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Apollonia National Park

4.6
·6k reviews·Herzliya, Israel

Explore ancient Crusader fortress ruins and Roman villa remnants perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour for stunning sunsets

CrowdMedium
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Вид с крепости

Apollonia National Park

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour for stunning sunsets

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore ancient Crusader fortress ruins and Roman villa remnants perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

4.6
(6k reviews)

"One of the most beautiful places in Israel, a short 20 minutes drive from Tel Aviv."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌅 Sunset Spectacle

Catch the magical Mediterranean sunset from the clifftops for unforgettable views.

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the ancient ruins and walking paths.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 6,146 reviews

Type

National Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crusader Fortress Ruins

Crusader Fortress Ruins

The main citadel area

Explore the remnants of the 13th-century fortress, a strategic stronghold with a rich history.

Mediterranean Sea Vistas

Mediterranean Sea Vistas

Clifftop viewpoints

Enjoy panoramic, breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, perfect for photography.

Roman Villa & Byzantine Kilns

Roman Villa & Byzantine Kilns

Lower sections of the park

Discover ancient Roman villa remains and remnants of Byzantine glass kilns, showcasing earlier settlements.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Views & Fewer Crowds

Visit during the golden hours for breathtaking Mediterranean sunsets or early mornings to avoid the midday sun and larger groups. Weekends can get busy, so weekdays offer a more serene experience.

Accessibility & What to Bring

Apollonia National Park is largely wheelchair accessible with paved paths. Bring comfortable shoes, water, and snacks for picnics. Consider swimwear if you plan to visit the nearby beach.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for stunning sunsets
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

inside one of the most famous bakeries of france known for their sourdough breads @Apollonia Poilâne 🍞🍞 i have been going here since i moved to paris 10 years ago. nothing makes me feel like i’ve stepped back into time like the poilâne bakery on rue du cherche-midj in the 6eme. a must visit if you haven’t been #bread #sourdoughbread #paris #parisfrance #parisbakery #paristips #parisfood #poilane
@preetigills
56.8K likes • 548.4K views

🌅 Sunset Spectacle

Catch the magical Mediterranean sunset from the clifftops for unforgettable views. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the ancient ruins and walking paths. Reddit

Apollonia National Park is a stunning 13th-century fortress site that offers a rare glimpse into one of the world's oldest crusader castles. Located just 15 minutes away from Tel-Aviv, it provides breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The park features well-preserved ruins of the fortress, as well as remnants of a Roman villa and the Sidni Ali Mosque. With hiking trails, picnic areas, and i...
x_anderlex
47 likes • 405 views
"Apollonia National Park: Israel's Crusader Fortress" 🏰🌊 Perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the ruins of Apollonia National Park offer a breathtaking glimpse into Israel's rich and turbulent past. Known to the Crusaders as Arsuf, this once-mighty fortress was a strategic stronghold, guarding the coastline and serving as a key battleground during the Crusades. Today, vis...
israelwithaviel
1 likes • 192 views

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Shaded picnic spots are available. Reddit

🚗 Easy Access & Parking

The park is a short drive from Tel Aviv with convenient, shaded parking. Reddit

Apollonia National Park is one of my favorite places in Israel☀️🇮🇱 When I was living here, before I was a mother, I used to come here to refuel my soul on tough days🙏🏻Embracing all the peace and quiet from above the cliffs 😎 It is the place of both seaside beauty and a Crusader Fortress 🏞️ Here you’ll see the remains of the former Apollonia fortress 🏰 The site offers a look at one of the most ...
jessicalederman
0 likes • 583 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌅 Sunset Spectacle

Catch the magical Mediterranean sunset from the clifftops for unforgettable views. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the ancient ruins and walking paths. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Shaded picnic spots are available. Reddit

🚗 Easy Access & Parking

The park is a short drive from Tel Aviv with convenient, shaded parking. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

This spot is a photographer's dream with stunning coastal backdrops. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Apollonia National Park's stunning Mediterranean views and rich historical significance, calling it a must-see attraction near Tel Aviv. The park is praised for its accessibility, reasonable entrance fee, and family-friendly atmosphere, with many highlighting the beautiful sunsets and well-maintained grounds. Some minor drawbacks include limited vegan food options and a less imaginative gift shop.

