Let’s Get to know Tel Dor National Park! The park is a unique spot along Israel’s shoreline with a breathtaking view! Including lots of nature and rich history. On a tour of Tel Dor, the ancient port city, we will learn about a variety of interesting topics: For example the sea, the people who choose to live near it; the importance of preserving the past and heritage, and the task of preserving our marine and coastal environment. With one foot in the past and the other in the present, we will walk along a beautiful rugged beach, climb the kurkar stone ridge, discover the fascinating history of the port city of Dor, where more than 20 sunken ships were found, and get to know the richness of the marine reserve today.
History and Archaeology of Tel Dor National Park
Archaeologists point out that the importance of Tel Dor is that it is the only natural harbor on the Levant coast south of the Ladder of Tyre, and thus was occupied continuously from Phoenician times until the late 18th century. According to Josephus, however, its harbor was inferior to that of Caesarea.
Dor is mentioned in the 3rd-century Mosaic of Rehob as being a place exempt from tithes, seeing that it was not settled by Jews returning from the Babylonian exile in the 4th century BCE. Emil Schürer suggests that Dor, along with Caesarea, may have initially been built towards the end of the Persian period.
Where Can You See Some of the Archaeological Finds?
The historic ‘Glasshouse Museum building, located in kibbutz Nahsholim, some 500 meters south of the site itself, now houses the Center for Nautical and Regional Archaeology at Dor, consisting of the expedition workrooms and a museum displaying the finds from Tel Dor and its regions such as documenting the city’s importance in the ancient world as a manufacturer of the prestigious azure and crimson colors from sea snails. The house is an old glass-making factory from the 19th century built by Baron Edmond James de Rothschild.
Directions to Tel Dor
From Highway 4, turn west toward Kibbutz Nachsholim. Pass the entrance to the kibbutz and continue on a dirt road north towards the Nachsholim cemetery. From there, follow the signs!
Tel Dor National Park Opening Hours
Summer hours:
Sunday–Thursday and Saturday: 8 am – 5 pm
Friday and holiday eves: 8 am – 4 pm
Winter hours:
Sunday–Thursday and Saturday: 8 am – 4 pm
Friday and holiday eves: 8 am – 3 pm
Holiday eves: 8 am – 1 pm
Yom Kippur eve: 8 am – 1 pm