ASHDOD, Israel

Ashdod is the port of Tel Aviv and the second harbour, after Haifa, of the Israeli Mediterranean coast. This is a very young town, founded in 1957. But the area has of course been inhabited for thousands of years. The nearby sites of Tel Mor, Ashdod Yam and Tel Ashdod are witnesses to these past settlements.

Language: Hebrew

 Currency: New Shekel

DOCKING Ashdod Harbour

TO GET TO TOWN The distance from the harbour to downtown Ashdod is approx. 4 km (2 1/2 miles). The best way to get to town is by taxi, but walking is practicable.

WHAT TO VISIT Time and schedule permitting

The beaches are one of Ashdod’s attractions (Miami Beach, Lido Beach, Ha Kshatot Beach, Yud Alef Beach). The Ashdod Yam Fortress was built during the ancient Arab era (640-1099 AD). The Mamonia Shrine is a beautiful shrine located next to Miami Beach, serves as a heritage and cultural centre for the Moroccan community in Ashdod. Includes a traditional oriental shopping centre. Ashdod Museum Corin Maman (open Sun-Thu 9.00 am to 4.00 pm, Sat and holidays 10.30 am to 1.30 pm), Car Museum (open Sun-Thu 10.00 am to 9.00 pm, Fri 10.00 am to 4 pm); Tel Ashdod, southeast of the city, was the capital of the Philistines. This place has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. A few houses remain on the Tel, ruins of the Arab village of Isdud, including a Khan (caravanserai), the Sultan Ibrahim El Makbouki Mosque and the tomb of a Marabout (holy man). Tel Aviv, the capital city of Israel, is about 20 km (13 miles) from Ashdod. SHOPPING There are three Shopping Centers: Merkaz Ha’ir (City Mall), Ashdod Mall, Lev Ashdod Mall, all fairly centrally located.

 EATING OUT Here you can find restaurants serving all types of food: oriental, seafood, Chinese, etc.Many people like to go to Ha Kshatot Beach, with many good restaurants on a nice beach.