Latakia guide: between the sea and the mountains
Latakia is the jewel of the Syrian coast: the sea and fish restaurants in the city, cool forested mountain villages an hour away, and remains of some of the oldest civilisations of the Mediterranean.
At Syria Finds we visit Latakia’s places ourselves and film them: seafood restaurants and seaside cafés, mountain rest stops, and guesthouses in Kessab and Slenfeh.
What is Latakia known for?
Ugarit (Ras Shamra)
An ancient coastal kingdom where one of the world’s oldest alphabets was found.
Saladin’s Castle
A castle on a rocky ridge between two ravines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006.
Kessab
A forested mountain town near the sea and a well-known summer destination.
Slenfeh
A cool mountain resort among pine forests.
What to eat in Latakia
On the coast, fresh fish and mezze lead the table, alongside coastal dishes like shanklish, wild greens and local olive oil.
What we’re documenting in Latakia
- Restaurants & street food
- Heritage cafés
- Khans & landmarks
- Guesthouses
FAQ
When does the Syria Finds guide to Latakia launch?
We launch the platform in January 2027. Leave your email or WhatsApp number on this page to get your launch invite.
How do you choose places in Latakia?
Our team visits every place in person and films it before publishing. Nothing goes into the guide without a visit.
I know a great place in Latakia. How do I suggest it?
Tap “Suggest it to our editors” on this page and tell us the place name and why it’s worth a visit. Our editors review every suggestion.