Corinth Canal

The Corinth Canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. The canal was initially proposed in classical times even B.C. But at that time people did not know how to find out the water level on both sides of the canal. There were concerns that the water level in the Gulf of Corinth is higher than in the Saronic Gulf.

Rulers of antiquity dreamed of digging the canal: Julius Caesar, Caligula, Nero, they all failed to do this.  Later, the Byzantines and the Venetians tried. The same idea came to the first president of Greece after the revolution in 1821. And only after the construction of the Suez Canal, it became clear that such projects are possible.

The 6 km long canal was opened in 1893. On the next map it is marked in green. Apparently, it cuts off the Peloponnese peninsula from central Greece and makes it an island. But most importantly, it reduces the sea route of ships by 400 kilometers. Although only medium-sized ships can use it now; in the 19th century no one expected so big ships in the future.


Almost all tourists park here N 37 55.595 E 22 59.622 and look at the canal from a car bridge. If you're in a car, don't even think about going there. There is a much better pedestrian bridge! Go here N 37 56.243 E 22 58.666 or on the other side N 37 56.269 E 22 58.876. Then walk a little along the dirt road and you're on the bridge. The view will be much better and most importantly - in both directions.


If you have a lot of time, then you can walk along the canal.


Getting there: On any bus from Athens from Terminal A (100 Kifissou Street), which goes to the Peloponnese. Buy a ticket to the station Isthmos. The journey time is 80 minutes. There is also the railway station Korinthos N.. At the exit of the station there are a lot of taxis, 6 km to the canal.