Tartus is a major port city on the Mediterranean coast of Syria. It is the second largest port city in Syria, and the largest city in Tartus Governorate. Tartus was under the governance of Latakia Governorate until the 1970s, when it became a separate governorate. The population is 458,327. In the summer it is a vacation spot for many Syrians. Many vacation compounds and resorts are located in the region.