Ḩimş

Hims (Homs) is the central governorate of Syria, stretching from the Orontes River valley east across agricultural plains to the Syrian Desert. Its location 162 km north of Damascus makes it a key transit point connecting the Mediterranean coast with Syria's interior. The provincial capital, Homs, stands along the Orontes and serves as the primary regional transport junction.

Travelers visit Hims primarily to access major historical landmarks. The western mountains contain Krak des Chevaliers, a medieval castle built by the Knights Hospitaller, while the desert oasis of Palmyra to the east holds Roman-era stone ruins.

The region experiences a Mediterranean climate in the west, transitioning to arid desert conditions farther east. Summers run from June to August with daily high temperatures averaging 32°C to 38°C. Winters from December to February bring cool weather averaging 4°C to 12°C alongside occasional rainfall.

The best time to visit Hims is from March to May and September to November. Spring months bring mild daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, making conditions comfortable for exploring outdoor archaeological sites. Autumn daytime temperatures average 18°C to 28°C with dry skies.

Summers (June to August) bring intense heat, with temperatures regularly exceeding 38°C in Homs city and 40°C in the desert around Palmyra. Winters (December to February) are cold and damp, averaging 4°C to 12°C, with frost occurring at higher elevations in the western hills.

• By Bus: Long-distance buses operated by private carriers including Kadmous, Al-Ahliah, and Soma depart every 30 to 60 minutes from Damascus (Harasta and Sumaria stations) to the Homs Southern Bus Station. The 162 km journey takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours. Fares range from 25,000 SYP to 35,000 SYP ($2.00–$2.80 USD).
• By Train: No train service. Passenger rail operations on Syrian Railways (CFS) routes connecting Damascus, Homs, and Aleppo remain suspended.
• By Car: Highway M5 connects Damascus north to Homs (162 km, 2 hours driving time) and continues north to Hama and Aleppo. Highway M1 connects Homs west to Tartus on the Mediterranean coast (90 km, 1 hour 15 minutes). Private car hire with a driver costs approximately $40–$70 USD per day.
• By Air: No air service to Homs city. The nearest operational commercial gateway is Damascus International Airport (DAM), located 170 km south (2.5 hours by road). Syrian Air and Cham Wings fly into DAM. Bassel Al-Assad Airport (LTK) in Latakia is 110 km northwest.
• Getting Around: Local transport relies on white-and-yellow shared minibuses (servis) operating set city routes for 1,500 SYP to 2,500 SYP ($0.10–$0.20 USD). Yellow street taxis run on negotiated fares, typically costing 15,000 SYP to 25,000 SYP ($1.20–$2.00 USD) for rides within Homs. Ridesharing apps like Uber are unavailable.

• Krak des Chevaliers (Qal'at al-Hosn): A UNESCO World Heritage Crusader fortress set on a 650-metre ridge 60 km west of Homs. Features double curtain walls, vaulted halls, and a chapel. Entry fee: 15,000 SYP ($10 USD).
• Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque: A landmark mosque in Homs city constructed with alternating rows of black basalt and white limestone, housing the tomb of general Khalid ibn al-Walid. Entry fee: Free.
• Um al-Zennar Church: A Syriac Orthodox cathedral in Old Homs built over an underground church dating to 59 AD. It contains a venerated relic believed to be the girdle of the Virgin Mary. Entry fee: Free.
• Palmyra Ruins (Tadmor): Ancient Roman desert city 150 km east of Homs containing the Great Colonnade, a Roman theatre, and monumental arches. Entry fee: 15,000 SYP ($10 USD).
• Citadel of Homs: An ancient fortress mound located at the southern edge of the old city quarter, offering views across the urban skyline. Entry fee: Free.
• Church of Saint Elian: A 5th-century Christian site in Homs containing preserved wall frescoes discovered during 20th-century restoration work. Entry fee: Free.

• Explore Krak des Chevaliers: Walk the stone galleries, stables, and battlements of the hilltop fortress with a local site guide.
• Tour Old Homs: Walk through the historic Al-Hamidiyah quarter to see traditional stone houses and local market stalls.
• Excursion to Palmyra: Take an escorted day trip into the Syrian Desert to photograph the colonnades and Roman theatre of ancient Tadmor.
• Visit Wadi al-Nasara: Travel through the mountain villages west of Homs near Al-Mishtaya to see local olive groves and hilltop chapels.

• Mersia Restaurant (Safir Hotel, Al-Insha'at district): Serves Syrian meze, grilled lamb kebabs, and kibbeh. Price tier: Mid-range to Upscale ($10–$25 USD).
• Mamma Mia (Al-Insha'at district): Offers stone-baked pizzas, pasta dishes, and salads. Price tier: Mid-range ($6–$15 USD).
• Abu Abdo Shawarma (Al-Hamidiyah quarter): Casual food stall serving chicken and lamb shawarma rolled in thin flatbread with garlic cream and pickles. Price tier: Budget ($1–$3 USD).
• Le Monde Restaurant (Al-Mishtaya village): Open-air restaurant in Wadi al-Nasara serving Levantine meze spreads, grilled meat, and local soft drinks. Price tier: Mid-range ($5–$12 USD).

• Budget: Basic local guesthouses in central Homs (such as small inns near Clock Square). Simple rooms with fan or basic AC. Nightly rates: $15–$35 USD.
• Mid-Range: Al-Wadi Hotel (Al-Mishtaya village, near Krak des Chevaliers). Features air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and an onsite dining terrace. Nightly rates: $45–$85 USD.
• Upscale: Safir Homs Hotel (Al-Insha'at district, Homs city). Full-service 5-star hotel with 92 rooms, outdoor pool, fitness room, Wi-Fi, and multiple restaurants. Nightly rates: $90–$160 USD.

• Hama (47 km north): City along the Orontes River famous for its ancient wooden water wheels (norias) and regional desserts.
• Tartus (90 km west): Coastal port city providing ferry access to the historical island of Arwad.
• Damascus (162 km south): Capital of Syria, home to the Ancient City, Umayyad Mosque, and Souq Al-Hamidiyah.
• Maaloula (100 km south): Mountainous village where Western Neo-Aramaic is spoken, site of the Monastery of Saint Thecla.
• Palmyra / Tadmor (150 km east): Historic oasis town adjacent to the ancient Greco-Roman archaeological site in the Syrian Desert.