Syria: An undiscovered gem ready to be explored

Syria: An undiscovered gem ready to be explored – from Damascus to Krak de Chevalier is written by Per Summer.

On an adventure in Syria

Syria surprises with its rich history, warm hospitality and indomitable hope. Magnificent monuments await here without hordes of tourists and the encounter with a culture that will change your perception of the Middle East.

From the old city of Damascus to Roman ruins – Syria is an undiscovered adventure.

The first meeting

I still remember the feeling when I crossed the border early one morning in April 2024 Lebanon to Syria. 

Butterflies in the stomach. 

The nervousness bubbled to the surface and the questions piled up. Was this even a good idea? Would I feel safe? And what did Syria really look like after so many years of conflict? 

My insides were a mixture of curiosity and doubt, but I was determined to explore the land that had long been closed to the outside world.

Wasted worries

As soon as I crossed the border, my worries began to evaporate. Syria was anything but what I had imagined. 

Yes, there were still obvious scars from the conflict, but I experienced a country full of hospitable people, a rich cultural heritage and an irrepressible optimism. It wasn't just one of the best trips of my life - it was also a trip that changed me.

Syria changed my life

My trip to Syria changed me in two ways. 

First, I got a more nuanced picture of the country than I ever expected. I met people who are slowly fighting their way back to a normal everyday life and who are working hard to rebuild their lives.

It was also clear to me how big a difference there is between the people who lead the country and those who live in it. The Syrians I met were incredibly hospitable and humble, and their strength and determination to move forward was inspiring. 

Second, this trip made me make a big decision in my own life. When I returned home, I founded my small niche travel agency, Taste the World. With it, I want to show others the world I experienced - a world that is often misunderstood and overlooked.

I also want to focus on places like Syria, where mass tourism is avoided and where authenticity is still intact. Places where you can easily meet locals and where they are also interested in meeting you.

Why Syria? Why now?

Since 2019, Syria has again opened its doors to tourists, and the country is experiencing a stability that probably surprises most. I felt incredibly safe during my entire trip – in fact, safer than in many big European cities.

The authorities are also very conscious of the safety of tourists and there have been no reports of any kind of incident against tourists since the borders opened.

Historical treasures without equal

I also experienced that Syria is like a living museum. Imagine standing in the Roman theater of Bosra, where the stones still whisper stories of gladiators fighting lions in the distant past.

Or to walk through the old city of Damascus, one of the world's oldest cities, where history is palpable. The crusader castle Krak des Chevaliers and the ancient city of Apamea also took my breath away as they stood there as if time had stopped.

No mass tourism

If, like me, you're tired of pushing your way through hordes of tourists to catch a glimpse of sights, then you'll love Syria. To stand in silence in front of a magnificent monument without having to share it with thousands of others is an experience in itself.

Syria is for those who love adventure, value tranquility, authenticity and space to immerse themselves.

A culinary paradise

The food in Syria is nothing less than a feast for the taste buds and one of my absolute favorite cuisines. After a few days, you will be familiar with dishes such as tabouleh, kibbeh, fatoush and muhammara.

Everything is served fresh and is stuffed with herbs and vegetables. And it all costs next to nothing – everything is incredibly cheap. I spent less than DKK 250 on a whole week's worth of meals - and they were some of the best I've ever tasted. 

And alcohol? Yes, you can easily get that. Syria makes both their own wine and beer, which are worth tasting as you enjoy the local dishes.

A country in change

Although the scars of war are still evident, Syria is a country where reconstruction and hope go hand in hand. It was touching for me to see how people have stood up and believe in a better future.

It is also worth knowing that your visit here actually makes a difference both for yourself and for the locals. Tourism used to be a major source of income, and by traveling here you help support the Syrians' path towards reconstruction and stability.

Challenge your preconceptions about the Middle East

Just as we Danes are not just a meatball-eating antisocial people, as some prejudices might suggest, the Middle East is also not just a region full of conflicts and extreme religious fanatics; that picture is far from the full truth.

A visit to Syria will undoubtedly challenge your perceptions and preconceptions about the region, and it did for me too. The country is complex, but also full of warmth, history and an irrepressible hope.

So if you, like me, want to explore a world that is not just black and white and want to experience places outside the typical tourist destinations, then Syria is a destination you should definitely consider.

Really good trip to Syria and Damascus!

That is why you must travel to Syria

• Experience one of the world's oldest cities, Damascus
• See the ruined city of Palmyra
• Great food for cheap money
• Crusader castle Krak des Chevaliers
• Discover the ancient city of Apamea
• The Roman theater in Bosra
• There is no mass tourism