About Crac de Chevaliers

For a glimpse into one of the oldest castles in the world, Crac des Chevaliers budget travel is not to be missed. Situated in Syria, dating back many thousands of years, this ancient castle can be explored by foot,for a highly memorable adventure.

Crac de Chevaliers Budget Travel

Below is a list of Crac de Chevaliers's top activities, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Crac de Chevaliers Castle Tour

View all activities in Crac de Chevaliers

Airports

Crac des Chevaliers airports include the following major airports:
• Damascus International Airport (DAM) - Damascus
• Aleppo International Airport (ALP) - Aleppo
• Lattakia International Airport (LTK) ' Lattakia

Conservation

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most ancient fortresses in the world, Crac des Chevaliers conservation is hugely important in order to maintain and preserve the fortress for as long as possible. The only way to explore the area is by foot, and entrance is restricted to ensure that visits are regulated.

Culture

Crac des Chevaliers culture includes the following traditions and pastimes:
• History plays a major role in the area
• Local culture relies on tourism as the site itself has very little development
• Food and drink plays a major role in the average Syrian's life
• Music is also a popular culture form in the country

Health

Crac des Chevaliers health info for travellers includes the following:
• The most common health risk is travellers tummy from rich foods or tap water
• Health facilities are advanced in the major cities, but not in rural areas
• Pack a basic first aid kit with medication for upset stomachs, nausea and other minor ailments
• Check with your doctor about any health risks or disease outbreaks that may have occurred recently before leaving for your trip

Languages

Crac des Chevaliers languages include the following:
• Arabic
• French
• English
• Kurdish

Malaria

While malaria in Crac des Chevaliers is not a risk, there may be a malaria risk within Asia in general. Travellers who are visiting malaria-risk countries before or after travelling to Crac des Chevaliers should consider malaria medication.

Money

Crac des Chevaliers money and banking info is as follows:
• There are no banks or facilities in Crac des Chevaliers itself, but there are facilities in nearby towns and cities
• Most establishments accept payment in US dollars
• Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops
• Traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted and may not be exchanged even in banks
• Cash machines are found in most supermarkets, banks and other commercial buildings

People

Crac des Chevaliers people include the following ethnic groups:
• Syrians
• Kurds
• Armenians
• Turks
• Circassians
• Assyrians

Phrase

Crac des Chevaliers local phrases include the following:
• Hello: Marhaba
• Good morning: S-bahh Al-khair
• Good evening: Masa Al-khair
• Please: Men-fadllaak (m)
• Please: Men-fadllake (f)
• How much: Gha-daish?

Plants

As this is a military fortress dating back thousands of years, there are not many Crac des Cheveliers plants to be found. General vegetation is sparse, and of the steppe variety with shrubs and some grasslands surrounding the fortress.

Religion

Crac des Chevaliers religion includes the following:
• Sunni Muslim 80%
• Christian (Orthodox and Catholic)
• Jewish

Safety Tips

Crac des Chevaliers safety tips include:
• Be careful when exploring the castle ' as it is very ancient, there are some unstable parts so watch your step
• Take a torch with you as many areas are very dark, making it harder to see where you are walking
• The area is generally safe, especially as it is a well-known tourist destination and protected UNESCO World Heritage Site

Transport

Crac des Chevaliers local transport includes:
• Walking
• Car
• Taxi
• Bus

Travel Books

Crac des Chevaliers travel books include the following:
• Lonely Planet Syria by Andrew Humphreys and Damien Simonis
• Syria: A Historical And Architectural Guide by Warwick Ball
• Syria: Bradt Travel Guide by Diana Darke
• The Road from Damascus: A Journey Through Syria by Scott C. Davis
• Culture Shock! Syria: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette by Coleman South

Visa Requirements

Get more information on visas in Syria

What To Buy

What to buy for safari in Crac des Chevaliers:
• Spare batteries for torches and camera
• Guide books and Arabic phrase books
• Thick socks for hiking boots
• First aid kit for travel purposes
• Large refillable water bottle, or plenty of bottled water

What To Pack

What to pack for safari in Crac des Chevaliers:
• Sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses
• Torch
• Headscarves for women, plus long skirts and t-shirts that cover shoulders
• Comfortable walking shoes plus sandals
• Casual and smarter clothes for various activities
• Camera with spare batteries and memory card/film
• Binoculars for bird spotting
• Guide book and phrase book
• Basic first aid kit

When To Go

When to go to Crac des Chevaliers:
• The best time to visit is Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
• Summer (June-August) is the hottest time, with temperatures of 45°C/110°F
• Winter (December-February) is very cold, particularly at night.
• Ramadan month is not the best month for western visitors