The Jebel Al-Sariya Mountains separate Syria's interior from the Mediterranean coast and provide a total change of scenery with slopes covered in forests of oak and pine. The Crusaders built a string of castles in these mountains the most famous of which is Krak des Chevaliers.

Another important Crusader castle is Saone or Qalaat Saladin named after the Arab commander who captured the fortress in 1188. Set upon a narrow ridge between two deep ravines, Saone is the largest of the Crusader castles almost twice the size of Krak, and although not as well preserved as the latter, the setting is dramatic.

The two main towns on the coast are Latakia and Tartous. Syria's main commercial port is Latakia which was established by the Seleucids in the second century BC. There are some good beaches in the holiday resorts just north of Latakia and nearby is also the archaeological site of Ugarit. Ugarit was an important trading centre from about 3000 BC and was where the world's first alphabet was discovered. Tartous is a pleasant seaside town with a fine Crusader citadel and cathedral. It is worth taking the 3km boat trip to the island of Arwad just off the coast.