Tartus

Overview

Tartus's old town is built within the walls of a 12th-century Templar fortress — the last Crusader stronghold on the Syrian mainland, evacuated in 1291. Arwad Island, Syria's only inhabited island, lies offshore.

History

Phoenician Antaradus, then Roman, Byzantine, and Crusader Tortosa from 1099 to 1291. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa is the best-preserved Crusader church in the Levant.

Highlights

• 01Crusader Cathedral (now museum)
• 02Templar fortress walls
• 03Historic harbour district
• 04Arwad Island
• 05Amrit (ancient Marathos)

Major Attractions

• 01

  Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa

  The best-preserved Crusader church in the Levant (12th century), now the National Museum of Tartus — a fortress-church with intact ribbed vaults.

• 02

  Templar Fortress Walls

  The medieval old town is literally built inside the curtain walls of the Templar citadel; doors, windows, and balconies pierce the original stonework.

• 03

  Arwad Island

  Syria's only inhabited island, a 20-minute boat ride offshore — narrow Phoenician lanes, boat builders, and fish restaurants.

• 04

  Amrit (Marathos)

  Phoenician city 7 km south, with rock-cut funerary towers (the Maghazil) and a 5th-century BCE temple in a sacred pool.

• 05

  Tartus Corniche

  Wide seafront promenade busy with strollers and cafés in the evening.

• 06

  Banias Hot Springs (Hamam al-Sit)

  A thermal complex in the Tartus hinterland used since Roman times.

Traveller Tips

• ›Take the ferry to Arwad for an afternoon — it operates frequently from the small harbour by the corniche.
• ›Arwad is best for grilled fish lunch; avoid souvenir coral, which is protected.
• ›Tartus pairs well with Crac des Chevaliers (1 hr east) and Saladin's Castle (1.5 hr north).

What to Eat

• Grilled Sea Bream

  Fresh fish from Arwad's day boats, grilled whole with olive oil, lemon, and chilli.

• Sea Urchin

  Local delicacy eaten raw with lemon — sold in season from Arwad's harbour stalls.

• Sayadieh

  Spiced fish-stock rice topped with caramelised onions and flaked fish — the coast's most beloved dish.

Other local flavours: Grilled fish · Sea urchin · Coastal mezze

Where to Stay

• Shahin Tower Hotel

  Mid-range

  Central business-class hotel a short walk from the cathedral and corniche.

• Grand Hotel Tartus

  Mid-range

  Reliable seafront option with sea-view rooms.

• Arwad guesthouses

  Island stay

  A handful of small island guesthouses offer overnight stays for a memorable harbour-side experience.