Ashkelon: discover the nature and the beautiful landscapes around

Nature and landscapes in Ashkelon and the surrounding area - not just the sea

In recent years, Ashkelon has been getting on the map as a desirable tourist destination. The southern city of the coastal plain, is located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and boasts beautiful beaches, a rich history and an accelerated rate of development. The choice to travel in Ashkelon is special and different, but those who do it will find themselves in front of a multitude of options for travel, nature and experiences. Of course, the sea of ​​Ashkelon and the beaches next to it are a top scenic attraction, but the Ashkelon area has a lot more to offer in addition to that. Woods and springs, observatories and nature reserves, hiking and biking trails, all these and more you can find here in the area.

So whether you are coming from near or far, by public transportation or by car (your own or one you rented from a car rental agency in Israel), here are a number of representative suggestions for spending time in the nature of Ashkelon and its surroundings. Of course, it is important to note that this is only a sample, and there are many other places that can be visited, if you just look for them.

Credit: Anat Frank Gourli, from the pikiwiki website

The beach of Ashkelon

So while this is not the only attraction, it is impossible to talk about nature in Ashkelon without talking about the sea on whose shores it lies. The city boasts twelve whole kilometers of beach, where you can use six declared beaches with organized lifeguard services. And that's without even talking about the beaches that are north and south of the city itself. Among the calmer beaches (and more suitable for families) we can mention Dalila Beach, Bar Kochba Beach, and the separate beach for those who are interested (even days for men, odd days for women). On these beaches you will find fitness facilities, changing rooms, toilets, and sometimes also play facilities for children. In addition, near the beaches you can enjoy a variety of restaurants and cafes that will enjoy your time. For those interested in a wilder and more challenging experience, mainly due to the lack of a breakwater, you can go to the beach of the Ashkelon National Park, in the southern part of the city. This beach is suitable for adventurers and surfers, due to its waves.
 

Ashkelon Eco-Sport Park

For those who don't want to drive a lot, Eco Sport Park is a green gem right in the city. This is a large park, and one that has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. From a neglected and dirty site on the outskirts of the city, it has today become one of the most well-kept and invested urban parks in Israel. In the territory of the park you can find walking paths, green lawns, an artificial lake with adapted attractions, and even a winter pool in season. In addition, you can enjoy watching the many birds that live in the park, or park there on their way to another place. This is an accessible nature site, convenient and especially suitable for family recreation, but still within the city.
 

Sand Nitzanim Nature Reserve

A short drive north of Ashkelon is the Holot Nitzanim nature reserve, one of the most beautiful reserves in Israel. The reserve is diverse, and has sections suitable for different types of groups and families. You will find short trails with lots of vegetation, sandy trails, Kurkar hills facing the sea, and more. In addition to the trails themselves, the reserve offers its visitors a view of a variety of flora and fauna that live here in a wonderful symbiosis. Deer, foxes, birds and more, you can see them all during the trip if you are lucky. And if you are at all adventurous, you can bring equipment for overnight parking and sleep in tents at the famous (and regulated) Eucalyptus parking lot. recommended.

Sand Zikim Nature Reserve

On the other side of the city of Ashkelon, i.e. a short drive south of it, is the nature reserve of Zikim Sands, which includes, among other things, the mouth of Nahal Shakma which comes from the Judean Mountains, and the famous Zikim Beach. The reserve is not very large, but it contains a huge variety of animals of different species, which you will surely come across during the trip there. The emphasis in the reserve is on the bird population, among other things due to the presence of a sycamore reservoir and its branches that attract cranes, ducks, herons and more, but there are also turtles, hedgehogs, deer and even snakes here (caution).
The reserve has several hiking options, with the option suitable for families (but not for strollers or wheelchairs) being a linear route of about 3 kilometers along the mouth of the river, to Zikim beach itself where you can also enter the water. As part of the trip you can roll on the dunes of the reserve, and clean yourself in the clear waters of the sea.

In conclusion, the city of Ashkelon offers its visitors a variety of outdoor excursion options, many of which include the sea, but are certainly not limited to relaxing on the beach. Whether within the city itself or within a short driving distance from it, you can find a whole world of flora, animals, routes and landscapes. You can find the way you want to travel - by easy or strenuous walking, by bicycle, or maybe even by jeep - and find the right place for you. It is important to note that in order to get to most of the nature sites near Ashkelon, you need an attached car, so you should come with your own car or use the services of a car rental company in Ashkelon. The vehicle will allow you to reach your destination, place unnecessary equipment there, and return back to the city or home according to your personal schedule, without being limited by public transportation services.