Destination · Central Syria
Palmyra
An oasis city in the Syrian desert, where caravans once crossed between Rome and Persia.
Region
Homs desert, central Syria
Best time
March–May · October–November
Time needed
1–2 days
From Damascus
About 3–4 hours by road
Why go
A city built on trade, standing in open desert.
Palmyra grew around a desert spring into one of the great caravan cities of the ancient world. Its colonnaded streets, temples and tombs mix Greek, Roman and local Aramaic traditions into something found nowhere else.
Parts of the site were badly damaged during the war, and we visit it as it is today: a place of scale, silence and memory. Our guides tell the story of what stood here and what is being done to protect what remains.
Highlights
- The Great Colonnade and the monumental arch
- The Roman theatre and the agora
- The valley of tower tombs
- Sunset over the ruins from Fakhr al-Din al-Maani castle
- A night under desert skies
Gallery
Seen on our journeys
When to go
Best in spring and autumn.
Spring · Mar–May
Mild days and green edges around the oasis. The most comfortable time to walk the site.
Summer · Jun–Sep
Very hot by midday. Visits move to early morning and sunset.
Autumn · Oct–Nov
Warm, clear days and soft evening light. Our favourite season for desert nights.
Winter · Dec–Feb
Cool days and cold nights. Quiet and atmospheric, pack warm layers.
Getting there
Palmyra lies in the desert east of Homs. We travel by private car with an experienced driver, usually from Damascus or Homs, with stops along the way.
Good to know
- Wear closed shoes: the ground is uneven
- Bring a hat, sunscreen and water in every season
- An overnight stay lets you see sunrise and sunset
- Some areas remain closed for conservation
Combine with
Homs and the Krak des Chevaliers to the west, or Damascus for a longer cultural route.
Travel with Juzoor
Plan a journey to Palmyra.
Tell us your dates and group size. We will suggest a route, timing and the right season for you.
