Akko, also known as Acre, is an ancient city on Israel's northwest coast. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with ruins from periods of Greek, Roman, Crusader, Arab, and Phoenician occupation.
These stunning halls have been unearthed beneath the citadel and prison, featuring six halls, a dining room, and a dungeon.
This was built by the Templars to provide underground access to the port from their fortress. It has been excavated and is now open to the public.
The old port still has remnants of Crusader masonry and is a great place to sample the local cuisine in one of the port restaurants.
Take a boat ride from the marina around the old city walls to see Akko from another perspective.
Step away from all of the history and architecture and enjoy lazing on the beautiful Argaman beach.
Akko is famous for its seafood and some of the best is to be found at Abu Christo on the harbor. Uri Buri serves some great local delicacies at Ha'Hagana Street. You can expect to pay around ₪60 for a meal in a cafe and perhaps ₪140 in an upscale restaurant.
Akko has a warm Mediterranean climate, with dry hot summers. There is more rain in winter and most visitors arrive in July and August.
The nearest airport to Akko is Haifa Airport (HFA), around 20 miles to the south. It has good national and some international connections. You can take a bus to Akko for around ₪13.76 or a taxi will cost ₪160.
There are frequent daily trains from Tel Aviv and Haifa. The fare from Tel Aviv is from ₪40.
Highway 4 enters Akko from Haifa in the south and also from Nahariya in the north. Road conditions are generally good.
Bus companies running services to Akko include Egged. There are regular buses from Karmiel and Haifa. The fare from Haifa is ₪9.
The Old City - this is the ancient center of the city and is home to many of the main archaeological sites and the harbor area.
Janusz Korczak - this neighborhood lies just to the north of the Old City. It is a leafy area of gardens close to the coast.
Menachem Begin - this area is situated just a little further north. It is a mainly residential area, with bright, broad boulevards and good local shopping.
The local bus network is run by Nateev Express. Single tickets are from ₪5.
Taxi services are easily hailed from the street. The initial charge is ₪12 and then the fare is ₪6 per mile.
Driving in Akko is permissible outside of the Old City but the center itself is pedestrianized. Car rental costs from around ₪110 per day.
Salah ad Din Street is a good place to try for local goods such as olive oil, ceramics, jewelry, and spice. The main market in the Old City sells almost anything but you will need to bargain and a knowledge of Hebrew or Arabic will help.
Grocers and markets are dotted around town. A quart of milk in Akko costs ₪5.82 and a dozen eggs is ₪12.83.