Şāfītā

Day Trips

Arrive at Latakia International Airport and enjoy a scenic drive through the coastal mountains to Şāfītā. Check into a charming guesthouse overlooking the valley. Savor a cup of strong Syrian coffee at the local café as you settle in.

Embark on a guided walking tour of Şāfītā’s old town, wandering the whitewashed alleys and discovering hidden fountains. Learn about the town’s unique history of religious coexistence from a knowledgeable local guide. Stop at a family-run bakery to sample freshly baked khubz.

Watch the sun dip below the Jebel Ansariye range from the terrace of your guesthouse. Feast on a traditional mezze dinner featuring muhammara, tabbouleh, and stuffed vine leaves. End the night with stargazing under the clear mountain sky.

Set off early to visit the iconic Krak des Chevaliers, one of the best-preserved Crusader castles in the world. Explore its towering walls, secret passages, and grand halls with a local guide. Photograph the panoramic views over the Homs Gap.

Enjoy a picnic lunch beneath ancient oak trees on the castle grounds, sampling homemade flatbreads and olives. Wander along the outer bailey to admire the battlements from every angle. Visit the small onsite museum to learn about the Crusader occupation.

Return to Şāfītā and stroll through the lively town square as the lanterns glow. Dine at a family-run restaurant and taste classic Aleppine kibbeh and stewed lamb. Share stories with friendly locals over warm cups of mint tea.

Travel to the fishing village of Baniyas on the Mediterranean coast, watching fishermen bring in their daily catch. Stroll along the old harbor and chat with locals about traditional boat-building techniques. Sample freshly grilled sardines at a beachside stall.

Head south to the sandy shores of Jableh for an afternoon of sunbathing and swimming in the turquoise waters. Rent a canoe or paddleboard to explore hidden coves along the coast. Cool off with a refreshing local fruit drink under a beach umbrella.

Return inland to Şāfītā as the sun sets over the sea, casting golden hues across the mountains. Indulge in a seafood feast at a taverna specializing in calamari and shrimp kebabs. Cap the evening with a glass of arak and lively conversation at a riverside café.

Wander through centuries-old olive groves on the slopes surrounding Şāfītā, guided by a local farmer who shares ancestral cultivation techniques. Hand-pick plump olives and learn the art of pressing them in a traditional stone mill. Sample freshly pressed olive oil with warm pita bread.

Participate in a hands-on cooking class hosted in a rustic countryside house. Prepare regional specialties like spinach fatayer, muhammara, and honey-soaked katayef under the watchful eye of your host. Share the meal you’ve helped create around a communal table.

Enjoy a leisurely walk back to town as the mountains glow in the late afternoon light. Stop at a cozy teahouse to sip apple tea and watch villagers gather for evening socializing. Sink into your guesthouse terrace as the night air carries the scent of olive trees.

Set out before sunrise for a guided hike into the rugged trails of Jebel Ansariye, breathing in crisp mountain air. Encounter wild thyme and rosemary dotting the path as you climb toward panoramic viewpoints. Pause at a rocky outcrop to watch the valley awaken below.

Descend toward a hidden waterfall where you can cool off in a natural pool surrounded by lush pines. Enjoy a packed lunch of stuffed vine leaves and local cheeses on a shaded rock ledge. Spot eagles soaring overhead as you explore the forested canyon.

Return to Şāfītā as dusk settles, feeling invigorated by the day’s adventure. Treat yourself to a soothing hammam session at a traditional bathhouse in the old town. Relish a light dinner of lentil soup and warm flatbread while recounting your hike.

Drive to the coastal archaeological site of Amrit to explore its ancient temple of Astarte and well-preserved Roman theater. Wander among the limestone ruins and marvel at the intricate stone carvings. Overlook the shimmering Mediterranean from the hilltop sanctuary.

Continue to the ruins of Ugarit, where cuneiform tablets once gave birth to one of the world’s earliest alphabets. Tour the excavation trenches and reconstructed palace halls with an expert archaeologist. Engage in a hands-on session decoding ancient inscriptions.

Return to Şāfītā under a sky lit by the first evening stars. Savor a hearty plate of mujaddara and smoky baba ganoush at a local eatery. Reflect on the day’s revelations while sipping on strong Arabic coffee in the town square.

Meet a master potter in his workshop and try your hand at shaping clay on a traditional kick wheel. Learn about the techniques passed down through generations and paint your own design using natural pigments. Watch as your piece dries under the Syrian sun.

Visit a family of weavers in a nearby village to see vibrant rugs being woven on wooden looms. Hear familiar folk songs as you help tie knots and select colorful wool threads. Sip on pomegranate juice as you admire the intricate geometric patterns emerging.

Share a home-cooked dinner with an artisan family, sampling their special rosewater cookies and spiced tea. Participate in an impromptu music session featuring the oud and daf drum. Leave with handcrafted souvenirs and warm memories of cultural exchange.

Discover the layers of history within the Şāfītā Citadel’s stone walls, from Crusader bastions to medieval watchtowers. Climb the narrow staircases to ancient battlements for a bird’s-eye view of the town below. Inspect the arrow slits and defensive moats crafted centuries ago.

Stroll through the adjacent bazaars, meeting artisans who trade in copperware, embroidery, and local honey. Taste fresh labneh sandwiches at a stall overlooked by the citadel’s ramparts. Uncover hidden courtyards where quiet fountains trickle in the shade.

Position yourself on the citadel’s western rampart to witness a breathtaking sunset over the mountains. Watch the sky shift through shades of pink and gold as the valley falls into shadow. Toast the end of the day with a glass of local red wine under lantern light.

Depart for a day trip to Latakia, the bustling port city lining the Mediterranean. Explore the lively Souq al-Hamidiyya, sampling baklava and nougat at traditional pastry shops. Admire the grand mosques and colonial-era architecture on foot.

Walk along the palm-lined seaside promenade, feeling the sea breeze as you pass fishermen mending their nets. Rent a paddleboat to glide over the calm harbor waters. Enjoy a seafood meze lunch at a waterfront café while watching cargo ships dock.

Return to Şāfītā and unwind at a cozy rooftop lounge overlooking the valley below. Sip on chilled arak cocktails paired with grilled halloumi and roasted almonds. Share favorite moments from the trip as the night air fills with music from a nearby wedding celebration.

Wake up to the aroma of freshly baked manakish wafting through the streets as you take one last stroll around Şāfītā’s quiet lanes. Snap final photos of the whitewashed houses bathed in morning light. Pick up artisanal soap and olive oil at the market for souvenirs.

Gather with your host family and neighbors for a grand farewell feast under a canopy of lemon trees. Indulge in elaborate dishes like roasted chicken with freekeh, stuffed eggplants, and sweet ma’amoul pastries. Exchange heartfelt goodbyes over cups of strong coffee and mint tea.

Bid farewell as you board your transfer back to the airport, carrying memories of Syria’s coastal charm and warm hospitality. Watch the mountains fade into the horizon as dusk falls over the Mediterranean. Promise yourself you will return someday to discover even more of this enchanting land.