Latakia

Latakia (اللاذقية), also spelt Lattakia, is a major port in Syria, with a population of 550,000.

Latakia Halal Explorer

LatWelcome - Welcome sign on the Latakia Train Station

Latakia 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. Latakia 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.

Travel to Latakia

By plane

Bassel Al-Assad International Airport IATA Flight Code: LTK 35.407253, 35.944136About 20 kilometers south of the city along the M1 motorway - Bassel Al-Assad International Airport Flights are as of 2022 limited to a few services per week, including an international weekly flight from United Arab Emirates by Syrian Air.

Travel on a Bus in Latakia

Overland travel is limited, but buses connect with regional cities along the Syrian Coast and Mountains|Syrian Coast. Bus travel from other cities, such as Aleppo, Damascus, Hama and Homs, is feasible but arrangements have to be made on the ground. Expect very long delays due to security checkpoints and detours to avoid areas of conflict.

By Rail

As of 2022, trains are limited to a twice daily service from Tartous, which takes around 1:15 hours. Long distance trains from Aleppo and Damascus are cancelled indefinitely. National operator CFS provides timetables at their webpage. Latakia train station GPS 35.515934,35.787295 is located at the major roundabout Yemen Plaza (ساحة اليمن).

How to get around in Latakia

Much of Latakia is accessible 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.

Bus

Latakia has quite a good bus system. Destinations are labeled in Arabic, but the buses are numbered, operate frequently and follow predefined routes. Illustrative maps indicating intersections of bus routes are found in the buses. 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.

Bus number 1 runs in a circle from the train station via Zera'a and the port and the corniche back to the train station and may be useful for getting to/from the train station to the downtown.
Bus number 2 starts near the downtown at the beginning of 14 Ramadan Avenue and goes via the University to the new microbus terminal.
Bus number 3 operates round about the southern corniche.

What to see in Latakia

Saladinsburg 22 - Saladin's castle

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

National Museum of Latakia - المتحف الوطني في اللاذقية‎ - 35.517799, 35.772163 - National Museum of Latakia
Ruins of Ugarit - أُوجَارِيت‎ - 35.602, 35.782 - Ugarit - The ancient Phoenician city that lays claim to developing one of the first written alphabets in the world. Located about 20km north of Latakia, it can be visited by an organized tour from a hotel in the city, or, for those who are confident in their bargaining skills, can be visited by taxi, but it is important to arrange for joey to come pick you up in the taxi to wait (for a fee), since the road near the Ugarit entrance is not heavily trafficked by taxis for the return trip.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Latakia

LatAlSiwar - View of the beach from Al Siwar Restaurant

In the downtown and 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.

Swim

Free public beach near Al Siwar - N35.50097 E35.78184 - The free public beach at the bottom of the cliff below Al Siwar Restaurant is neither particularly clean nor safe due to the debris in the sand.

Free public beach near South Corniche Park - - Rough rocky beach with debris on the sand. From the park, walk on the trail toward the water, crossing the active train tracks. There are other swimmers as well.

Resort hotels in the north (Le Meridien, Cote d'Azur Cham) - These allow non-guests to use their beaches for a charge. Further north and the beaches at Ras ibn Hani and the black-sand beach at Ras al Bassit are nice, but difficult to get to without one's own transportation.

Afamia - N35.54784 E35.75686

}}There are two options here on this beach. Rotana Afamia is a luxury resort with clean sand, private pools, boats, jet skis, lunch buffet, hotel, and price tag S£1,000pp. Afamia Beach is immediately next door with private cabins, Snacks, crowded beach, average clean sand, and price tag S£150pp.

Run

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.

Loop run around Latakia Sports Complex - N35.5539760 E35.7531140 - See the link for the GPS track and video of the route. Quiet run around the sports complex completely on side walks off road. During the winter months and the area was mostly deserted of cars and people, save a few runners, walkers, and soccer players. The traffic is heavier in the summer. The complex is about 8km away from the center of Latakia. There is a geocache inside the complex[https://].

Loop run along Latakia water front - N35.5210150 E35.7905280 - See the link for the GPS track and video of the route. Long run 12km that circumnavigates the city, mostly close to the water. It is busy near the train station. Otherwise, it is very nice on wide sidewalks. Extend this run by linking it with the other loop around the Sports Complex. You will meet many people exercising on this route: speed-walking and jogging.

