Just a short boat ride from the coast of Tartous lies something truly special – Arwad Island, Syria’s only inhabited island. This little piece of land in the Mediterranean has stories to tell that go back thousands of years, and the best part? It’s still alive with culture and tradition today.

A Brief History

Imagine stepping onto an island where the buildings around you have been standing since before Christianity began. That’s Arwad for you. Known as Arados in ancient times, this island was a big deal for sea traders, especially the Phoenicians who were masters of sailing and business. Over the centuries, everyone wanted a piece of Arwad – Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and even the Crusaders who made it their last fortress in Syria until 1301.

Arwad Island Today

People in Arwad going about their daily lives much like their ancestors did centuries ago. The first thing you notice when you arrive are the narrow streets packed with houses. These aren’t just any houses – they tell a story. Built with stone and packed tightly together, they show both Phoenician and Islamic architectural styles. You can see how the islanders used every inch of space wisely, building upward and creating a unique pattern that’s been the same for generations.

Life on Arwad revolves around the sea. The people here depend mainly on fishing, and you’ll see evidence of this everywhere. Early in the morning, you’ll find fishermen preparing their nets and heading out to catch the day’s fresh fish. What’s really special is the island’s famous traditional wooden boat industry.
These boats are crafted using methods that have been passed down for centuries. The boatbuilders of Arwad are true artists, shaping wood with their hands just like their great-grandfathers did. It’s amazing to watch them work, combining skill and tradition to create vessels that can handle the Mediterranean waters.
Finally, when visiting Arwad it’s essential to explore its markets, the island’s shops are famous for their handmade shell products. These aren’t mass-produced souvenirs, each piece is crafted with care, reflecting the traditional arts of Arwad.

A Presidential Visit Makes History

In a truly historic moment, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa visited Arwad Island recently. This was significant because it marked the first time in Syrian history that a sitting president had ever visited the island. During his visit, President al-Sharaa highlighted Arwad’s important role in Syria’s economic recovery and future tourism development.

Plan Your Visit

Location and How to Get There
It is located 3 km from Tartus.
Reaching Arwad is easy and part of the adventure. Regular boats leave from Tartus Port throughout the day, and the short ride across the Mediterranean takes about 20-30 minutes.

Best Time to Visit the Arwad Island:
Spring and Summer offer the most comfortable weather for exploring.

What to Bring:
Comfortable Non-Slip shoes, a camera, sun protection, and anti-dizziness to counter sea-sickness caused by the boat crossing.

When you visit Arwad, you’re not just a tourist – you’re a guest in a community that’s proud to share its heritage. The people are warm and welcoming, always happy to tell you about their island and their way of life.

So if you’re looking for something different in Syria, Syria Scope Travel is ready to plan your visit to Arwad Island. It’s more than just an island, it’s a living piece of Syrian history that welcomes visitors with open arms.

For more information about Syria, please get in touch with us today! Alternatively, check out our extensive range of group Syria tours.