The Big Dune in Ashdod

All the information about the Big Dune in Ashdod Who doesn't want to go back to childhood—for those days when we could just play in the sand or fool around outdoors? Today, when we're all older, let's be honest: it's a bit embarrassing to do those things in public. But what if we told you that there is a nature reserve in Israel where everyone, in all ages, is required to fool around there—otherwise there's no point in coming? If you haven't heard about it yet, now is the time to get to know the Big Dune in Ashdod—the place where everyone is invited to sink into the sand, roll around, and basically do whatever comes to mind. The main thing is to enjoy. A moment of history The Big Dune in Ashdod is a remnant of mobile dunes that arrived in the country from Africa, containing quartz remnants from the granite mountains. The marina, the port, and the surrounding construction blocked the further migration of the sands to the area, which is why it is important to preserve them. In fact, the dune is the starting point of the Sand Reserve that reaches Nitzanim—and together they form an area of 20,000 dunams. It earned the nickname "The Big Dune" because it reaches a height of 35 meters. What else is special about the dune? Here you can find authentic local vegetation—remnants of grapevines orchards, fig trees, and palms—growing on the high groundwater characteristic of the sand area. This type of ancient agriculture was known as "mouassi." In addition, the reserve has animals, including 200 deer individuals active at night. You won't be able to see them active, but you can search for their tracks in the sand. Set out Follow the green markings coming out from the Shikmim (sycamores) parking lot southward along about 400 meters. Take into account that your shoes will sink a bit into the sand, but that will allow you to look around at the surrounding vegetation, the soft roaming dunes sands that came from Africa, and maybe even find animal tracks—such as lizards, beetles, snails, ants, rodents, a hare, the golden jackal, and the Israeli gazelle (deer). Very quickly you will see in front of you the country's big sand dune towering up to about 35 meters. Now comes the fun part—start climbing up the dune, while sinking into the sand, but don't give up until you conquer the summit. The way back down is up to you—running, rolling around, or even a slow descent on foot or while sitting down and sliding. If you came with children, it's likely they will repeat the climb-and-slide route many, many times. At the end, retrace your steps until you reach the Shikmim parking lot. Here you can stop for a light refreshment, sit in the shade of sycamore trees, next to one of the KKL (JNF) picnic tables. If you recognize a familiar blossom scent and for a moment think you're sitting under a fig tree, pay attention: the fruit of the sycamore tree, called "jums," only looks like that, but is inferior in taste. How do you get there? You can reach the Big Dune in Ashdod both by private car and by train. Those arriving by private car will park at the Shikmim parking lot, and those arriving by train will walk for about 5 minutes from Ashdod train station to here. To do so, you must turn left when exiting the station and walk straight to the second roundabout; there turn left again onto the kurkar road, which will lead you to the Shikmim parking lot, from which the hiking trail begins.