"Spring-fed valley town at the source of the Barada."
Province
Rif Dimashq Governorate
Population
~25,000
Climate
Continental mountain — cold snowy winters, warm dry days and cold nights in summer.
Best Time
May–October; cherry harvest in June.
Today's weather — Zabadani
Overview
Zabadani lies in a broad, fertile plain 1,100 m up in the Anti-Lebanon mountains, where the springs that feed the Barada river — the river that made Damascus possible — rise from the limestone. Orchards, poplars and cold water define the town.
History
Known in antiquity for its water and fruit, Zabadani was a Roman-era way station on the Damascus–Baalbek route and later an Ottoman summer retreat. Its narrow-gauge Hejaz railway branch from Damascus, opened in 1895, carried holidaymakers up the Barada gorge for a century. The town was severely damaged between 2012 and 2017 and rebuilding is ongoing.
Highlights
- 01Barada river springs
- 02Ain al-Fijeh spring (downstream)
- 03Cherry and apple orchards
- 04Barada gorge railway route
- 05Valley walks toward Bloudan
Major Attractions
- 01
Barada headwaters
Cold springs at the valley's edge feed the river that irrigates the Ghouta oasis around Damascus — the hydrological reason the capital exists where it does.
- 02
Barada Gorge
The dramatic canyon carrying the old Hejaz railway alignment and the Damascus road down towards the capital.
- 03
Orchard belt
Cherry, apricot and walnut groves fill the plain; June is the peak harvest and roadside selling season.
- 04
Bloudan ridge
The neighbouring hill resort sits directly above the town, ten minutes by road.
Traveller Tips
- ›Reconstruction is uneven — check current conditions and road access before setting out.
- ›The valley is a border zone; carry documents and expect checkpoints on the Damascus road.
- ›Combine with Bloudan for a full day out of the capital.
What to Eat
Zabadani cherries
The valley's signature crop, sold fresh in June and preserved as syrup and jam the rest of the year.
Fresh walnuts
Green walnuts eaten in late spring and pickled in syrup — a Qalamoun tradition.
Spring trout
Raised in the cold water of the headwaters and grilled simply with lemon.
Other local flavours: Cherries · Apricots · Walnuts · Cold-spring trout
Where to Stay
Bloudan hotels
Nearby baseMost overnight capacity in the valley sits in Bloudan on the ridge above.
Damascus
Day tripUnder an hour by road when checkpoints are light — the usual way to visit.