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Ashkelon
ℹ️Practical info — Ashkelon
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the Ashkelon National Park early morning to beat the heat and explore ancient ruins on the cliff.
- Parking near the marina is usually easier during weekdays.
- Respect Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening) as many shops and public transport close.
- Use a Rav-Kav card for local buses.
🍽 Food
Fresh Mediterranean catch with sea views.
Try this Iraqi-Jewish sandwich from street food stalls in the city center.
A classic Israeli breakfast dish served in most cafes along the promenade.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Great for fresh produce, spices, and local atmosphere.
Modern shopping complex right by the marina for brands and air conditioning.
A peaceful green strip along the coast well-suited for sunset walks.
A quiet historical spot within the national park.
Water temperature…
Ashkelon, one of the world's oldest cities located on the Mediterranean coast, features a rich history spanning over 5,000 years. It served as a vital maritime hub for Canaanites, Philistines, Romans, and Crusaders, with their legacies preserved today in the sprawling Ashkelon National Park. The park features the world's oldest arched city gate, dating back to approximately 1850 BCE. The modern city was re-established in 1948 and has grown into a significant industrial and energy hub, housing one of the world's largest seawater desalination plants and the Rutenberg Power Station. Ashkelon is also a popular tourist destination, known for its pristine beaches, spirited marina, and scenic promenade. The city's ability to balance its ancient archaeological heritage with cutting-edge technological infrastructure defines its modern character. Ongoing residential development continues to attract thousands of new residents, drawn by the combination of history and seaside living.
- Location: Israel
- Top sights: Ashkeluna · Grave of Sheikh 'Awwad · Heichal HaTarbut
- Nearby: Ashdod (15 km)
- Population: ~144.073 (2022)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 15 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 27 | 25 | 21 | 17 |
| Rain mm | 55 | 34 | 22 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 37 | 45 |
Geography
Facts
- One of the oldest continuously inhabited port cities in the world.
- Features the world's oldest known arched gateway, built around 1850 BCE.
- Ashkelon National Park houses significant Philistine archaeological ruins.
- Home to one of the world's largest and most advanced desalination plants.
- The Rutenberg Power Station is a major source of Israel's electricity.
- The city boasts 12 kilometers of coastline with popular swimming beaches.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Ashkelon (9)
Frequently asked questions
What does Ashkelon National Park offer?
Does Ashkelon have a marina?
Are the beaches in Ashkelon clean?
Are there museums in the city?
How safe is Ashkelon?
Ashkelon: where is it located?
Ashkelon: what is there to see?
Ashkelon: when is the best time to visit?
Ashkelon: why is it worth visiting?
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