Ashdod, Israel-a resort town on the Mediterranean coast, located three dozen kilometers from Tel Aviv. The settlement is included in the list of the oldest Israeli cities – several millennia ago, the first human settlements appeared on the territory of the modern settlement. By the way, the name of the city has not changed since then. Already in the modern time period, port workers lived in Ashdod, gradually the number of residents increased and it was given the status of a city. This happened in 1968.
Today, Ashdod is the largest seaport that accepts cargo ships. From a tourist point of view, the city is notable for its beaches, which are rightfully considered the cleanest and most adapted for recreation. What else is remarkable about the sixth largest resort city in Israel, what attractions you can see here, how to get from Tel Aviv-read about this, as well as many other things in the review.
Photo: Ashdod City
Ashdod-description, useful facts
The city of Ashdod in Israel is built on picturesque hills, is one of the oldest settlements in the state and in the world. The area of the resort is slightly more than 47 km2, the number of inhabitants is 240 thousand. If you look at the map of Israel, Ashdod can be found in the south of the country, three dozen kilometers from Tel Aviv. Today it is one of the largest ports of the state and a center of pilgrimage for millions of believers.
Interesting fact! About 60% of goods imported by sea pass through the port.
Interesting facts about the city:
- the first settlement on the territory of Ashdod appeared in the 17th century BC-there are official documents about this;
- the name of a locality appears 17 times in the Bible;
- at various historical times, Ashdod was inhabited by Philistines, Byzantines, Arabs, and even Crusaders;
- the modern resort appeared in the middle of the 20th century, and the settlement received the status of a city in 1968;
- the development of the settlement was carried out on the basis of an approved plan, the main points of which concerned the development of roads and transport links, air purification.
Interesting fact! The construction project was approved by the Minister of Finance in May 1956. In late autumn, the first settlers from Morocco arrived in Ashdod. They were involved in construction work.
History of Ashdod in dates:
- 1958-the power plant was put into operation;
- 1959-the settlement received the official status of a local council;
- 1961-a seaport is built;
- 1963-construction of the seaport is completed;
- 1965-seaport receives first ship from Sweden;
- 1968-granted city status;
- 1989-the process of returning Jews to their historical homeland is initiated.
Useful to know! There are no parking problems in the city, there are no traffic jams, and in 2009 major transport interchanges were built.
When locals talk about the climate and weather conditions in the city, they joke – in the summer precipitation is possible in the form of rockets. The fact is that Ashdod is located near the Gaza Strip, several times a year the settlement and its surroundings are subjected to rocket attacks, but not a single rocket reaches the target, because an Iron Dome has been built near the city to reflect the attacks.
Another interesting fact related to Ashdod in Israel is that there are uninhabited or dead areas in the city. The French buy a lot of real estate in the city, but do not live in it.
Photo: Ashdod, Israel
Ashdod attractions in Israel
Ashdod is a well-maintained and beautiful resort town. Snow-white buildings of different architecture are built in the central part. Ancient streets are intertwined with wide, modern avenues. At first glance, it may seem that apart from beach relaxation in Ashdod there is nothing worthy of attention, but the sea, port city boasts ancient sights, shopping centers, and restaurants with fine Mediterranean cuisine. First of all, once in the city, take a walk along the waterfront and admire the beautiful yachts. A special artificial bay with a capacity of up to 1,500 vessels was built for them in the city.
Sea Fortress
This landmark of Ashdod can not be called popular and very visited. Probably for this reason, the authorities do not pay enough attention to the care and restoration of the fortress, which is located a few kilometers from the harbor. In the local dialect, the name sounds – Castellum Beroar. The landmark dates back to the 8th century and was built as a port defensive structure. The authorities ‘ inattentive and even somewhat indifferent attitude to the ruins is understandable, because there are a huge number of attractions in Israel, so close attention is paid primarily to European and Christian sites, but not to Arab ones.
Interesting fact! It is surprising that some parts of the fortress have survived to this day. The fact is that it was built from shell rock and soft rocks.
It is interesting to visit the ruins of the fortress at different times of the year, but according to local guides, when the donkey blossoms and daffodils bloom, the fortress is transformed. Visiting the sights can be combined with relaxing on the beach – sparsely populated and clean.
