Tartus ( /
ALA-LC:
Ṭarṭūs; also transliterated
Tartous) is a city on the Mediterranean coast of
Syria. Tartus is the second largest port city in Syria (after
Latakia), and the largest city in
Tartus Governorate. The population is 115,769 (2004 census). In the summer it is a vacation spot for many Syrians. Many vacation compounds are located in the region with some top quality resorts. The port of Tartus is home to a small
Russian naval facility.