Tartous, this small harbor city with over 160 000 inhabitants, is now Syria's second port city. Formerly known as Antaradus and Constantia in Latin or Antartus and Tortosa by the Crusaders, it has developed rapidly over the recent years, and has nearly lost its charm as a small fishing town. However there are a few remains that the Crusaders left that remind us of the past. 

Tartous is 220 Km northwest of Damascus and less than an hours drive south of Latakia. Quite a few sites nearby like Amrit, Arwad, Krak Des Chevaliers and Al Marqab can be visited on short day excursions.