Kessab

Kessab is the historic Armenian town of the Syrian northwest, spread over green hills below Mount Aqra amid apple orchards, laurel forest and springs. Its churches, its soap made from laurel oil, and its summer-resort air have drawn people up from the coast for over a century; trails run into the surrounding woods and down toward the sea at Ras al-Bassit. The town's Armenian community keeps its language and parishes, and the cool air is the point in high summer.

What to look for

• The orchards - apples and laurels over the hillsides.
• The churches - the parishes of the Armenian community.
• The laurel soap - the local craft sold from small workshops.
• The forest trails - walks into the green hills around town.

When to go

May to October is the season, with summer the traditional escape from coastal heat. Autumn brings apples. Winter is cold and quiet.

Practical notes

Facilities are those of a small resort town, simple and seasonal. Trails are informally marked. Weekends in high summer are busy.

Nearby

Ras al-Bassit is below on the coast, and Latakia is south.

Key facts