Syria Guide

Travel in Syria

Never try and drive in Syria without at least having seen the roads. Life here is manic. Take a taxi first to do some immersion lessons in the Syrian driving style and remember that horn is considered a method of indication.

Assuming, however, you don't have a death wish, it is much better to get around by taxi, microbus or public transport. Mircobuses are small buses that run a fixed route around a certain part of town. You can ask the driver to stop at any point of this route.

If you are going a longer distance, there are good quality air conditioned coaches that you can catch. Rail travel is generally inexpensive and efficient. Sometimes, a small steam train leaves Hejaz station in Damascus and climbs up into the mountains, making a very pleasant journey.

Walking and cycling are great ways to experience many of the sights of Syria and the only way to see parts of old Damascus.

The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus

Things to see

Along with other Middle Eastern countries such as Israel and Iraq, Syria was part of the cradle of civilisation. Therefore, one of the most important things to do is to do a tour of the historic sites of this ancient country.

Walking and cycling are great ways to experience many of the sights of Syria and the only way to see parts of old Damascus.

Damascus' many mosques are particularly interesting and beautiful, and the local people are almost invariably friendly and helpful. One of the most famous things to see in Damascus is the Souq al-Hamidiyya, a heavenly maze of shopping opportunities for spices and other Arabic goods.

The Souq al-Hamidiyya in Damascus

The Syrian cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean, Greek and Asian cuisines. Falafel, deep fried chick pea patties and fatoush, a salad of green vegetables and toasted pieces of pita bread are something you must try along with Arabic coffee for a taste of Syria

AFerry.co.uk offers the best way to find the cheapest ferry routes to Syria with its easy to use booking form. Begin your holiday on a ferry and start relaxing straight away!