Tartous (Arabic:طرطوس), an ancient city on the Mediterranean coast of Syria, is the second largest port in Syria after Latakia and had a population of 115,769 in the 2004 census before the current civil war.

Understand

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The city's history dates back to the 2nd millennium BC when it was founded as a Phoenician colony known as Antaradus. It was a major stronghold of the Crusaders in the 11th century and remained an important commercial city during the Ottoman era and onto modern Syria. It is a major port as well as home to a Russian naval facility.

Spared by the Syrian Civil War, today Tartous is a summer vacation spot for many Syrians, numerous beach hotels and resorts are dotted along the coast.

Get in

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As of 2017, rail services is limited to twice daily trains from Latakia, all long distance trains are cancelled indefinitely.

  • 1 Tartous railway station (محطة قطار ركاب طرطوس).

Get around

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Map
Map of Tartous
Templar Fortress
  • 1 Tartous Castle (قلعة طرطوس). Old castle, today only parts remain and the castle grounds are occupied by other buildings. However the keep is open for visitors and contains a small museum and cultural exhibitions. Tartus‎ Castle (Q40380156) on Wikidata Citadel of Tartus on Wikipedia
  • 2 Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa (كاتدرائية طرطوس). Former Catholic cathedral erected during the 12th century. It has been described by historians as the best-preserved religious structure of the crusades. Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa (Q1749276) on Wikidata Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa on Wikipedia
  • Amrit Museum. (Q12238663) on Wikidata
  • 3 Temple of Amrit.

Arwad

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The only inhabited island in Syria which has been settled since at least the 2nd millennium BC.

  • 4 Citadel of Arwad (قلعة أرواد).

Go by boat to Arwad Island.

Tabole Fatoush Hot Fish + Syadiah

Drink

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Tower tombs at Amrit

Arak

Sleep

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  • 1 Holiday Beach Resort, +963 43 631 970. A major resort located a few kilometers north the city that remains open despite the ongoing civil war.
  • Menchie (Raffoul), Place Menchie, +963 43 220616. Check-out: 11:00. Low Budget hotel. Hotel is close to bus station. Next to Tartus museum. Owner is a nice man, he has also shop in the same building. Rooms are clean.
  • The Republic Hotel. Budget hotel. Rooms are dirty and stink. Staff (owner) doesn't speak English.
  • Daniel Hotel. Nice hotel, with clean rooms and bathrooms.

Cope

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Consulates

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Go next

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