It is noteworthy that in the process of destruction under the influence of wind, sun and rain, it became noticeable that the attraction is a stratification of different cultures, religions and epochs.
Useful to know! Swimming here in the sea is dangerous, because the remains of the fortress are located under the water. It’s dangerous to swim here at low tide.
Jonah’s Hill
According to one of the legends, the grave of the prophet Jonah is located on the top of the hill. Thus, the hill is not only a landmark of Ashdod, but also a place of pilgrimage. In addition, the hill is a kind of observation deck, which offers a wonderful view not only of the city, but also of the neighboring settlements – Palmachim and Ashkelon. The hill of Jonah is located on the Lachish River, namely on the northern bank.
The Nahal Lachish Nature Reserve is open nearby, where various animals live, and you can even feed them at certain hours. A restaurant serving national cuisine is located near the reserve.
Interesting facts:
- the hill is 57 meters high and is the highest point in the city;
- to the left of the hill is a lighthouse;
- guided tours to the ruins are only possible in daylight;
- You can purchase a guided tour in the small village of Lachish or at a travel agency directly in Ashdod.
Useful to know! You can admire the hill during a boat trip, from the sea side the view of the attraction is especially attractive.
Ha-City Quarter
It is this quarter that locals call the heart of the city. Here is the “White House” or municipality, the Ashdod cultural center, modern business centers, and a bus station. On the square there is a Statue of Liberty, from the top of which a laser beam rushes into the sky. A little to the east is another bright attraction-the sculpture of a Sail, which is originally illuminated in the dark.
Lachish Park
The park is a fully state-owned project implemented in 1991. Located in the northern part of the resort, near the port. The park is named after the river that separates the port from the park area. The river is known from biblical times and flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The park is green, well-groomed, there are many fruit trees – date palms, mulberry trees.
Photo: Ashdod City, Israel
There are two ways to enter the park:
- from the west, if you move from the sea to the right, along the port;
- down Herzl Street, heading for the port.
A special feature of the park is that it is sparsely populated four days a week – from Sunday to Thursday. There are weekends in Israel on Friday and Saturday, and then locals walk in the park.
Useful to know! You can get to the park completely free of charge, at the entrance there is information about the sights.
People come to the park just to take a walk, look at animals, have a picnic with kebabs. To see the animals, just turn right at the entrance, there are zebras, buffaloes, antelopes and argali, raccoons, fallow deer and ostriches. Despite the fact that it is forbidden to feed animals, as there are corresponding signs, many visitors bring fresh vegetables with them.
The park has many sculptures installed along the 2.5 km long pedestrian zone. Given the considerable length of the park, the management took care of the comfort of tourists-along the paths there are benches and awnings that protect from the heat. You can drink from the fountain with drinking water – there are also enough of them on the territory of the park. There is an area for playing paintball, a lot of attractions – this is seasonal entertainment. You can play paintball in winter, and go on rides in summer. Children can ride ponies and horses.
The park is fully adapted for recreation of tourists of different ages and with different preferences. Lovers of measured relaxation will enjoy boat trips, the company will be able to cook kebabs on specially equipped barbecues, bike paths are equipped for active recreation. Be sure to take a camera with you, because the park is very beautiful nature, and in sunny weather, proud fallow deer and funny ostriches go for a walk, which allow themselves to be photographed.
Flea Market
The Ashdod flea market is a huge collection of Soviet rarities. A great advantage of the attraction is that it is located next to the Mediterranean Sea. But the disadvantages can be attributed to the way the flea market in Ashdod works-one day a week, on Wednesdays. If a religious or public holiday falls on a Wednesday, the bazaar is closed.
The attraction is located in the oldest part of the city – in Aleph. The market stretches from Rogozin Street and up to the Mediterranean coast. The overwhelming majority of merchants are natives of the Soviet Union, while only a small percentage of sellers are Arabs. If you want to go back in time, the best way is to visit a flea market. There are a lot of dishes, books, souvenirs, old phones, matryoshka dolls, lighters, sewing machines, costume jewelry, toys. There are sellers-collectors from whom you can buy coins or badges.
