Lattakia is a city extending back to Ancient Greek times, and continues to be an important commercial port for Syria today. The city itself consists largely of white stucco highrises and streets lined with palm trees, and the most popular beaches are along the coast to the north of the city. Lattakia is home to one of Syria's largest universities, Tishreen University, and the city tends to be relatively socially progressive and liberal (by Syrian standards), with a mixed population of Christian, Alawi, and Sunni inhabitants.

 

Much of Lattakia is accessable by taxi.

One can walk along the corniche, although it is otherwise not a very walkable city, due to distances between points in the city (beach, downtown, resort hotels, Ugarit, etc).

Pay no more than S£50 to use taxis for getting around Latakia and S£150 from Latakia to the resort area.

 

Latakia has a quite good bus system. Destinations are labeled in arabic, but the busses are numbered, operate frequently and follow predefined routes. Illustrative maps indicating intersections of bus routes are found in the busses. Safuan hotel is able to provide you with a hand-made map of bus routes 1 and 2. A ticket is 10 SP and valid for two rides.

 

Lattakia region is known for its diversity of landscapes, from the green mountains to the sandy beaches, with many important archeological sites like the Saladin Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006) and the ruins of Ugarit close enough to see on a day trip from Lattakia.

 

In the city center, the American street attracts the young and fashionable at night. Also the Zira'a quarter and around the university are hip upcoming parts of the city.

 

There are a few routes to run on with views of the sea and near green parks. However, carefully watch your step. There are obstructions along the way: holes, loose rock, gravel, construction, and garbage bags. Even cars share the side-walk.

 

There are several neighberhood parks suitable for children to play on structures and in open spaces

 

Southern Corniche. is a nice place to sit back and enjoy a nice drink especially just before sunset. Western, Italian and Middle Eastern food is also served at moderate prices.