The city of Akko in Israel– or Acre as it's also known – is full of charm, intrigue, and plenty of tourist delights. For these reasons it’s earned a place as one of Israel’s hidden tourist gems.
The history of Akko
Acre in Israel is considered one of the oldest habited sites in the world. The site of the city has been occupied almost continuously since 3,000 BC. The city became a focal point of the Crusades, serving as a battleground between Crusaders and Arabs. The city itself took on the different architectural traits of both groups, depending which group was in charge at the time. It also served as an important city during the Ottoman Empire. Today, the city is a melting pot of cultural architecture, with much of the Arab designs evident in the Old City of Akko.
Exploring the city today
An exploration of Acre in Israel today will unearth a vast selection of interesting sites. The city is dominated by the Mosque of el-Jazzar, a vast structure that looms high above the city streets. Elsewhere, the great khans (or merchant inns) of Khan el-Umdan, Khan a-Shuarda, and Khan el-Faranj offer more historic settings, while the citadel and city walls hark back to the days of the Crusaders.
The city’s narrow streets are home to small shops, markets, and a world of other delights, and give off the sense that Akko is still very much a vibrant destination, something that’s not always apparent in some of Israel’s historic sites.
Getting to Akko
Akko is located in northern Israel, at the northern most point of Haifa Bay, making it easily accessible for visitors arriving at the port of Haifa. Tourists wishing to visit the city from Tel Aviv or other locations south should head up the Coastal Road. The journey from Tel Aviv takes about 90 minutes by road.
Where to eat
Akko in Israel has no shortage of cafés, bistros, restaurants, and other eateries, so visitors will be spoilt for choice. The best restaurants in the city generally serve fresh local fish caught daily and brought ashore at the harbor. The city’s markets also offer some excellent fresh food.
When to visit
As with most Israeli tourist attractions, Akko can be visited all year round. Most visitors arrive during the summer months, with July and August proving most popular. Visitors making their way to the city in September and October can also enjoy the highly regarded Fringe Theatre Festival.
Want to visit Haifa? Click for more information about car rental in the north
