Ashdod Travelers guide

Ashdod | Sightseeing 134 More about: The Sand Park The large wild sand area, which is probably also the last of its kind in Israel, lies between Ashdod and Nitzanim over an area of about 3213 dunam. This is the largest expanse of sand still left on the coastal plain. Among other things, this area contains the tallest migratory sand dune in the country, which became one of the symbols of the city and perhaps even of the entire region.  In addition, one can see unique habitats, ancient orchards, a boulevard of old sycamore trees, and desert and other animals, some of which endemic (unique to the region). Among other things, you may encounter jackals, deers, gerbils, foxes, porcupines, and a variety of reptiles, birds and insects. Shikmim (Sycamore) Park is a relic of the boulevard of sycamores that was planted along the ancient coastal road (Via Maris) - a prominent element of the scenery along the southern coastal plain. For thousands of years the historical coastal road served as the shortest route north. The sycamore trees were planted along it in order to relieve the armies, nomads and merchants passing along it, and to provide them with essential shade during their long journey. TIP If you arrived there in a vehicle that is not an SUV (4X4), make sure to keep along the limestone road leading to the location, in order to avoid sinking into the sand.