Cityscape of Salib al-Turkman in Latakia Governorate province — Quiet coves and clear water between Latakia and Burj Islam

Latakia Governorate · Syria

Salib al-Turkman

صليب التركمان

35.6167° N · 35.7556° E
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“Quiet coves and clear water between Latakia and Burj Islam.”

Latakia Governorate · June–September for swimming; spring for walking the coast road.
Province
Latakia Governorate
Population
~3,000 (coastal village)
Climate
Mediterranean: warm humid summers, mild rainy winters.
Best Time
June–September for swimming; spring for walking the coast road.

Today's weather — Salib al-Turkman

Overview

Salib al-Turkman is a small coastal locality on the northern Latakia shore, between Ras Ibn Hani and Burj Islam. Its beaches are narrower and rockier than its neighbour's, which keeps them calmer: a run of small sandy coves, clear shallow water over rock shelves, and pine and citrus land rising immediately behind the road.

History

The village belongs to the Turkmen-settled belt of the northern Latakia countryside, long a farming and fishing area of citrus groves and small boats. Summer building along the shore began in the late twentieth century, but the coves remained far less developed than the resorts to the south.

Highlights

  1. Small swimming coves
  2. Clear water over rock shelves
  3. Citrus groves behind the shore
  4. Fishing boats at dawn
  5. Coast road between Ibn Hani and Burj Islam

Major Attractions

  • The coves

    A string of small bays reachable by short tracks off the coast road — the quietest swimming within half an hour of Latakia.

  • Coast road drive

    The shore road north through the Turkmen villages towards Burj Islam, with sea on one side and orchards on the other.

  • Local fishing landing

    Small boats pull in through the morning; fish is sold at the roadside before it reaches the city market.

  • Ras Ibn Hani

    The Bronze Age peninsula site just south, combining excavations with swimming.

Traveller Tips

  • Water shoes help — much of the entry is over rock rather than sand.
  • There are few facilities at the coves; bring water, shade and take rubbish away.
  • Currents can run around the rocky points; swim inside the bays.
  • Combine with Burj Islam beach and Ugarit for a full coastal day.

What to Eat

  • Sayadieh

    Fish-stock rice with caramelised onions and flaked fish, the staple family dish of the coast.

  • Grilled squid and shrimp

    Sold at small roadside grills near the landings in season.

  • Citrus and olives

    Oranges, lemons and olive oil from the groves directly behind the shore.

Other local flavours: Sayadieh · Grilled squid · Citrus and olive oil mezze

Where to Stay

  • Village rooms and chalets

    Seasonal rentals

    A handful of rooms and summer chalets let privately in the village; arrange locally or by phone.

  • Burj Islam

    Nearby base

    A few kilometres north, with more chalets, cafés and beach services.

  • Latakia city

    Base city

    Around 15–20 minutes south for hotels, restaurants and transport.

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