
Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Damascus, Dimashq, Syria
1. Barada River
Experience the natural beauty of Damascus' longest river, rich in history and wildlife.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to various endangered species, such as Syrian brown bears and Peregrine falcons.
- Historical Importance: An essential water source for Damascus since ancient times, the river's history dates back to the Umayyad era.
- Eco-tourism Activities: Offers eco-friendly activities like kayaking and birdwatching.
2. Saladin's Citadel
Visit the iconic Saladin's Citadel, restored using sustainable construction methods.
- Sustainable Restoration: Restored using traditional techniques, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
- Historical Significance: A testament to Damascus' rich history, dating back over 4,000 years.
- Archaeological Exploration: Provides opportunities for archaeological exploration and learning about ancient civilizations.
3. Old City of Damascus
Explore the charming Old City, preserved with eco-friendly restoration methods.
- Eco-friendly Restoration: Built using traditional construction materials and techniques.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a glimpse into Damascus' vibrant culture, with its souks and historic mosques.
- Historical Preservation: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to numerous historical landmarks.
4. Jebel Al-Qaalla
Hike through the lush greenery of Jebel Al-Qaalla, a natural oasis in Damascus.
- Biodiversity: Home to diverse plant and wildlife species.
- Hiking Trails: Offers eco-friendly hiking trails, providing opportunities for adventure seekers.
- Natural Springs: Features several natural springs, offering refreshment during the hike.
5. Tishrin Dam
Take a scenic trip to Tishrin Dam, enjoying the pristine natural beauty of the area.
- Eco-friendly Power Generation: Generates hydroelectric power using renewable resources.
- Nature Reserve: Home to various endangered species, such as the Syrian brown bear and Egyptian vulture.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
6. Palmyra Forest Nature Reserve
Discover the Palmyra Forest, a vital habitat for Syrian wolves and other wildlife.
- Wildlife Conservation: Provides essential habitats for endangered species like the Syrian wolf.
- Historical Significance: Located near the ancient city of Palmyra, steeped in history and culture.
- Nature Exploration: Offers opportunities for exploration and learning about Syrian ecosystems.
7. Saidnaya Cedar Forest
Explore the Saidnaya Cedar Forest, home to ancient cedar trees and diverse wildlife.
- Biodiversity: Home to various plant and animal species, including the rare Syrian brown bear.
- Historical Significance: Ancient cedar trees are remnants of the famous Cedars of Lebanon.
- Eco-tourism Activities: Offers eco-friendly activities like hiking and wildlife observation.
8. Qalaat Marqab
Visit the historic Qalaat Marqab fortress, restored using eco-friendly methods.
- Sustainable Restoration: Restored using traditional techniques, minimizing environmental impact.
- Historical Significance: A testament to Damascus' rich history, dating back over a thousand years.
- Cultural Immersion: Provides insights into the region's ancient military and defensive strategies.
9. Maaloula Villages
Experience the unique culture of Maaloula villages, where residents still speak Aramaic.
- Cultural Preservation: Preserves the ancient language and traditions of the region.
- Historical Significance: Located at the foot of Mount Sannin, near important religious sites.
- Eco-friendly Accommodation: Offers eco-friendly accommodations that respect local customs and traditions.
10. Suweida Desert
Explore the beautiful Suweida Desert, a unique landscape of sand dunes and rock formations.
- Natural Beauty: Features stunning landscapes of sand dunes and rock formations.
- Eco-friendly Activities: Offers eco-friendly activities like desert hiking, camel trekking, and star gazing.
- Cultural Immersion: Provides opportunities to learn about the Bedouin culture and traditions.
11. Crac des Chevaliers
Visit Crac des Chevaliers, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world.
- Historical Significance: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, testifying to Crusader architecture.
- Sustainable Restoration: Restored using traditional techniques, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
- Cultural Immersion: Provides insights into the region's medieval history and military strategies.
12. Qadmus (Burj Saidnaaya)
Visit Qadmus (Burj Saidnaaya), a Byzantine-era castle in the heart of Damascus.
- Historical Significance: A testament to Damascus' rich history, dating back over 1,500 years.
- Sustainable Restoration: Restored using traditional techniques, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
- Cultural Immersion: Provides insights into the region's Byzantine history and architecture.
13. Mayadin Plains
Experience the stunning Mayadin Plains, an essential stop for migratory birds.
- Biodiversity: Home to various bird species during their migration.
- Nature Conservation: Provides essential habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife.
- Eco-tourism Activities: Offers eco-friendly activities like birdwatching and nature photography.
14. Hama's Waterwheel City
Explore Hama's waterwheels, a unique engineering feat and cultural heritage site.
- Historical Significance: Built over 2,000 years ago, the waterwheels are a testament to ancient engineering.
- Cultural Immersion: Provides insights into Hama's agricultural history and traditional way of life.
- Sustainable Restoration: Restored using eco-friendly techniques, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
15. Tadmur Desert Castles
Visit the Tadmur Desert Castles, a collection of historic buildings in the Syrian desert.
- Historical Significance: Built during the Umayyad Caliphate, these castles bear witness to history.
- Cultural Immersion: Provides insights into the region's Umayyad heritage and architecture.
- Sustainable Restoration: Restored using traditional techniques, ensuring minimal environmental impact.