Afrin

Afrin is a city in the Ḩalab (Aleppo) Governorate of northwestern Syria, located in the fertile Afrin valley about 40 km west of Aleppo. The area is predominantly Kurdish and has historically been an agricultural heartland, known for its olive groves — the Afrin olive is considered among the best in Syria. The region was part of the autonomous AANES (Rojava) administration before changing hands during the conflict. Afrin city and its surrounding valley are also home to the ancient lost city of Cyrrhus (Nebi Huri), a significant Hellenistic and Roman site.

The climate is Mediterranean: hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Spring (March–May) is the most beautiful season, when the valley is green and the olive trees are in blossom.

By Plane

Aleppo International Airport (ALP) is about 50 km southeast. A taxi costs SYP 15,000–22,000 and takes about 50 minutes.

By Train

By Car / Road

Afrin is on the road from Aleppo (40 km, 45 min) and from Azaz (40 km north). Shared microbuses from Aleppo serve Afrin (fare about SYP 3,000–5,000).

Afrin city is compact and walkable. For the valley and archaeological sites, a hired car is recommended.

• Afrin Valley: A beautiful agricultural valley covered in olive groves, particularly scenic in spring.

• Cyrrhus (Nebi Huri): An ancient Hellenistic and Roman city about 20 km northwest of Afrin, with a well-preserved theatre, a Roman bridge, and a massive necropolis of rock-cut tombs.

• Olive oil presses: Traditional olive oil production facilities scattered throughout the valley.

• Afrin market: A Kurdish market with local produce and textiles.

• Olive grove walks: The Afrin valley is ideal for walking among the centuries-old olive trees.

• Cyrrhus exploration: Spend a few hours at the Cyrrhus archaeological site — it is remarkably well-preserved.

• Olive oil tasting: Sample the renowned Afrin olive oil at a local producer.

• Photography: The green valley against the hills, especially in spring, is stunning.

• Afrin Grill: Kurdish-style kebabs and grilled meats. A meal costs SYP 4,000–8,000.
• Local produce: Fresh olives, olive oil, labneh, and flatbread from the market.
• Kurdish home cooking: Try kubba halabiya, dolma, and kebab karaz.

Kurdish tea is served in small glasses. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Basic guesthouses in Afrin from SYP 10,000–18,000.
• Mid-range / Upscale: The nearest comfortable hotels are in Aleppo (40 km southeast).

Afrin olive oil is the premier local product — golden, fruity, and highly prized. Kurdish textiles and traditional handicrafts are also available. The weekly market is the best place to shop.

• Cyrrhus (Nebi Huri) (20 km northwest, 25 min) — The amazing Hellenistic-Roman ruined city in the hills.
• Aleppo (40 km southeast, 45 min) — Syria's largest city with the famous Citadel.
• Azaz (40 km northeast, 40 min) — A border town with a medieval citadel.
• Kilis, Turkey (30 km north, 40 min) — The nearest Turkish city, accessible if crossing is possible.
• Dead Cities (50 km south, 1 hr) — Byzantine-era ruined settlements, a UNESCO site.