Syrian Air

  Ministry of Tourism

      Latakia City

Latakia (Al ladhiqiyah) Is main sea-port of Syria on the Mediterranean. It is situated on the low-lying Ra's Ziyarah promontory that projects into the Mediterranean Sea. It was known to the Phoenicians as Ramitha and to the Greeks as Leuke Akte. Its present name is a corruption of Laodicea, for the mother of Seleucus II (3rd century BC). Latakia lies 186 km southwest of Aleppo, 186 km northwest of Homs and 348 km northwest of Damascus. (Latakia Location Map) Latakia has retained its importance since ancient times. As Latakia is the sea-gate to Syria, It is well-provided with accommodation, and is well-placed as a base from which to explore the coastal regions of the country. There are beaches, mountains, archaeological sites and many relics of the Crusaders, all within a few hours from each other. Syria's main port, al-Ladhiqye --as Lattakia is known in Arabic --has the "Mediterranean" look of a premier seaside resort. Latakia is situated 341 Km from Damascus and can be visited via Tartous or Homs while it is only 183 Km from Aleppo and can be visited by train. Latakia has the best beaches in Syria and to harness this, two or three luxury resorts are situated a few miles north of the city. Also built on the coast is the great sports complex built for the Mediterranean games that were held here in 1988. For a small coastal town, Latakia has developed considerably in the last few decades. To stop Syria's dependence on Iskanderoun and the Lebanese ports, Latakia was equipped with a modern harbor more than 20 years ago. It now has a University and is linked to Aleppo on the national railway lines. As Syria's primary port it has great economic significance for the rest of the country.