Corinth

A mythical city of ancient Greece, Corinth gave its name to one of the three architectural styles of classicism (the most recent after Doric and Ionic) and to a canal that could almost be described as revolutionary.

The remains of the ancient capital of the Corinthians and the steep-walled artificial canal that bisects mainland Greece are attractions not to be missed, full of charm and fascination.

Easily accessible from Athens by car, public transport or an organised tour, Corinth is a place that, quite wrongly, does not reach the top of the list of most popular Greek resorts. Put it on the itinerary of your next trip: you won’t regret it.

Things to do in Corinth

There are basically two attractions in Corinth: the Corinth Canal and the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth.

Corinth Canal

The artificial canal named after the city of Corinth is a colossal feat of engineering that created a direct maritime link between the Aegean and Ionian Seas, separating the Peloponnese peninsula from the rest of mainland Greece. It was built in the late 19th century, amidst various vicissitudes and difficulties.

The construction of the Corinth Canal saved hundreds of kilometres of navigation around the Peloponnese, but ironically it is useless for this purpose today because it is too narrow for modern cargo ships. Today, it is mostly cruise ships for tourists and pleasure boats that ply its waters.

The canal is only six kilometres long, very narrow (about 25 metres) and shallow (8 metres). It takes only five minutes to cross it by car, crossing the vertiginous bridges that connect its two banks. Nevertheless, it deserves to be seen: whether from a boat or a car, the view of this engineering masterpiece is truly spectacular, an attraction not to be missed.

There is also the possibility of bungee jumping on the Corinth Canal , but this is an adrenalin experience recommended only for those who love strong emotions.

Ancient Corinth

In the heart of the modern city are the ruins of ancient Corinth, which are open to the public. They are mostly remains from the Roman era, with a few exceptions including the Doric-style Temple of Apollo, dating from the 6th century BC. The most interesting attractions of the archaeological site are the remains of the Basilica Julia, the Fountain of Pyrenees and the Temple of Octavia.

To learn more about the history of Corinth and ancient Greece in general, visit the site museum, which is divided into three sections. One is entirely dedicated to the remains from the nearby Sanctuary of Asceplius (5th century BC).

Although Corinth was a large city of considerable cultural and economic importance, the size of the archaeological site is so compact that you can easily tour it in less than two hours. Allow a little extra time to climb to the top of the rocky Acrocorinth massif, where the acropolis of the ancient city once stood. It is a particularly impressive place, from which you can enjoy a beautiful view.

Beaches of Corinth

Don’t expect to find the most beautiful beaches in Greece in Corinth (better to go elsewhere for those), but there is no shortage of options for a few hours of relaxation by the sea.

The easiest beach to reach is Loutraki; other recommended beaches in the area are Almyris and Kechrion.

Where to stay in Corinth

Corinth offers a variety of accommodations for visitors wishing to explore this historic city: flats in residences with swimming pool, modern 3-4 star hotels, quaint guesthouses, rooms with private individuals: in Corinth, the range of hotel facilities is wide and the prices are quite affordable.

You will find luxury hotels and resorts along the coast, offering comfortable rooms, excellent services and panoramic sea views. For those who prefer a more intimate atmosphere, there are room rentals and bed and breakfasts in the old town, allowing you to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the city.

Alternatively, you can opt for fully furnished holiday flats, ideal for families or larger groups.

Recommended hotels in Corinth

We offer a selection of hotels at Corinth to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Corinth, sorted by number of reviews.

Apartments and vacation homes in Corinth

If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Corinth. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Corinth are in high demand.

How to get to Corinth

The easiest and cheapest way to get to Corinth is to fly to Athens: Corinth is only 80 km from the Greek capital and can be reached by rental car or bus in about an hour. If you want to avoid the chaos of the capital, you can take a direct train to Corinth from the airport.

Another place connected by motorway to Corinth is Kalamata (about 160 km).

If you are on holiday in Athens, you can visit Corinth on a day tour that combines a canal cruise and a visit to the archaeological site of ancient Corinth.