A Mediterranean coastal city with Israel's largest port, dating back to biblical times. Once a salt production center, it grew from a 1956 development town into a major urban hub.
Ashdod sits along the Mediterranean coast 32 kilometers south of Tel Aviv, making it Israel's fifth-largest city. You can walk through the ruins of the 7th-century Ashdod-Yam Fortress, listen to weekly concerts by the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra, or swim at one of the city's Mediterranean beaches. The city's port handles container ships from around the world, while the Corinne Mamane Museum displays ancient Philistine artifacts found in the region.
Port Operations and Maritime Activities
Ships from across the Mediterranean dock at the Port of Ashdod along the city's western edge. You can watch container vessels and cargo operations from the Lighthouse Beach viewpoint or walk along the Port View promenade. A 3-kilometer path runs through the port area, giving you close-up views of cranes loading and unloading Panamax ships.
Museums and Cultural Venues
At the Corinne Mamane Museum of Philistine Culture, you'll find clay pottery, weapons, and household items from ancient Philistine settlements. The museum's exhibits include reconstructed Philistine homes and a pottery workshop where you can try ancient crafting techniques. Visit Tuesday through Sunday, with guides speaking Hebrew, English, and Arabic. The Israeli Andalusian Orchestra performs at the Performing Arts Center each week, playing music that combines medieval Spanish melodies with Middle Eastern instruments.
Archaeological Sites
The Ashdod-Yam Fortress stands 15 meters high, with thick stone walls and defensive towers from the 7th century CE. You can climb to the fortress battlements for views of the Mediterranean or explore the Byzantine ruins beneath the structure. At Tel Ashdod, 4.5 kilometers from downtown, archaeologists have uncovered 17th century BCE settlements, including pottery workshops and kitchen tools showing links to ancient Greek civilizations.
Sports and Recreation
Play tennis or swim in the Olympic-size pool at the Municipal Sports Center. Chess players gather each May for the Ashdod International Chess Festival at the Cultural Center. Watch F.C. Ironi Ashdod play soccer at the 7,800-seat Yud-Alef Stadium, where local youth train at the football academy. Along the 5-kilometer coastline, Lido Beach and Mi Ami Beach have designated zones for swimming and surfing, plus courts for beach volleyball.
