Destination · Anti-Lebanon mountains
Bloudan
A mountain town above the Zabadani valley, where Damascus goes to breathe in summer.
Region
Anti-Lebanon, northwest of Damascus
Best time
May–October · winter for snow
Time needed
1–2 days
From Damascus
About 1 hour by road
Why go
Cool air, high above the city.
Bloudan sits high in the Anti-Lebanon mountains, about 1,500 metres above sea level. For generations it has been where Damascenes escape the summer heat.
Days here are slow: walks through orchards and hills, long lunches with a view over the Zabadani valley, and cool evenings outside.
Highlights
- Views over the Zabadani valley
- Walks in the hills and orchards
- Summer evenings in the cool air
- Local fruit and mountain food
- Snow in winter
When to go
Best in summer, magical in snow.
Spring · Apr–May
Blossom in the orchards and fresh green hills.
Summer · Jun–Aug
The main season: cool days and busy evenings.
Autumn · Sep–Oct
Fruit harvest and quiet roads.
Winter · Dec–Feb
Cold, often with snow.
Getting there
An easy drive northwest of Damascus by private car, through the Barada valley.
Good to know
- Bring a warm layer even in summer
- Summer weekends are busy
- Roads can close after heavy snow
- Stay a night for the evenings
Combine with
Damascus, or Maaloula and Saidnaya in the same mountains.
Travel with Juzoor
Plan a mountain escape to Bloudan.
A cool day out of Damascus or a slow weekend. Tell us your dates.
