Ancient Corinth and the Corinth Canal lie roughly 80 km west of Athens, reachable in about 1 hour 15 minutes by car via the A8/E94 motorway or approximately 1.5 hours by train from Athens Larissis Station at around 8 euros return. The rail journey terminates at modern Corinth town, from where a local taxi covers the remaining 5 km to the ancient site for approximately 10 euros each way. The Corinth Canal is a natural first stop when arriving by road. Completed in 1893 after initial work began under Emperor Nero in 67 AD, the canal cuts a 6.3 km channel through the Isthmus of Corinth, separating mainland Greece from the Peloponnese peninsula. The sheer limestone walls rise 79 metres above the water, and the passage is only 21 metres wide, requiring vessels to enter in single file. Viewing platforms on either side of the road bridge provide vertiginous views down to the turquoise water. The site is also the base for seasonal bungee jumping operations from the bridge at approximately 89 euros per jump. Ancient Corinth, 5 km inland, was one of the wealthiest cities of the ancient Mediterranean. The archaeological site centers on the agora and the Temple of Apollo, one of the oldest standing Doric temples in Greece, dating to approximately 550 BC with seven original columns still upright. The on-site museum houses mosaics, pottery, and marble sculpture recovered from the extensive ruins. The fortress of Acrocorinth rises to 575 metres on a dramatically isolated rock adjacent to the archaeological zone. Its walls reflect successive periods of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian, and Ottoman fortification. The climb to the summit takes 20 to 30 minutes and rewards visitors with a panorama spanning the Saronic and Corinthian gulfs simultaneously, one of the rare dual-sea views available from a single hilltop in Greece. A suggested day arc: depart Athens by 8 am, stop at the canal bridge for 30 to 40 minutes, continue to Ancient Corinth for 2 hours including the museum, then climb Acrocorinth in the afternoon. Lunch is available in Archaia Korinthos village at the site entrance. A swim at Isthmia beach, just east of the canal, rounds out a full summer day before the return journey.
How to get there
- Train from Athens Larissis Station (8 euros return)
- KTEL bus from Athens
- Rental car via A8/E94 motorway
Highlights
- Corinth Canal - engineering marvel cutting through 79m limestone
- Ancient Corinth archaeological site and museum
- Acrocorinth fortress with sweeping views of two seas
- Bungee jumping from Corinth Canal bridge (89 euros)
Tips for visiting
- Take the train from Athens Larissis Station to Corinth town (approximately 8 euros return); from Corinth station a taxi to Ancient Corinth costs around 10 euros each way.
- Stop at the canal bridge first when driving from Athens, as it sits directly on the E94 route and requires only a 30-minute detour before continuing to the ancient site.
- Buy the combined ticket at the Ancient Corinth site entrance, which covers both the archaeological ruins and the on-site museum.
- Allow at least 45 minutes for the Acrocorinth ascent and descent; the path is rocky and exposed, so sturdy footwear is essential.
- Isthmia beach, 4 km east of the canal, offers a clean sandy swim suitable for ending a summer day trip before the return to Athens.
When to visit
Spring from April through May and autumn from September through October are ideal, with mild temperatures suitable for the Acrocorinth climb and open-site walking. Arriving before 10 am avoids the busiest tour-group periods at both the canal and the archaeological site.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Corinth Canal and Ancient Corinth both be visited in one day from Athens?
Yes. A departure around 7 to 8 am gives enough time to visit the canal bridge, the ancient site with its museum, and Acrocorinth, with a comfortable return to Athens by early evening. Adding a swim at Isthmia extends the day pleasantly.
Is there an entrance fee for Acrocorinth?
Entry to Acrocorinth is currently free of charge. The ancient site and museum at Ancient Corinth charge a combined admission of approximately 8 euros. Opening hours vary seasonally and the Hellenic Ministry of Culture website carries current times.
What is the best transport option from Athens to Corinth?
Drivers have the most flexibility for visiting the canal, the ancient site, and Acrocorinth in sequence. The train is comfortable and inexpensive at around 8 euros return, though a taxi is needed from Corinth station to the archaeological zone. KTEL buses also operate from Athens but arrive at modern Corinth rather than the ancient site.
Is bungee jumping from the Corinth Canal available year-round?
Bungee jumping from the canal bridge is operated commercially and follows standard European safety protocols at approximately 89 euros per jump. Operations are seasonal and typically run from spring through autumn. Booking in advance is recommended during peak summer months.