Destination guide
Palmyra
An ancient caravan city in the desert, set beside a palm-grove oasis.
Published stays in PalmyraOverview
Discover Palmyra
Palmyra rose as a wealthy caravan city linking the Roman world with Persia, India and China, and its ruins once ranked among the most complete classical sites in the Middle East. Columns, temples and tower tombs stretch across the desert beside a large oasis of palms and olive trees.
The site suffered severe destruction between 2015 and 2017, including the Temple of Bel and the Monumental Arch. Restoration projects continue and access conditions change, so most visitors plan Palmyra as a guided trip and confirm arrangements close to the date.
Why stay here
Reasons to stay in Palmyra
A World Heritage landscape
Palmyra is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and even after the damage, the scale of the ancient city is remarkable.
Desert light
Sunrise and late afternoon turn the limestone golden: the best times for photography and cooler walking.
An oasis setting
The palm groves and gardens beside the ruins have sustained settlement here for thousands of years.
Things to see
Beautiful spots to visit
Great Colonnade
HeritageThe main colonnaded street ran for over a kilometre through the city, and many of its columns still stand.
Temple of Bel
HeritageOnce one of the best-preserved temples of the Roman East. Its sanctuary walls and gateway survive around the destroyed inner shrine.
Roman Theatre
HeritageA compact theatre at the heart of the city, partly damaged in 2017, beside the line of the colonnade.
Valley of the Tombs
HeritageTower tombs and underground burial chambers on the hillsides west of the city, many of them damaged. Check which areas can be visited.
Where to stay
Choosing your base
Every listing shows its approximate location. Compare it with the areas below before you request a booking.
Tadmur town
The modern town next to the site has limited accommodation. Check carefully what a listing offers and how arrival is arranged.
Homs as a base
Many travellers visit on a long day or overnight trip from Homs, roughly 160 km to the west.
Published stays
Compare current stays in Palmyra
These are published listings, not a promise that a date is free. Open a property for its photos, capacity, amenities, and the total for your dates.
- Palmyra Desert Edge RetreatDesert edge, Palmyra
- Palmyra Oasis GuesthouseOasis gardens, Palmyra
Local flavours
Simple desert cooking: grilled meat, flatbread and dates from the oasis, with sweet tea served almost everywhere.
Best time to visit
October to April. Summer temperatures in the desert are extreme, and winter nights can be cold.
How long to stay
A long day or one night, usually as part of a wider itinerary.