Syrian people are known for their warm and welcoming nature. Hospitality is deeply ingrained in their culture and is a key aspect of their daily lives. Syrians take great pride in treating guests with utmost care and respect, regardless of their …
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Syria
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Backpacking Syria in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Syria with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Syria
Embark on a journey through Syria, where ancient history and resilience tell a story unlike any other. Pros? Immerse in rich historical sites, from Palmyra to Damascus, and experience genuine hospitality. Backpacking in Syria offers authenticity and a sense of timelessness. However, due to recent conflicts, security concerns are paramount, demanding careful consideration and adherence to travel advisories. For the intrepid and culturally curious, Syria offers a unique glimpse into a storied past, where the echoes of civilizations resonate, creating an unparalleled, though challenging, backpacking experience for those seeking a profound connection with history.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Syria
People
Uniqueness
Exploring Syria is a unique and off the beaten track experience due to its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. The country is home to some of the oldest cities in the world, including Damascus and Aleppo, which are steeped in …
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Cheap
It is difficult to determine the average costs for backpacking in Syria due to the ongoing civil war and the volatile situation in the country. Travel to Syria is highly discouraged by most governments and travel advisories are in place. However, …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Syria
- Ancient City of Damascus: Discover the rich history of Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Explore the Umayyad Mosque, the Citadel of Damascus, and the vibrant Souq Al-Hamidiyya.
- Crac des Chevaliers: Marvel at the impressive Crusader castle, Crac des Chevaliers. This medieval fortress offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and provides a glimpse into Syria’s historical past.
- Aleppo: Explore the vibrant city of Aleppo, known for its ancient citadel and bustling markets. Visit the Great Mosque of Aleppo, the Aleppo Citadel, and indulge in the local cuisine.
- The Dead Cities: Take a journey to the Dead Cities, a collection of abandoned ancient settlements. These ghost towns provide a unique insight into the region’s past and offer a peaceful and surreal experience.
But Syria offers more...
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Syria
Traveled route: Damascus, Palmyra
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Syria
The best time to visit Syria for backpacking is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these times, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country. Summers in Syria can be extremely hot, with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F), while winters can be cold and rainy. It is important to note that due to the ongoing conflict and security concerns in Syria, it is advisable to consult with local authorities and travel advisories before planning a trip.
Risk level: high (100%)Safety advice for Syria
- The ongoing conflict in Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions in other locations in the Middle East. There is an increased threat of attacks against Israeli interests across the region. Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and localised security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests.
- The ongoing conflict may also result in airspace closures, flight cancellations, flight diversions and other travel disruptions across the region.
- The security situation in Syria is dangerous due to military conflict, air strikes, high levels of violence, terrorism and kidnapping. Chemical weapons have been used in the conflict. If you're in Syria, despite our advice, avoid possible terrorist and military targets. Seek professional security advice if you enter Syria. Limit your movements. Keep stocks of food, water, fuel and toiletries.
- Foreigners, especially aid workers and journalists, have been kidnapped. Vary your routines so your movements don't become obvious to others.
- Protests can turn violent. Authorities have arrested people near demonstrations, regardless of their citizenship. Avoid large public gatherings.
- Serious crime occurs, including violent robberies, kidnappings and carjackings. Keep your vehicle doors locked and windows up, even when moving. Carry only what you need.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
SyriaMy tips to get you on the way!Does Syria sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Syria. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Syria may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Syria. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Syria may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Syria, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Syria, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024
Help othersDo you like this info about Syria?
Do you like this info about Syria, please share it with a fellow-backpacker. Did you spot a mistake, or you have any tip for improving, please let me know!