Things to do in Syrian Desert
Discover the best attractions and experiences Syrian Desert has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore the most iconic ruins and ancient cities that dot the Syrian Desert.
Palmyra ruins (Tadmor archaeological site)
Extensive ancient ruins with the Temple of Bel and monumental colonnades, a caravan city on the desert crossroads.
Dura-Europos ruins
Well-preserved Roman-era frontier city ruins along the Euphrates with ancient walls and gates.
Serjilla ruins
Well-preserved desert fortress ruins that form part of the famous Palmyra desert castle circuit.
Qasr al-Hayr al-Gharbi
Impressive desert castle ruins that once guarded caravan routes.
Qasr al-Hayr al-Sharqi
Another striking Umayyad desert fortress with rugged towers and courtyards.
Museums
Museums that preserve the region’s ancient fame, from Palmyra to the Euphrates frontier.
Palmyra Museum
Artifacts from Palmyra’s long history, including reliefs and inscriptions.
Deir ez-Zor Museum
Collections from the Euphrates basin spanning ancient and more recent eras.
Religious Monuments
Ancient religious sites that reveal the spiritual life of desert civilizations.
Temple of Bel (Palmyra)
Giant temple complex dedicated to the god Bel, a symbol of Palmyra’s ancient faith.
Grand Mosque of Deir ez-Zor
Historic mosque reflecting the Islamic heritage of the Euphrates frontier town.
National & Theme Parks
Open landscapes and reserves that showcase the desert’s natural drama.
Coming Soon!
We're currently working on adding national & theme parks recommendations for Syrian Desert. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
Neighborhoods
Historic city cores and traditional quarters that frame desert life.
Old Town of Palmyra
Ancient gateways, rebuilt streets, and a sense of timeless desert life.
Deir ez-Zor Old City
Traditional quarters along the Euphrates with markets and historic mosques.
Free Things to Do
Low-cost ways to experience the desert’s scale and solitude.
Stargazing in the Syrian Desert
Clear skies make for dramatic stargazing after sunset.
Sunset over Palmyra ruins
Watch the monumental silhouettes turn gold as the sun sinks behind the ruins.
Desert drive and photo safari
Self-guided drives to capture sweeping desert landscapes.
Gastronomy
Sampling traditional flavors that accompany desert adventures.
Traditional Palmyrene mezze tasting
Mezze spread featuring local dips, vegetables, and breads.
Kebabs and grilled meats at a local Palmyra restaurant
Seasoned skewers and smoky grills in desert towns.
Baklava from a Syrian bakery
Sweet pastry layered with nuts and honey, a desert favorite.
Nightlife
Evening experiences that lend a sense of desert hospitality.
Bedouin desert camp dinner and music
Enjoy tea, songs, and traditional hospitality under the stars.
Nighttime desert drive with lanterns and stories
A gentle night ride complemented by local storytelling.
Entertainment
Cultural experiences connected to ancient sites and desert life.
Guided tour of Palmyra ruins
Insightful walk through the main archaeological sites with a guide.
Desert camp storytelling evenings
Evening programs around a camp with local tales.
Dura-Europos ruins exploration
Exploration of a frontier Roman city and its ruins.
Sports
Active ways to engage with the desert landscape.
Camel riding in the Syrian Desert
Slow-paced rides to skim across sandy plains.
Desert trekking and hiking
Rugged trails across dunes and rocky plates.
ATV/quad biking in desert areas
Exciting off-road rides across open desert terrain.
Off the Track
Hidden corners and lesser-known routes of the desert.
Overnight Bedouin camp stay in the desert
Experience authentic hospitality under desert skies.
Off-road desert safari to Serjilla and Qasr al-Hayr
Uncrowded routes to stunning desert ruins.
Desert oasis visit and stroll
Aiming for a quiet oasis stop along the desert edge.