The site of the Biblical city of Tel Ashdod, southeast of the modern city, comprises 23 levels of virtually unidentifiable ruins. Nothing much remains, although excavations continue. A view of the city and its environs is afforded from the top of Giv’at Yona, adjacent to the lighthouse at the end of Ya’ir St. in the northern part of the city. According to Muslim tradition, the ruins mark the spot where the whale coughed up Jonah. If you visit Ashdod on a Wednesday, check out the flea market at Hof lido (lido Beach) from 6am until nightfall.

Buses #312 and 314 from Tel Aviv run to Ashdod every 10-30 minutes until 9:50pm. Bus *15 leaves Ashkelon about every hour for Ashdod (NIS3.80). There are falafel stands and kiosks abound along Rogozin St.