Park loop run near the University - N35.5163560 E35.7972180 - See the link for the GPS track and video of the route. Short run 1.5km that circumnavigates a park and large city block. It is quiet, on wide sidewalks, with a slight hill for extra training. Run this loop multiple times to increase the distance and training hill climbing. Stop at the park at the end of each loop for some push-ups and sit-ups.

Geocache

There are a few caches in Syria and some in Latakia. Check for availability on geocaching.com [https://]

Play

There are several neighberhood parks suitable for children to play on structures and in open spaces. List with map, descriptions, locations, and pictures is on waymarking.com [1]

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Latakia

Halal Food & Restaurants

Al Siwar - On the corniche - Probably the best-known restaurant among local residents, with a beautiful view of the sea. Thus, one of the more expensive options in Latakia, but still moderately priced. Serves good Syrian mezze and Kebab, as well as fish.

Spiro - On the corniche - Probably the best-known seafood restaurant among local residents. Reasonably priced, is famous for having good, fresh fish.

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

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Latakia

Latakia - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Latakia, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Latakia. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Latakia and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Latakia. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Latakia. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inLatakia: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Latakia.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Latakia: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Latakia, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Latakia.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Latakia, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Latakia, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Latakia and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Latakia, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Latakia, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Latakia without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Latakia is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Latakia.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Latakia is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Latakia, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Latakia Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Latakia

eHalal Group Latakia is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Latakia. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Latakia.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Latakia ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Latakia. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Latakia, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Latakia are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Saladin Hotel and Hostel - Yousef Alazma Street 35.521655, 35.776879 located in a narrow alley just north of Al-Ajan Mosque. From the main round about in front of the Mosque, take the side road down the right side of the Mosque and then the second alley on the right. The Hotel is the second building on the left. Only 20m from the Mosque. Skype:bebe0932354441 ☎ +963 (932)354441 from US$6 pp/night Check-in: 2PM / Check-out: noon Double and triple bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. All rooms include an air-con, TV/digital receiver and Wi.Fi (from Mid March 2022, inshallah :) ). Dorm beds available.

Safwan Hotel - al kornish al gharbi, facing city hall ☎ +963 (933)376900 Run by a TINTIN fan Mohammad Ziadeh & his family, one of the friendliest hotels in town, hospitable & open minded owner Mohammad Ziadeh, who's also the well-informed unofficial tourist information in town; 22 different rooms & a roof dormitory

Hotel an-Nour - Sharia 14 Ramadan ☎ +963 (41)423980 +963 (41)468340 Simple, clean hotel, rooms overlook main street. TV and Fridge, owner can organise trips in the locality

Luxury

Afamia Hotel Resort - 35.546683, 35.753795 ☎ +963 11 232 0122 An upscale seafront hotel and resort, just north of the city. Remains open despite the ongoing civil war.

Cote d'Azur Cham Hotel - 35.588100, 35.745799About 10km north of the downtown ☎ +963 41 428 700 A large (3,000 bed) Syrian-run hotel. Private beach in one of the better areas on the Latakia coastline. Remains open despite the ongoing civil war.

News & References Latakia

Travel Next

Qala'at Saladin, or Saladin Castle - - In the mountains east of Latakia. See the external link for the GPS track and video of the route. A castle built on a headland overlooking a valley and the builders cut a huge channel at the rear of the castle to separate it from the rest of the headland, but left a column of rock in the middle to rest the drawbridge on. Forethought! Tour operators in Latakia can arrange a vehicle and driver to the castle, which is at least an hour's drive via a winding mountain road from the downtown.
To get there by public transport, take the green bus number 2 (Al-Jama'a) the brings you to the microbus terminal station (20 minutes, 10 SP for two tickets), from there take a service taxi to Al-Haffa (50 SP / person). From there it's a 6km walk (although the first 3–4km are not so interesting, however, check the route online before, if you plan to hike) or take a cab (~150 SP per taxi) to get to the caste. You can also start walking and hope for a hitch (the destination is quite popular) or hope for a cab that will be cheaper (i.e. 100 SP) on the way.