Ashdod Beaches
If you characterize the beaches of Ashdod, you will get the following: clean, adapted for recreation, spacious. Indeed, even at the peak of the tourist season, there is always a secluded place on the shore, there are sheds for the disabled-paved paths lead to them, laid also to the sea. A sand-filtering machine regularly drives along the shore. That is why it is clean, fine and soft. In addition, free toilets, showers are installed everywhere, and even ashtrays are provided for smoking tourists. It should be noted that order and cleanliness on all beaches are supported by a large number of municipal employees.
Useful to know! Ashdod beach season starts in April and ends in October. After the beaches are closed, lifeguards do not work on the towers.
Ashdod has a total of seven official beaches:
- Gandhi or Kshatot
- Yud Alef
- Lido
- Mei Ami
- Oranim
- Separate beach for people with different religious views, as well as for women and men;
- The Riviera.
The beaches are separate and do not flow into each other. Each one has a flag of a certain color, signaling the state of the sea and indicating whether it is possible to swim. By the way, rescuers strictly monitor compliance with the rules and indicate to tourists if they violate them.
Flags come in three colors:
- white – the sea is calm, you can sunbathe and swim;
- red – the sea is rough, you can swim, but it is forbidden to swim far, the danger level is medium;
- black – it is forbidden to enter the sea.
There is a parking lot and a place where you can park your bike near each beach.
Interesting fact! Ashdod’s beaches are a favorite destination for surf and sailing enthusiasts. The fact is that almost always there are waves at sea.
The most popular beaches are Mei Ami and Lido. Here on the beach there are restaurants, shops with beach accessories. For a youth holiday in Ashdod in Israel, Kshatot beach is more suitable, and for a family holiday – Oranim. Most beaches are open on schedule: from 8-00 to 19-00.
Ashdod holiday Prices
The resort town of Ashdod offers tourists a large selection of hotels from budget to luxury. Most of the apartments are built right on the beach. The cost of accommodation varies depending on the location of the hotel and its status.
- The minimum price for a 4-star double hotel is$ 100 (in summer).
- For a night in a 5-star hotel, you will have to pay from$160.
- Accommodation in a budget guesthouse – $ 70.
Restaurants and cafes are also plentiful in the city, feel free to order Mediterranean cuisine. The average cost of a beer dinner is about$8. The city also has a rich selection of establishments with a Russian menu.
Weather and climate
Ashdod is located in a zone with a Mediterranean climate, so summers are hot and dry, and winters are wet and warm. At the same time, humidity is high throughout the year. The rainy season starts in November and lasts until March. It is during this period that the annual precipitation level is 510 mm.
Useful to know! In summer, the air warms up to +32°C, on rare days it is hot to +35°C. In winter, it is not colder than +10°C, only sometimes the thermometer drops to +5°C.
Thus, the best time for a trip to relax on the beaches is best chosen from May to early autumn, and for excursions and walks, the period from April to May or autumn is more suitable. Be prepared for the fact that in the summer for all three months there may not be a single drop of rain. Be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen. But on a trip in the fall, you need to take an umbrella and a raincoat.
How to get to Ashdod from Tel Aviv Airport
The distance between settlements is only 40 km, depending on personal preferences, tourists can choose the best mode of transport.
By train
This is the most convenient way. Flight 50 departs directly from the terminal at the airport. It arrives at Tel Aviv Haganah station in 12 minutes. Here you need to change to flight No. 41, which goes to Ashdod. The total cost of travel is from 6 to 10 euros. Trains depart every hour.
By bus
Bus number 330 departs from the airport three times a day. It takes 1.5 hours to get to Ashdod. The flight is direct, tickets cost about 3 euros.
By taxi
You can also order a taxi. The trip will cost from 65 to 80 euros, duration-34 minutes. If you arrive in Tel Aviv at night or are traveling with children, it makes sense to book a transfer. In this case, you will be met at the airport by a driver with a sign and brought directly to the hotel.
By car
If you want to travel independently, you can rent a car at the airport. The road to Ashdod will take only 34 minutes to fill up the tank, you will have to buy 4 liters of gasoline (about 5.5 euros).
Ashdod, Israel – a city with a southern climate and hospitality. Come and see for yourself.
