Corinth

Corinth Canal

The Corinth Canal is a 6-kilometre (3.7-mile) waterway connecting the Aegean Sea and the Ionian Sea. Every year over 10,000 boats and cruise ships sail down the canal as not to navigate 400 kilometres (248 miles) around Greece to get from one ocean to the other.

The present-day canal was built between 1881 and 1893 and is one of the most significant constructions made by man; however, it was planned many centuries earlier, when the Roman emperor Nero began excavating the land during the first century AD.

Unfortunately, the 23-meters-wide (75 feet) canal is now too narrow for most modern cruise ships.

Top Attractions in Corinth

Corinth is also well-known for its ancient city, now an impressive archaeological site. The ancient town was once one of the most important centres of Greece, and some of its most magnificent landmarks are still standing like the Apollo Temple, erected in 550 BC.

If you have enough time, we also recommend visiting the Acrocorinth, the ancient city’s acropolis. It became a fortification during the Byzantine Empire, and was improved during the various invasions, first during the Byzantine Empire, then by the Franks, the Venetians and the Ottomans.

Exploring the Acrocorinth takes approximately 2 hours.

Getting to Corinth

Modern Corinth is one of the country’s main cities and is very well connected with most towns in Greece, including Athens. On the other hand, to get from the actual city of Corinth to the Corinth Canal or the Old City, you'll have to take a bus.

Booking a Day Trip

Booking a day trip is the most comfortable way to discover Corinth and its nearby cities. You can choose from a one day trip or a tour lasting several days.

• Ancient Corinth Day Trip
• Corinth, Mycenae and Epidaurus Day Trip
• 3 day classic circuit
• 4 day classic circuit

By Car

Since Corinth is slightly far from Athens, the best idea is to rent a car and visit other cities like Olympia, Epidaurus and Mycenae. Check and compare car rental prices here.

It's very easy to drive to Corinth: take the highway A75 towards the north. There is a detour almost immediately to Corinth. Then drive 70 kilometres (43 miles) along the highway until you get to the canal. Take the exit to Loutraki to get the best views of the canal. 

By Bus

The coach that connects Athens and Corinth departs from Terminal A (100 Kifissou Street) every day from 5:30 am until 10:30 pm, approximately every 30 minutes. The journey takes around 90 minutes.

By Train

If you wish to travel directly to Corinth from Athens Airport, you can take a direct train from the airport to the modern city. If you want to take the train from central Athens, change trains at SKA station.