Homs occupies a strategic central location between Damascus, Aleppo, and the coast. It's the ideal base for visiting Krak des Chevaliers (Qalaat al-Hosn), voted the world's best-preserved Crusader castle.
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The Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque, Homs Citadel, Lake Qattinah, and the nearby Wadi al-Nasara valley are among Homs' top landmarks.
Yes, Homs is approximately 150km from Palmyra and is often a starting point for visiting the ancient ruins of Palmyra.
Central Homs offers budget to mid-range hotels. The city serves as a great base for visiting Krak des Chevaliers and Palmyra.
Homs is approximately 160km from Damascus, about 2 hours by car via the international highway.
Stories and tips from the Syria guide to plan your visit.
PlacesPalmyra, the caravan city that defied Rome: the colonnade, theatre and Valley of the Tombs, what survives, and how to visit from Homs.
PlacesKrak des Chevaliers from the Hospitallers to Sultan Baibars, what to see inside, and how to combine it with the Valley of the Christians and Mashta al-Helou.
History & cultureAn empress from Homs, an emperor from Shahba and a Damascene architect of Trajan's Rome: the Syrians at the heart of the Roman Empire.
Travel tipsGetting around Syria: Pullman buses, serveece and taxis, distances between cities, and when a rental car or a car with a driver is best.
Travel tipsA 7-day Syria itinerary: Old Damascus, Maaloula, Krak des Chevaliers, Hama and Apamea, and Aleppo — where to stay and how to get around.
PlacesTen Syrian castles not to miss: Aleppo, Krak des Chevaliers, Saladin's Castle, Marqab, Masyaf, Shaizar, Safita and more — and how to reach them.