Latakia, Syria

Latakia - Is Syria’s main sea-port on the Mediterranean.  It lies 186 km southwest of Aleppo, 348 km northwest of Damascus. It has retained its importance since ancient times. 

Though there is evidence to suggest continuous settlement here stretching back to 1000 BC, Latakia only came to prominence in the wake of Alexander the Great's conquest, when is was transformed into a major city of the Seleucid empire.   Renamed in honour of Loadicea, the mother of Alexander the Great's general Seleucus I Nicator, it developed into an important port and becoming the main supplier of wine to the Hellenistic period.  The town was briefly declared capital of Syria in the late second century AD by Septimius Severus.  Devastating earthquakes in 494 and 555 badly damaged Latakia, but was rebuilt by Justinian before being seized by the invading Arab army in 638.  After being captured by the Crusaders in 1097, the town oscillated between Muslim and Christian control for nearly a century, until it was retaken by Saladin in 1188. 

Some attractions in the city include a museum, that was an old Ottoman khan which served as the governor's residence during the French mandate.  The museum houses some interesting examples of pottery, glassware, clay tablets from nearby Ugarit, and contemporary paintings.  Another attraction to the city is a Roman gateway (Tetraparticus) that consists of four columns. 

The Syrian seashore is about 182 km long and its numerous beaches are distinguished by soft sand, unpolluted sea, moderate climate and clear blue skies.  The Blue Beach of Latakia is the most popular beach on the Eastern Mediterranean.   Water-skiing, jet-skiing, and windsurfing are popular activities in this resort town.  Nearby are two hotels, the Cham Cote d'Azur Hotel and Lé Merdien Latakia Hotel.

The Syrian coast consists of long stretches of beaches and green mountains.  These mountains are mostly covered with pine and oak trees, and their slopes touch the shore.   This landscape repeats itself from Ras Al-Basit in the north to Tartus in the south. On the mountains, villages and towns are scattered, with springs of clear mineral water.

Surrounding attractions, include Ugarit at Ras Shamra, Qalaat Saladin - a formidable castle that has been well preserved, Slunfeh, Kassab and Ras al-Bassit.