Arwad is just off the coast of Latakia. There are many boats making the trip and it's a nice excursion to make. There is no need to look for accommodation on the island - it's easier found on the mainland.

There are ruins of a castle near the west coast. You can roam around freely. Locals claim the castle was built by Alexander the great.

Aleppo
Arwad island
Damascus
Hama
Kadesh
Krac des chevaliers
Latakia
Palmyra
Zabadani