v2.webp){kind=logo}
- Tel Ashkelon — the ancient city mound: Layers of history piled on top of each other — Canaanite, Philistine, Roman and later — so you can walk where thousands of years of people lived and see exposed walls and foundations. It’s an archaeologist’s playground and gives a real sense of time compressing into one hill.
- Roman-Byzantine quarter and public buildings: Big stone foundations, street lines and the remains of baths/public spaces show the scale of the Roman town. It’s special because you can picture a bustling coastal city here and still smell the sea breeze — rare to have that combo.
- Crusader fortifications and old harbor remains: Weathered stone ramparts facing the Mediterranean and vestiges of the ancient harbor give dramatic seaside views. The mix of medieval architecture and wild
- Tel Ashkelon — the ancient city mound: Layers of history piled on top of each other — Canaanite, Philistine, Roman and later — so you can walk where thousands of years of people lived and see exposed walls and foundations. It’s an archaeologist’s playground and gives a real sense of time compressing into one hill.
- Roman-Byzantine quarter and public buildings: Big stone foundations, street lines and the remains of baths/public spaces show the scale of the Roman town. It’s special because you can picture a bustling coastal city here and still smell the sea breeze — rare to have that combo.
- Crusader fortifications and old harbor remains: Weathered stone ramparts facing the Mediterranean and vestiges of the ancient harbor give dramatic seaside views. The mix of medieval architecture and wild coast makes for great photos and a slightly cinematic vibe.
- The ancient dog cemetery: One of the oldest known pet cemeteries — dozens of dog burials from antiquity. It’s odd, moving and unexpectedly human: a tiny window into how people once related to their animals.
- Mediterranean beach and coastal dunes: Long sandy stretches and rolling dunes right next to the ruins — great for a swim, a picnic, or watching the sunset after an archaeology crawl. This contrast of calm nature and ancient stones is what makes Ashkelon feel like two parks in one. (Personal favorite — perfect place to unwind after walking the sites.)
- Birdwatching at the tidal pools and seasonal wetlands: Migratory stopover for waders and seabirds — in winter and migration seasons you’ll see flocks and herons feeding in the shallows. If you like wildlife, bring binoculars and a patient eye.
- Coastal walking trails and cliff viewpoints: Short, pleasant trails link ruins, beaches and lookout points. They’re easy to hike, give panoramic sea-and-site views, and are ideal for pacing the day — stop for a view, keep walking, find a shady picnic spot.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Dead Sea - for cruise ship guests only
2026 Jerusalem & Bethlehem from Ashdod Port Small Groups
Holy Jerusalem Private Tour
Ashdod Port Shore Excursion: Masada and the Dead Sea Day Tour from Ashdod Port
Ashdod Port Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Bethlehem Day Tour from Ashdod Port
Holy City of Jerusalem and Bethlehem Private Tour
1-day Private Jerusalem & Bethlehem
Full-Day Tour to Bethlehem and Jerusalem
Day Tour Cruises Ashdod Port Jerusalem & Dead Sea or Bethlehem
Best Backpacking
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.