Located on the northern edge of the blue Haifa Bay in Northern Israel, the historical city of Acre offers a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage old town with its walls, narrow alleys, green-domed mosque and the magnificent Crusader Castle. In the restaurants of this picturesque historical town you can have a local meal and enjoy panoramic sea views. Follow the footprints of the Romans, the Crusaders and Napoleon and visit the fascinating city of Acre!
Boat cruises & beaches. If you want to see the beautiful old city of Akko from the waterside perspective, take a boat tour. Acre is also home to golden beaches good for sunbathing, swimming and some water sports. The popular Purple Beach provides beautiful views of the old Acre. The beach area hosts many restaurants in Acre, many of them providing breathtaking views over the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. You can also go fishing, or shopping in Acre’s small, colorful bazaar.
Limited services. Acre is an authentic Israeli town where you do not find tourist masses. Therefore, there is a somewhat limited selection of hotels in Acre.
Acre, the city of spectacular old town, bustling bazaar and Mediterranean beaches
Acre, also known as Akko, is located in Northern Israel by the Mediterranean Sea, on the northern edge of the beautiful Haifa Bay. The old city of Acre with its walls, citadel and green-domed mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Crusader Castle of Akko with its Gothic ceilings, long passages and the spectacular Knights’ Halls is one of the major attractions in the city. It is here you can wander along the narrow alleys and get a sense of the rich history of the city once ruled by Canaanites, Greeks, Armenians, Romans, Crusaders and many others in the long course of history. Visit also the magical underground Templar Crusader Tunnel. If you want to learn more about the colorful history of Acre, the Municipal Museum located in an old Turkish bathhouse has some interesting displays to admire.Boat cruises & beaches. If you want to see the beautiful old city of Akko from the waterside perspective, take a boat tour. Acre is also home to golden beaches good for sunbathing, swimming and some water sports. The popular Purple Beach provides beautiful views of the old Acre. The beach area hosts many restaurants in Acre, many of them providing breathtaking views over the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. You can also go fishing, or shopping in Acre’s small, colorful bazaar.
Practical information for your stay in Acre
A Mediterranean city, Acre enjoys a pleasant sunny climate with hot, humid summers and mild, wet winters. In summer, the average temperature in Akko is around 26°C. The most rainfall can be expected in winter from October to April.Limited services. Acre is an authentic Israeli town where you do not find tourist masses. Therefore, there is a somewhat limited selection of hotels in Acre.
Photo: yanivba, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
However, there are some luxurious hotels next to the beach. The small town has no actual nightlife except some local bars. English is widely spoken in Akko.
How to get there. Acre is located approximately 130 north of Jerusalem and 20 km from Haifa. Travelling to Acre is easy as the city is located along the major highways. You can travel to Acre by buses from major cities in Northern Israel, including Haifa. There are also trains to Acre from Tel Aviv, where the nearest international airport is located. Many hotels and tour operators in Tel Aviv also organize sightseeing tours to Acre. If you want to visit other fascinating destinations in Israel, consider car rental in Acre. The town itself is compact enough to be toured on foot. Taxis are also available in Acre.
Safety. What comes to the security situation in Acre, the city can be regarded a safe destination. However, ethnic tensions between Jewish and Arab residents of Acre may cause trouble also for visitors. Like in other Israeli destinations, there is a risk of terrorist attacks, and security checks are very common. Use common sense, dress modestly, be aware of pickpockets and avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Haifa, Tel Aviv, Beirut, Jerusalem, Damascus, Amman
