Length: 40 min walking there and back + 30 minutes for views
Mode of Transport: Stroller and wheelchair friendly
Why go? Easy 1/2 day trip with gorgeous ocean views + cool castle
Toilet? Yes!
What to bring: Snacks or packed lunch - there are picnic benches
Entrance fee: Adults 22 shekel; kids over 2 years 9 shekel
Gotta love this day trip. Apollonia (or Tel Arsuf) is easy to access, situated close to Herzliya, there is plenty of parking and proper toilets at the beginning of the trail. The whole path is paved, so you can bring a stroller or baby carrier - whichever is more comfortable. There is an option to "hike" off the paved path, which involves a few stairs but is still super easy. There are plenty of lookouts, as the whole site is based on the Mediterranean, and there are great benches set up along the way.
The main attraction is the remains of a Crusader fortress, complete with a dry moat and ancient ballistas. The site was inhabited many times throughout history, and eventually fell to Sultan Babars of the Mamluks, who destroyed the fortress after a 40 day siege in 1265.
There are pretty decent explanations in Hebrew and English around the whole site, along with cute Crusader cutouts, that provide fabulous photo ops, as seen below.
This is a great place to hang out with friends and pack some borekas, bring the 9 year old to run wild and climb on 900 year old walls, or get some fresh salt air in your lungs while stretching the ol' legs. Whichever your poison, this park will make for a sweet morning or afternoon, and trust me, you'll enjoy yourselves!
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