"One of the most beautiful places in Israel, a short 20 minutes drive from Tel Aviv. Easy had shaded parking, cheap entrance ticket, and accessibility impeccable. The kids loved it, it was not packed with tourists (we were there on Saturday) , and the view... Not enough words to describe it. I have lived in Israel for 14+ years and was stunned."

Elke A.

"Definitely a must-see attraction in the Herzliya area. Plenty of ancient history, beautiful views from the top, woven in some fun activities for the kids but enjoyable for adults too. Catapult demonstration is kind of interesting. Lots of different walking paths to spend time on different paths. Plenty of shaded spots with tables for picnics, water fountains, and restrooms as well. Entrance fee is reasonable and the sunsets are amazing. Access via foot path is not bad, walked up from the city center (Acadia beach) via the trail/community roads along the coastline."

Victor Wang

"Great view to the sea. Perfect photo spot. Wheelchair accessible. Picknick tables available. Clean and well kept.
This is both a Crusader city (ruined) and castle with ongoing archaeological excavations built upon earlier Roman, Byzantine and Islamic structures. Great for kids and adults alike."

Martin Telinius

What People Like

Breathtaking sea views
Rich historical ruins
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited food options
Unimaginative gift shop

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Apollonia National Park is conveniently located about 15-20 minutes north of Tel Aviv by car. There is ample shaded parking available on-site. Public transport options are limited, so driving or taking a taxi is recommended. InstagramReddit

While direct public transport to the park entrance is not common, you can take a bus towards Herzliya and then a short taxi ride. Some visitors have walked from nearby beaches like Acadia Beach via coastal trails. Reddit

From Tel Aviv, take Highway 2 North and exit towards Herzliya. Follow signs for Apollonia National Park (also known as Arsuf). The park is well-signposted. Instagram

Yes, there is plenty of shaded parking available at the park entrance, which is a significant plus for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

While some visitors have mentioned walking from nearby areas like Acadia Beach via coastal trails, it's generally recommended to reach the park by vehicle due to its location. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is quite reasonable, around 22 ILS per adult, making it an affordable historical site to visit. Reddit

The park is generally open daily, but it's always a good idea to check the official Israel Nature and Parks Authority website for the most up-to-date hours, especially for seasonal changes. Reddit

Advance booking is usually not required for Apollonia National Park, but it's advisable to check their official website during peak seasons or holidays. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are often offered, typically around 11:30 AM. It's recommended to inquire about the schedule upon arrival or check the park's information beforehand. Reddit

Absolutely! Children often love exploring the ancient ruins and imagining life in the fortress. There are also some fun activities like catapult demonstrations. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the well-preserved ruins of a Crusader fortress, remnants of a Roman villa, Byzantine glass kilns, and enjoy stunning Mediterranean Sea views. There are also walking paths and picnic areas. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, the park is largely wheelchair accessible with paved paths, making it enjoyable for visitors with mobility challenges. Reddit

Yes, there are plenty of shaded spots with tables available for picnics, making it a great place to spend a few hours. Reddit

The site has a long history, dating back to the Persian period, with subsequent periods of Roman, Byzantine, Crusader, and Mamluk rule. It was known as Arsuf during the Crusader era. InstagramReddit

The park offers engaging elements for children, including historical reenactments and sometimes catapult demonstrations, making history come alive. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The clifftop viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean Sea offer spectacular photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset. The ancient ruins themselves also make for dramatic shots. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's considered a perfect photo spot due to the combination of historical ruins and the stunning coastal scenery. Reddit

The golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provide the most beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow on the ruins and sea. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with the park authorities or the Israel Nature and Parks Authority for current rules regarding drone operation within national parks. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive sea views and ruins. A telephoto lens can be useful for details within the fortress. Don't forget a polarizing filter for the sea. Instagram

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