Syria Activities

While Syria does not boast famous theme parks or impressive aquariums and zoos, it is home to some stunning sights which guarantee to keep your children occupied and enthralled for hours. There are traditional souks offering a myriad of smells, sounds and sights, and there are ancient ruins to run around and explore; and for something completely different, a trip to the coast ensures golden sand and clear blue water.

Beaches
Children of all ages love the beach, and the Mediterranean coast in Syria offers stunning beaches which are scattered with kids clubs and beach sports that the whole family can join in. Latakia is one of the country’s top holiday resorts and offers all-day family entertainment in many of the hotels and along the beach, and there is also the opportunity for older ones to enjoy a variety of water sports. There is nothing better than building giant sandcastles and your children will be entertained for hours with the soft golden sands of Latakia.

Crac des Chevaliers
This is the most famous crusader castle in the world and children of all ages will not fail to be impressed by its imposing size and impressive structure. It dates back to the 2nd century, when it was a stronghold of the Hospitallers. The castle was once protected by watchtowers and supplied with food from the surrounding fertile countryside. Today however, it is waiting to be explored. Once you have finished inside, venture outside to the castle’s grounds to enjoy a picnic while looking out at the stunning views.

Souks
Take a trip to one of the country’s colourful souks and be mesmerised by the atmosphere. A visit to one of these local markets will be a fascinating learning experience which will teach your children about a different culture and a completely different way of life. Souks sell everything from food to furniture and your children are guaranteed to have fun exploring the little alleys and exotic stalls. The children’s stalls sells toys and games from Syria which will not be found anywhere else in the world. They will make a perfect souvenir for the little ones.

Syria has gradually allowed some equality in their sporting fields. For centuries, only men were able to partake in sporting pursuits; but today, more Syrian women are playing sports and taking part in competitions.

Football is the most popular sport in Syria and children can often be seen playing the game in the street and at weekend matches. There are many leagues for adult men and games are often shown on television. Syria has a national soccer team which plays its home games at the national stadium, where only men can attend.

For those who would rather cool down after a day at the beach, many Mediterranean resorts offer canoeing, scuba diving and other water sports which have become increasingly popular. Swimming has also gained in popularity and many outdoor pools can be found in the resorts where swimwear is permitted.

Many resorts also boast tennis and golf facilities which can be enjoyed by all guests, although shorts and t-shirts, especially for women, should be limited to the courts. Bikes can also be rented from many resorts, and while Syrian drivers are notorious for their speeding and dangerous driving, once in the country, a bike ride will allow you to fully experience the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Trekking in the countryside and mountains is also increasingly popular, although if you prefer not to do the hard work, it is possible to hire a horse and even a camel that will do the hard work while you sit back and enjoy the views.

Dining out is an important part of Syrian culture, with many families eating out at least once per week. Meals often last late into the night and involve grazing at shared dishes before feasting on main courses and desserts.

You will find a number of restaurants located across the country, but for international cuisine, the best places to head to Aleppo and Damascus. Here you will find Oriental and European restaurants serving an abundance of famous dishes. There are many local restaurants to be found countrywide which offer a unique dining experience and delicious food.

Local restaurants are undoubtedly cheaper than international ones, and while they might not all look the part, the food which is served is often second to none. The best places to try are those that are filled with locals from 20:00 onwards. Alcohol is permitted in restaurants, but there are restrictions during Ramadan, when it is illegal to drink in public from dawn to dusk, even for non-Muslims.

National specialities include: kubbeh (minced semolina and meat made into balls and stuffed with minced meat, onion and nuts); yabrak (vine leaves stuffed with rice and minced meat); mensaf (pieces of lamb with rice and pine nuts) and ouzi (pastry stuffed with rice and minced meat).

A variety of vegetables cooked with meat and tomato sauce is often prepared and eaten with cooked rice. Vegetables include okra, French beans and malukhiyya. A favourite is baklava, which is made from flaky pastry filled with honey and nuts. National drinks include tea and coffee, and local beer such as Al-Sharq and Barada.

Souks are the best places for shopping in Syria, especially the souks in Aleppo. Local handicrafts are plentiful and include mother-of-pearl items, olive-wood carvings, weaving and embroidery, leather goods and gold and silver jewellery. There are also modern shopping malls where fashion and household items can be found in abundance. Damascus is home to the country’s best modern shopping centres.

Many tourists enjoy buying local products which are a reminder of their holiday such as silk which has been embroidered with gold and silver thread, something for which Damascus has always been famous for. Hand-engraved brass is also extremely popular, as is hand-printed cotton garments and 'Samra' gold embroidery, for which Hama is renowned.

Pictures of epic and folk heroes painted on glass or cloth and mosaics of mother-of-pearl and tinted wood along with hand-woven rugs made of pure wool are luxury items that are well worth a little investment. For something altogether different, you may like to opt for some handmade glass which is blown while you wait. The glass blowers use mud furnaces and turn liquid glass into stunning lamps, plates and vases.

Bargaining is expected throughout all of the local souks and while you can have fun and try and barter for the best price, you must be careful not to insult any of the stallholders and you must never lose your temper.

Shopping hours: 09:30 to 14:00 and 16:30 to 22:00, Saturday to Thursday