Introducing Hama

Travel warning: The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all travel to Syria and for those in the country to leave by commercial means. Please check with your relevant government for more information.

Hama is one of Syria’s most attractive towns, with the Orontes River flowing through the city centre, its banks lined with trees and gardens and the ancient wooden norias (water wheels) groaning. While there isn’t an awful lot to see, the peaceful atmosphere and tiny but charming old town make it a pleasant enough place to spend a couple of days. It’s also a good base for excursions to some of the worthwhile sites further north up the Orontes Valley or further afield, such as Qala’at al-Hosn (Krak des Chevaliers) or the Dead Cities.