Top 10 Things To Do In Ashkelon, Israel

1. Discover Tel Ashkelon's historical ruins

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The ruins of Ashkelon are encompassed by an enormous earthen rampart that marked the borders of the Canaanite settlement. This large wall’s purpose was for a system of fortifications and a glacis which in military terms refers to a sloped bank. It sloped down from a fort to expose attacking armies to the weapons of the defenders. The rampart was constructed between 2,000 - 1,550 BCE and was used by Ashkelon’s citizens for over 500 years.

Tel Ashkelon

Address: Ashkelon National Park

Website: Tel Ashkelon

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

Price: 3-8 USD

2. Spend time exploring Ashkelon National Park

From its beautiful, white sand beach and Azure waters, its archaeological sites, Roman Basilica, and medieval walls, Ashkelon National Park is a gem to explore. From the Canaanite Gate to the Roman-era courtyard, constructed out of marble floors and columns, visitors will find marvels of the past throughout the park. Besides man-made historical sites, the park is home to a nature reserve consisting of sand dunes, desert vegetation such as white broom, sea daffodil, and sea cudweed. There’s also an amphitheater which seats 10,000 spectators and is used for cultural events.

Ashkelon National Park

Address: Ashkelon National Park

Website: Ashkelon National Park

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

Price: 3-8 USD

3. Commence on a hiking adventure along the Ashkelon promenade

Stroll along Ashkelon’s promenade where you will be able to experience the sea breeze as you hike up the beach towards the cliffs that provide a panoramic view of the sea and the city’s edge. Enjoy wriggling your toes in the soft sand while you enjoy a picnic on one of the beach tables. Finish off the day by taking a sunset stroll along the promenade and enjoy watching the palm trees dancing in the breeze before heading back to your seaside accommodations. Chill out and sunbathe at the beach while dozing off to the crashing waves.

Ashkelon Promenade

Address: Bar Kochva Promenade

Website: Ashkelon Promenade

Opening hours: 24/7

4. Explore Asheklon Marina's contemporary paradise

Head over to Ashkelon Marina, an international port and tourist center located on the Mediterranean. Enjoy beholding a stunning sunset of pink and tangerine hues as you dine seaside at one of the marina’s restaurants. Take the children to the Marina Mall where they can participate in creative activities each afternoon or uncover prehistoric friends at the dinosaur park. Adults and children can enjoy visiting the cinema where they can sit back and view one of many new releases playing on the big screen.

Ashkelon Marina

Address: 9 HaNamal Street

Website: Ashkleon Marina

Opening hours: 24/7

Price: Free

5. Hike through Nitsanim Dunes Nature Reserve

Enjoy hiking the Nitzanim Reserve from the sandy hills to the coastal ridge where you can behold deer, lizards, birds, and sea turtles swimming in from the sea onto the sandy shore. Spend your adventure in an off-road terrain vehicle climbing over the sand dunes which used to stretch to the Mediterranean Sea before developers cleared them in order to build cities. The reserve stretches 30 miles (77 km) and has a desert climate along the Mediterranean Sea where you can enjoy the beautiful untouched coastline.

Nitsanim Dunes Nature Reserve

Address: 1363 Nitzanim Shore Road

Website: Nitsanim Dunes Nature Reserve

6. Escape reality at the Escape Zone

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Take your group of up to six players to be challenged and escape a locked bedroom within an allotted time of 60 minutes. Enjoy finding clues and solving puzzles while visiting this gaming haven in Ashkelon. The property consists of two escape rooms which are universal so there is no need to learn the local language prior to your visit.

Escape Zone

Address: 29 Tsahal Street

Website: Escape Zone

Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)

7. Check out the historic Tomb of Sheikh

The 500-year-old historic Tomb of Sheikh comes with an explanatory plaque in English and Hebrew. After visiting this well-preserved structure, stroll along the promenade to enjoy stunning seaside views and arrive at the beautiful Delilah Beach. Visitors can enjoy the early morning sun, the warm afternoon, and the beautiful sunsets along with starry nights along this perfect trail.

Tomb of Sheikh Awad

Address: Kibbutz Yad Mordechai

Website: Tomb of Sheikh Awad

8. Sail the beautiful Ashkelon Sea through Mazav Haruach

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The friendly crew of the Tamara welcome aboard all those eager to set sail with them on the sapphire waters of the Ashkelon Sea. Enjoy spending your morning sailing the open waters while listening to the soothing sound of the waves as you venture towards the horizon. As you relax, enjoy watching dolphins play along the side of the boat. Prices range from 125 USD for an hour, 115 USD per hour for more than four hours, 785 USD for an entire day at sea, and 615 USD per day above four days.

Mazav Haruach

Address: Ashkelon Marina

Website: Mazav Haruach

Price: 115-615 USD

9. Look over the exhibits at the From Holocaust to Revival Museum

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Take a walk through history browsing the exhibits that deal with the history of the Jewish People in Israel from the start of the 20th century to the establishment of the State Of Israel. The museum emphasizes the Jewish uprising against the Nazis in the Warsaw ghetto and Mordechai Arilevitz. This informative location also presents the story of Kibbutz Yad Mordechai, the settlement of the Negev, and southern Israel’s battles that took place in 1948.

From Holocaust to Revival Museum

Address: Kibbutz Yad Mordechai

Website: From Holocaust to Revival Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 6pm; Fri: 10am - 1pm; Sat: 11am - 2pm (closed on Sun)

10. Spend a fun-filled day frolicking at Ashkelon's Sea Park

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Ashkelon Sea Park offers visitors a complete entertainment and recreational experience with its climbing walls, rope park, spiral zip line, children’s cycling area, and cycling trails throughout the park. Enjoy a day of relaxation soaking up the sun at the beach in a lush green setting and head over to one of the many restaurants for a casual dinner afterward. Take in stunning views of the coastline from the observation points or enjoy putting a blanket down on Ashkelon’s spectacular beach for a seaside picnic. Admission to the park is free except for the extreme sports facilities.

Ashkelon Sea Park

Address: Ashkelon National Park

Website: Sea Park of Ashkelon

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

Ashkelon, a Mediterranean seaside gem

After enjoying all the natural parks with their stunning beauty, archaeological sites, amazing flora, and varied wildlife, take time to sit back and relax on one of the numerous beaches along the Mediterranean Sea’s spectacular coastline. For those traveling with families, let the kids run free at the dinosaur park or sea park with its various activities such as climbing walls, cycling area, zip line, and many more to capture their interest while you enjoy some downtime. Finish off your stay in Ashkelon by strolling along the promenade to take in the beautiful early morning seaside views or spend a day leisurely at sea coursing through the turquoise waters of the Ashkelon Sea watching dolphins frolic in the surf before enjoying a beautiful sunset prior to returning to the marina.