The second half, descending from the castle, was on a trail going through the Great Colonnade.
See the external link for the GPS track of the route. The route was relatively short, so could be run several times to get more distance in. It was on a wide and well lit sidewalk. It was suitable even for a night run in December as it got dark early.
The camp opened in spring 2025 when the owner returned home after the revolution. It is located on left side of the road before you reach the Temple of Bel (2 min walk from the colonnade and 5 min from the Temple of Bel), see map. You will sleep on a mattress in a large tent or in a stone cellar. Very simple but nice. Cold shower only. In can be cold in winter but warm blankets are provided (own sleeping bag is not needed). Electricity 24/7.
By the entrance to the village, on the left. Very nice and clean place with big rooms and a nice owner. The owner (who spoke English) welcomed visitors with a watermelon and a tea and could provide a lift anywhere around with his car inexpensively.
Just around the corner on the main street near the ruins end, this quiet backpacker joint had a great dorm on the roof and friendly, relaxed owners. Home cooking for all meals of the day (extra cost), very tasty. Double and Triple rooms were available with average bathrooms.
A good budget bet, was just around the corner from the tourist office. Staff were friendly and spoke English well. Rooms were clean with en suite bathrooms, heating, air conditioning and satellite TV.
Another backpacker favourite. Accommodation was more basic than at the New Afqa Hotel but the rooms were still clean and staff were friendly.
Was one of the best hotels in Palmyra with very reasonable prices - US$30 for a double room, US$20 for a single room including tax and breakfast. It had a nice cave bar in the basement where you could enjoy the local beers and the tasty red wine. Clean comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and AC in every room. The friendly owner Naim spoke fluent English and French, and was happy to help you about anything you needed in Palmyra.
Had a friendly family atmosphere; clean rooms with en-suite bathroom, satellite, fridge, air-con and heating. 24-hr hot water, Wi-Fi, and on-site restaurant were available.
Was a clean and very friendly hotel with comfortable beds and private bathrooms only a few minutes from the ruins. Run by Mohammed and his brother Ahmed, Mohammed helped you in anyway he can to ensure you had a great time in Palmyra.
Was in city centre, clean, with friendly staff and generous breakfast included.
Had unobstructed views of the ruins, Internet service, traditional breakfast.
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