Ashdod

Named after the prophet Jonah, who is believed to be buried here. It is the highest point of the city (around 150 m above sea level) with the city lighthouse on top of it.

Park along the southern bank of the Lachish river, which reaches the Mediterranean Sea here. In addition to the usual park facilities, it has a small zoo, and is a popular spot for birdwatchers.

The ancient port of Ashdod was here (the ancient city was further inland). You can see a large fortress several meters from the coastline. It was built in the 7th century and used until 1260. The fortress is impressive to see, but fenced off and you cannot enter it.

It's in the MonArt center, and has 13 exhibition halls. In an architectural echo of the Louvre, the entrance to the museum is through a glass pyramid.

A fountain in the Ashdod Sea Park close to the beach. Inspired by the Magic Fountain in Barcelona, this fountain puts on an impressive sound and light show several times each evening (except Friday night and when there is rain).

In modern slang, a "philistine" is a person without culture. But the ancient Philistine people had culture, and you can see it in this museum. Ashdod was one of the five main Philistine cities in the Biblical period.

The only surviving sand dunes in central Israel are located in the national reserve between southeast Ashdod and Highway 4 (the road to Tel Aviv). The largest dune is about 35 meters high and 250 meters long. In the reserve there is also preserved wildlife (mostly deer, rabbits, birds and jackals). Entrance is free.

During the 1948 Israel Independence War, the Egyptian army invaded Israel. This park marks the northernmost point they reached before being forced to retreat by Israeli forces. There are memorials (including one to fallen Egyptian soldiers, erected after a peace treaty with Egypt was signed), the old bridge around which the battle was fought, and military relics from the battle.