Arwad Island

Just three kilometers off the coast of Tartus, Arwad Island rises from the Mediterranean like a stone jewel set in a ring of shimmering blue. Encircled by ancient Phoenician walls, the island’s narrow lanes open suddenly to views of an endless sea, where fishing boats drift lazily and the horizon melts into the sky. The air is rich with the scent of salt and fresh catch, and the sound of waves mingles with the calls of gulls wheeling overhead. From the harbor, the water glows in shifting shades of turquoise and deep sapphire, while at sunset the entire coastline — from Tartus to the distant Lebanese mountains — is bathed in gold. Here, history and nature meet in perfect balance: the same breezes that once filled the sails of Phoenician ships now carry the laughter of children playing along the quay, and the same waters that guarded Crusader galleys still cradle the island in their timeless embrace.

Activity ideas:
• Visit the Citadel of Arwad and wonder around the ancient Phoenician walls.
• Take a boat ride around the island to admire the old architecture and the natural beauty in it.
• Swim in the clear shallows while picnicking and tasting fresh fruits.
• Watch boatbuilders at work.
• Try fresh seafood in a family run café.