Tartus guide: an island, towers and green mountains
Tartus brings the sea and the mountains together in one governorate: Arwad Island off the shore, an old city with Crusader remains, and green mountain villages like Safita and Mashta al-Helu.
At Syria Finds we document the Tartus places we visit ourselves: seafood restaurants on the corniche and on Arwad, mountain cafés, and countryside guesthouses.
What is Tartus known for?
Arwad Island
Syria’s only inhabited island, a short boat ride from Tartus.
Tartus Cathedral
A Crusader-era church that is now a museum.
Amrit
A Phoenician archaeological site south of the city.
Safita Tower
A Crusader stone keep overlooking green hills.
Mashta al-Helu
A mountain resort known for its air and springs.
What to eat in Tartus
Fresh fish rules the table in Tartus and on Arwad, with coastal mezze and produce from the mountain villages.
What we’re documenting in Tartus
- Restaurants & street food
- Heritage cafés
- Khans & landmarks
- Guesthouses
FAQ
When does the Syria Finds guide to Tartus 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 Tartus?
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 Tartus. 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.