Ashkelon
IsraelIL
City in Israel
Ashkelon or Ashqelon, is a coastal city in the Southern District of Israel on the Mediterranean coast, 50 kilometres (30 mi) south of Tel Aviv, and 13 kilometres (8 mi) north of the border with the Gaza Strip. The modern city is named after the ancient seaport of Ascalon, which was destroyed in 1270 and whose remains are on the southwestern edge of the modern metropolis. The Israeli city, first known as Migdal, was founded in 1949 approximately 4 km inland from ancient Ascalon at the Palestinian town of al-Majdal. Its inhabitants had been exclusively Muslims and Christians, and the area had been allocated to Palestine in the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine; on the eve of the 1948 Arab–Israeli War the inhabitants numbered 10,000 and in October 1948, the city accommodated thousands more Palestinian refugees from nearby villages. The town was conquered by Israeli forces on 5 November 1948, by which time much of the Arab population had fled, leaving some 2700 inhabitants, of whom Israeli soldiers deported 500 in December 1948, and most of the rest were deported by 1950. Today, the city's population is almost entirely Israeli Jews.
Read more on Wikipedia →- Population
- 141,000
- Coordinates
- 31.669, 34.571
- Timezone
- Asia/Jerusalem
- Elevation
- 10 m
Overview of Ashkelon
Travellers heading to Israel will find Ashkelon, a compact city. It counts about 141,000 residents. And it shows in how much there is to see. Its strongest draws are nature, water sports and adventure. Seasons here follow the northern hemisphere.
Things to do in Ashkelon
Nature in Ashkelon
(9)Ashkelon's nature entries include Beaches, Caves, National Parks, Natural Places and Nature. It is a direct read of Ashkelon's activity profile. There are 9 tagged experiences in this group.
Water Sports in Ashkelon
(8)Our data lists Bodyboard, Paddle, Sailboats, Snorkeling and Surf as water sports options here. The category holds 8 entries in our dataset. Straight from the activity profile stored for Ashkelon.
Adventure in Ashkelon
(6)For adventure, expect Abseiling, Adventure, Adventure Parks, Boat Rides and Escape Room. The category holds 6 entries in our dataset. Straight from the activity profile stored for Ashkelon.
Culture in Ashkelon
(5)For culture, expect Ancient Ruins, Castles, Monuments, Statues and Towers. Plan them together and you have a full day. This reflects only what is documented for Ashkelon.
Sports in Ashkelon
(3)On the sports side, Ashkelon offers Hunting, Running and Tennis. It is a direct read of Ashkelon's activity profile. A short list, but an easy way to shape a day.
Wellness in Ashkelon
(3)Ashkelon records Farms, Ranches and Therms under wellness. These entries mirror the activity data we hold for Ashkelon. A short list, but an easy way to shape a day.
Family in Ashkelon
(2)Under family, Ashkelon is tagged with Playgrounds and Water Parks. Enough to anchor an afternoon or a full day. This reflects only what is documented for Ashkelon.
More to do in Ashkelon
(1)The other activities shortlist for Ashkelon: Fishing. These entries mirror the activity data we hold for Ashkelon. These pair well with anything else on this page.
Best time to visit Ashkelon
Water-based activities peak in June to September, when temperatures suit the coast and lakes. April to June and September to October keeps outdoor plans comfortable.
Getting there & around
A medium-sized centre, Ashkelon is best entered by regional transport and crossed on foot. Set your clock to Asia/Jerusalem on arrival.
Similar destinations
Places near Ashkelon that share the same kinds of activities.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Ashkelon known for?
- Travellers associate Ashkelon with nature, water sports and adventure. It sits in Israel and counts about 141,000 residents.
- What can you do in Ashkelon?
- Ashkelon is tagged with Beaches, Caves, National Parks, Natural Places and Nature, which is enough to structure a first visit.
- When is the best time to visit Ashkelon?
- Water-based activities peak in June to September, when temperatures suit the coast and lakes. April to June and September to October keeps outdoor plans comfortable.
- Where is Ashkelon located?
- Ashkelon belongs to Israel, so it pairs naturally with other stops in the same area.
Personal notes
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