Ancient Corinth and the Corinth Canal: a day trip from Athens
A narrow canal cut through rock and an ancient city with a Temple of Apollo, under 90 minutes from Athens. One of the easiest day trips from the capital.
- The Corinth Canal is 6.3 km long and about 25 m wide at water level, with walls up to 79 m; it opened in 1893.
- Ancient Corinth is about 9 km from modern Corinth, with Acrocorinth fortress above it.
- Hours and ticket prices change by season: check the official culture ministry site before visiting.
With a car you can see the canal, Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth in one day and be back in Athens by evening, or continue to Nafplio.
The Corinth Canal
The canal cuts through the Isthmus, linking the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. According to Visit Greece it is 6,346 m long, about 24.6 m wide at sea level and about 21 m at the bottom, 7.5–8 m deep, with walls up to 79 m high. It opened in 1893 and about 15,000 vessels pass each year.
Most visitors stop on the bridges above it. At each end, at Isthmia and Poseidonia, there are submersible bridges that sink below the water to let ships pass.
Ancient Corinth
The archaeological site is about 9 km from modern Corinth, around 15 minutes' drive. See the archaic Temple of Apollo, the Roman forum and the small museum. Corinth was one of the great cities of ancient Greece and later a Roman provincial capital.
Acrocorinth
Above the ancient city rises Acrocorinth, a hilltop fortress with layers of walls from many periods and views over both gulfs. There is little shade: go early or late and bring water.
Getting there from Athens
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Car | Under 90 minutes to the canal; easiest for all sites |
| KTEL bus | Buses to Corinth; local transport onward |
| Suburban rail | A line runs to Corinth; check timetables |
| Organised tour | Peloponnese tours usually stop at the canal |
See car rental at Athens airport.
Tickets
The canal is free to view. Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth charge entry, with hours and prices changing by season: check the culture ministry site (odysseus.culture.gr) or hhticket.gr before you go.
Combine with
- Loutraki, a resort town minutes from the canal.
- Nafplio, about an hour further south.
- More day trips from Athens.
FAQ
How far is the Corinth Canal from Athens? Under 90 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Do you pay to see the Corinth Canal? No, you view it free from the bridges.
How long do I need at Ancient Corinth? One to two hours for the site and museum, plus one to two hours for Acrocorinth.
What is the submersible bridge? A bridge at the end of the canal that sinks below the water to let ships through, then rises again.
