The Old City of Akko (Acre), on Israel’s northern Mediterranean coast, is an enchanting mix of Arabian street markets, storied Crusader hideouts, renowned hummus joints and even better fish restaurants, such as the famed Uri Buri.
Akko’s cobbled streets have seen Byzantine, Crusader, Islamic and Ottoman rulers come and go. It’s one of the oldest port cities in the world with some buildings dating right back to the Hellenistic period. Today, colourful souks sit beside boutique hotels and unbeatable Israeli eateries. Just 90 minutes by train from Tel Aviv, Akko’s Old City is a gem that is not to be missed.
When visiting a new city, it’s a good idea to scout out quiet pockets of calm for when the busy streets and honking car horns get too much. The Bahá’í Gardens is one such serene spot to stroll around; the historic resting place of Baha’u’llah, a founder of the Bahá’í community. Located on the outskirts of Akko, it’s free to enter and meander around the orderly, geometric gardens filled with bright blooms.
Get ready for family fun to the extreme. This park houses the highest climbing wall in the Middle East at 32m (105ft), which was designed in France especially for the park. Bungee jump off the top before you navigate elevated sky tracks measuring 7m (23ft) for beginners and children and 15m (49ft) for the brave, with sweeping views of Akko the higher you go.
Once you have visited Akko’s ancient sights, haggled in the Turkish bazaar and explored its old town, what better place to relax than on a sandy beach in the sunshine? Akko Beach (not to be confused with the Martha and the Muffins song) is located roughly 1.5km (0.9mi) southeast of the Old City and manned by lifeguards. Head down at sunset for a tranquil dip in the turquoise waters while watching the sky turn a vibrant shade of pink.
Opened in 2002, this zoo houses hundreds of animals including giraffes, elephants, orangutans, exotic birds and reptiles in addition to many other species, all within glorious parkland. Enjoy camel and pony rides in addition to guided tours and performances. The whole area is flat and easily accessible for all, including wheelchair users.
Surrounded by the fascinating ancient architecture of the Old City, the main market of Akko offers a chance to travel back in time. Take in the freshly caught fish, scrumptious Arab pastries and the lingering smell of hookah. No plan or route is necessary; simply amble through, explore its charming alleyways and see where your nose takes you. Stop off along the way for some freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, followed by a bowl of hummus at the legendary Hummus Said.
These remarkably well-preserved walls surround the Old City are one of Akko’s defining features, reflecting the city’s long and tumultuous history. First built by the Cairo-based Fatimid Islamic Caliphate in 950 CE, the walls have been destroyed and rebuilt on several occasions, most recently by the Ottomans in the early nineteenth century. Amble along the ramparts and take in the stunning views of both the Akko skyline and the adjacent Mediterranean.
Uri Buri is widely considered one of the finest fish restaurants in Israel. You wouldn’t know it from the outside though, an unpretentious exterior hiding the gastronomic institution within. Located a stone’s throw from the sea, Uri Buri serves creative seafood dishes along with over 100 fine Israeli wines. Owned by Uri Jeremias, a cult figure in Israel’s culinary scene, this restaurant is a must for fish lovers.
Judy Cogan contributed additional reporting to this article.
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