With a population of approximately 200,000 inhabitants, Ashdod is a medium-sized city that also serves as a port to the Mediterranean sea. The modern city was founded more than 50 years ago, and it is the second largest deep water seaport in Israel after Haifa - attractive both to residents and to tourists, the city is perfect for promenades, for visiting biblical and historical sites as well as for enjoying the numerous local tourist attractions, such as the Askhelon National Park which is located nearby, and which does require a car rental to get there. There is also the Bet Guvrin Maresha National Park, Tel Lachish, the Sea Mall, The Ad Halom Mall, The Korin Maman Museum, the Beit Hativat Givati Museum and a plethora of other appealing attraction spots that you can visit in this beautiful port city, while you are here.