Apollonia–Arsuf Archaeological Site

Address: Apollonia-Arsuf National Park (Apollonia), Arsuf/Herzliya coast, Israel

Website: https://en.parks.org.il/ParksAndReserves/apollonia/

Apollonia-Arsuf is a coastal archaeological site and national park in the Tel Aviv District of Israel that preserves remains from successive ancient and medieval settlements. The site is notable for its seaside ruins and strategic promontory overlooking the Mediterranean.

Visitors can see visible archaeological remains from multiple periods, including fortifications, building foundations, and traces of a harbor, all set on a cliff-top promontory. The park includes walking trails that connect lookout points with the excavated areas and provide views of the coast.

The site developed as a coastal settlement in the Hellenistic period and was occupied and modified during Roman, Byzantine, and Crusader times. During the Crusader period the location was fortified as part of a chain of coastal strongholds and later fell into ruin as political control changed.

Apollonia-Arsuf sits on the Mediterranean coast in the Tel Aviv District, close to the modern coastal towns north of central Tel Aviv. The park is set on a limestone promontory directly above the sea, with road access from nearby coastal communities.

• Visitor note: The site includes walking paths along cliffs and archaeological ruins, making it suitable for short hikes and coastal views; wear sturdy shoes on uneven terrain.

What to See#

• Archaeological remains: Ruins of a coastal settlement and fortifications with visible remains from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Crusader periods, including sections of walls and building foundations.
• Coastal promontory and harbor area: A cliff-top promontory and former harbor area that offers coastal views of the Mediterranean and traces of ancient maritime installations.

By car: Apollonia-Arsuf sits on the Mediterranean coast between Herzliya and Netanya alongside Israel’s Coastal Highway (Highway 2). Drive north or south on Highway 2 and take the Herzliya/Arsuf exits; there is a small car park at the site with a short walk down to the ruins and cliff-top promenade.

By public transport: take a bus to Herzliya or nearby Arsuf/Hertzliya Pituah and then a short taxi ride or walk to the archaeological park.

• Plan for late afternoon or sunset to get the best light on the coastal cliffs and to avoid the midday sun; the cliff-side paths are far more pleasant and photogenic as the day cools.
• Use the park's main parking/entrance area so you can access both the fortified ruins and the coastal walking trail in one loop; the ruin overlooks and viewing platforms are a short walk from the lot.
• Walk the coastal path north from the main ruin to reach quieter cliff viewpoints that many visitors skip - these offer uninterrupted sea views and good birdwatching at dusk.