Syria's 180-kilometer Mediterranean coastline between Latakia and Tartus catches winter northwest swells that have the potential to produce rideable beach breaks and reef setups along a coast backed by the Alawite Mountains. The surf is essentially undocumented, but the fetch and swell patterns suggest consistent wave action during the storm season from October through March. Water temperatures range from 16C in winter to 28C in summer. Syria's extraordinary ancient heritage, including the crusader castle Krak des Chevaliers and the old city of Damascus, represents some of the most significant historical sites in the world. Access remains severely limited by the ongoing situation.