Ashkelon

אשקלון

Ancient coastal city with Byzantine ruins, a national park featuring Roman and Crusader remains, and wide sandy beaches. Combines history with modern beach resort facilities and is less touristy than northern coastal towns.

Things to do

• Ashkelon National Park — Explore Roman columns, Byzantine mosaics, and Crusader fortifications within this archaeological open-air museum overlooking the Mediterranean.
• North Beach — Swim and sunbathe on the city's main sandy beach with modern facilities, lifeguards, and promenades lined with cafes and restaurants.
• Ashkelon Marina — Walk along the modern waterfront with yacht moorings, seafood restaurants, and sunset views over the Mediterranean.
• Byzantine Church and Mosaic Museum — View intricate ancient mosaics and remains of a 6th-century Byzantine church discovered during local excavations.
• Delilah Beach — Visit the quieter southern beach area suitable for families and those seeking a less crowded swimming experience.
• Barnea Neighborhood Walk — Stroll through this artistic district with galleries, boutiques, cafes, and examples of contemporary Israeli coastal living.

Food to try

• Fresh Mediterranean Grilled Fish — Catch of the day grilled simply with olive oil and lemon at harbor-side restaurants, showcasing the day's local catch.
• Sabich — A local Israeli sandwich of fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, and tahini sauce, popular as a quick lunch along the beachfront.
• Shrimp Salatim — Grilled shrimp served with Israeli salad, hummus, and fresh pita bread, reflecting the city's seaside location.
• Shakshuka — Eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce, served at local breakfast spots and traditional Israeli restaurants throughout the city.
• Halva with Sesame — Traditional Middle Eastern sweet made from tahini, commonly found in local bakeries and confectioneries as a dessert or snack.

Local customs & good to know

• Casual Beach Culture — Israelis frequent beaches year-round in casual attire; respect local customs by dressing modestly away from the shoreline, especially near residential areas.
• Hebrew Signage — While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Hebrew phrases helps with navigation and shows respect to locals in this less international resort than Eilat or Tel Aviv.
• Shabbat Observance — On Friday evenings and Saturdays, some businesses close for the Jewish Sabbath; plan activities and restaurant visits accordingly, as the city observes traditional customs.
• Archaeological Sensitivity — Respect rope barriers and signs in the national park; these sites are protected heritage areas and removing artifacts is illegal.