The port town of Ashdod serves as the gateway to one of the most revered cities in the world. Jerusalem, which is central to three world religions, includes both an old walled city and a modern urban area surrounding the wall. As you stroll inside the wall, you'll eventually "discover" some of the most magnificent holy shrines in the world, including the Mosque of Omar (also known as the Dome of the Rock, the third holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Medina); the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (marking the site of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Christ); and the Western ("Wailing") Wall, once part of Solomon's Temple. Outside the walls of the old city is the beautiful Franciscan church, the Church of All Nations, on the slope of the Mount of Olives; the church is built around the rock in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Ashdod (Hebrew: אַשְׁדּוֹד ), is the fifth-largest city in Israel, located in the Southern District of the country, on the Mediterranean coast, with a population of 207,000. Ashdod is an important regional industrial center. The Port of Ashdod is Israel's largest port accounting for sixty percent of the country's imported goods.
The first documented settlement in Ashdod dates to the Canaanite culture of 17th century BC, making the city one of the most ancient in the world. Ashdod is mentioned thirteen times in the Bible. During the history the city was settled by Philistines, Israelites, Byzantines, Crusaders and Arabs.
Modern Ashdod was established in 1956 on the sand hills near the archeological site, and incorporated as a city in 1968, with a land-area of approximately 60 square kilometers (23.2 sq mi). Being a planned city, expansion followed a main development plan, which facilitated traffic and prevented air pollution in the residential areas, despite population growth. According to the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, Ashdod had a population of 207,000 at the end of 2007, the fifth largest city in Israel and had an area of 47,242 dunams (47.242 km2; 18.240 sq mi)
Currently the port is in the midst of a large scale expansion program. Completed in 2006, stage 1 of the program involved extending the main breakwater by 1150 meters and reclaiming 100 hectares which allowed the addition of 1700 meters of new operational quays capable of supporting Super Post-Panamax vessels.
During the construction of the breakwater, retired IDF Chief of Staff Rafael Eitan who was supervising the construction died when he was swept off the breakwater by a large wave into rough seas. In his honor the new section of the port has been named the 'Eitan Terminal'.
During stage 2 a secondary 1000 meter breakwater will be built and additional reclamation will allow the construction of another 2150 meters of quay for containers, bulk and general cargo.
In addition, plans also include the construction and development of cargo storage areas, operational and service structures for employees, electrical and communications networks, a modern gate complex, access roads to the local and national traffic network and a railway terminal.
Following the signing of the interim agreement between the governments of Israel and Egypt in the spring of 1975, the era of passenger cruise ships opened in the port. In September 1975, the first ship, Stella Polaris, arrived in the port from Alexandria. In 1981, the traffic gathered momentum and since then the tourist traffic through the port has been growing. The terminal adjoins the debarkation area and allows passengers quick and convenient access. As the passenger traffic grew, the building of a new passengers terminal was approved and it is now in an advanced stage of planning. All passenger ship matters are handled by the security department and port services.
Blue Marina in Ashdod is one of the newest marinas in Israel. It is located close to the city center in the middle of beach zone. The marina has berths for nearly 550 crafts. The surrounding area is being developed and will have hotels, restaurants, artificial lakes, and promenades.
The Blue Marina is a center of for sea sports as well. There are surfing, sailing, and diving schools located onsite.
Latitude: 31° 48" N; Longtitude: 34° 37" E; Number of berths: 4.
Due to the growing interest for shore excursions in Israel tour companies started to operate group tours with guaranteed departure from Haifa / Ashdod along with private/shared tour options. You'll find more information about shore excursions here: Bein Harim Tourism Services Ltd: Private Tours in Israel
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