Hotels in Damascus Countryside
The green hinterland surrounding Damascus, home to mountain resorts and historic villages.
1 hotels Rif Dimashq
Damascus Countryside (Rif Dimashq) is the green belt surrounding Syria's capital — home to beloved mountain resorts like Bloudan and Zabadani, spiritual villages like Maaloula and Saidnaya, and the beautiful Barada Valley.
Bloudan, Zabadani, Madaya, and Mount Hermon are the most popular mountain resorts in Rif Dimashq (Damascus Countryside). They offer cool climate and stunning mountain scenery.
Most Rif Dimashq resorts are 45 minutes to 1.5 hours by car from Damascus city center.
Saidnaya Monastery, Maaloula village (where Aramaic — the language of Jesus — is still spoken), and numerous historic churches and monasteries.
Yes, hotels, chalets, and mountain resorts are available in Bloudan, Zabadani, and other areas. Book through Bytnaa.
Stories and tips from the Syria guide to plan your visit.
PlacesMaaloula near Damascus, where Western Aramaic is still spoken: St Thecla, the gorge, Mar Sarkis and the Feast of the Cross in September.
Festivals & seasonsA year in Syria: the rose harvest in May, the Feast of the Cross in September, Christmas and Easter in Damascus, Ramadan and the Eids.
Festivals & seasonsThe Damascene rose: the May harvest in al-Mrah, rose water, syrup and jam, and the rose traditions UNESCO listed as intangible heritage in 2019.
PlacesThe best day trips from Damascus: Maaloula and Saydnaya, Mar Musa monastery, Bosra and Shahba, Zabadani and Bloudan — distances, timing and how to get around.
PlacesMar Musa near Nabk: a desert monastery since the 6th century with 11th–12th-century frescoes, the climb up its steps, and how to visit respectfully.
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.
