Majdal Shams: Orchards, History and the Golan Trail

Majdal Shams brings together an agricultural landscape, memorial sites and nearby nature. When planning a holiday apartment stay, it helps to consider the town itself and its surroundings as distinct points of interest. Orchards, monuments and a forest below the town offer different perspectives on a stay in Majdal Shams.

Orchards and the Golan Trail

More than 95 percent of Majdal Shams’ land area was devoted to growing apple and cherry trees. The Golan Trail passes through the town’s streets and through the orchards in the Yaafuri Valley. Along the trail, town streets meet surroundings shaped by fruit growing. This is a different focus from the historical memorial sites: here, the route and agricultural landscape take centre stage. Check current trail and access conditions before setting out on a hike.

Archaeological Finds and Memorial Sites

Remains of a Phoenician temple and an olive press have been found in Majdal Shams. The two finds represent different aspects of the past: a temple points to religious practice, while an olive press points to the processing of olives. These archaeological traces differ from the monuments in the town, which are dedicated to specific people and historical events.

A monument to Sultan Pasha al-Atrash, leader of the Great Syrian Revolt, and the heroes who took part in the resistance against French colonial rule at the time stands in the central square. At the western edge of the town is another monument, dedicated to Shaykh As'ad Kanj Abu Saleh and the insurgents associated with him. The two monuments differ in their locations in the town and in the people and groups to whom they are dedicated.

Majdal Shams Forest Nearby

Majdal Shams Forest lies below Majdal Shams on the southern slope of Mount Hermon. The mixed forest consists of planted conifers and natural vegetation. Near Ein Qa'aqan there is a spring that flows year-round; its water is collected in a constructed pool measuring 5 × 7 metres. The forest also has a park and a picnic area for outdoor recreation. The forest area is therefore a distinct point of interest alongside the town’s streets and memorial sites.

The opening of a car park in the forest was announced in 2024. The parking area was intended for the general public and forest visitors, and included seating and a lookout point with views of the Hula Valley and Galilee. Hiking trails connect the parking area with Ein Qa'aqan. Before visiting the forest, it is advisable to check current trail and access conditions.

Choose Accommodation to Suit Your Travel Plans

When looking for a holiday apartment in Majdal Shams, it helps to plan for the trail and the forest as separate points of interest: the Golan Trail passes through the town, while the forest lies nearby, below it.

For the main travel overview: Syria.