The 12 things to do in Corinth

Going to visit Corinth? What are we gonna do? Here is our mini-guide of 12 things to do to visit Corinth!

City of Peloponnese located a few kilometers from mainland Greece and worldwide famous for its homonymous canal, Corinth – Kórinthos in ancient Greek and modern Greek – is a major port city in Greece. With almost 30,000 souls, Corinth was under Antiquity, the third most influential city of ancient Greece after Athens and Sparta. It was erected in the interior of the land at the foot of its acropolis, the Acrocorinthe, housed the famous temple of Aphrodite, and was rebuilt in the 19th century at its current location, by the sea. Looking towards the sea at the bottom of the Gulf of Corinth, the city is a must-see route between Athens and Patras.

What to do in Corinth? It is especially for the beauty of its hinterland, the surrounding villages and for its Gallo-Roman vestiges that we come to visit Corinth, rather than for the city itself. Here is our presentation of 12 essential things to do and to see to visit Corinth.

1. The modern city of Corinth

Apart from some museums and restaurants where to taste Greek specialities, there are few attractions to see in the new town of Corinth. The modern city was the city that was rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1858, 3 kilometers from the old city. What to do to the new town of Corinth? The Folklore Museum de Corinth retraces the history of the city, and exposes clothing, jewelry, old embroidery and traditional tools. If it is said that there may be things to do in Corinth, strolling along the small port and the typical coffee terraces nevertheless has its small charm.

2. The Diolkos

For more than 700 years, 600 before our era in the first century, the sailors used this paved path to carry their ships overland to go from the Ionian Sea to the Aegean Sea. At the time, the Corinth Canal was not yet dug, and this trail, 6 to 8 kilometres long, prevented them from making a dangerous journey around the Peloponnese peninsula. For sailing ships, the Diolkos offered a much shorter route to reach Athens. In addition, the passage of the isthmus played a crucial role in the naval battles of Antiquity.

3. The Corinth Canal

What to do in Corinth? Go see him. channel of Corinth , an artificial waterway dug through the isthmus of Corinth to connect the two gulfs (Golfe de Corinthe and Golfe Saronique).

Founded between 1882 and 1893, the canal made Peloponnese an island at the end of the 19th century, but the project already existed under Nero in the 1st century of our era. Today, the canal pierces two steep cliffs with a height of 52 meters, with a water depth of 8 meters, on 6,343 kilometers and with 24.6 meters wide. Approximately 11,000 tourism vessels pass each year.

4. A boat ride

Another way to visit the Corinth Canal, but also the Gulf as a whole is boat rental! Indeed, rent a boat in Corinth will allow you to evade the time of a day, sailing on turquoise waters.

You can then enjoy a serene environment to discover the whole Gulf and the shades of colours that the Gulf offers. In addition, you will be able to find an anchor in the middle of the meditary, and improvise a snorkeling session that will offer you wonderful memories.

5. The wall of the Hexamilion

What to do in Corinth? The mur de l’Hexamilion , not far from the Corinth Canal, stands still above the ground: it is a fortification dating from the end of the Roman Empire, a wall that would bar the isthmus of Corinth, and that used in the 5th century to defend the commercial road between the Peloponnese and continental Greece. Built between 408 and 450, it had up to 153 defense turrets under the reign of Emperor Justinian (482-527-565). You will be able to observe the pavements and some details of the foundations still standing.

6. The archaeological museum of the ancient Corinth

Here is a must to do by visiting Corinth: the archaeological museum of the ancient city ! Built in 1931 on the site of the ancient Corinth, the museum is entirely dedicated to archaeological discoveries made on the Acrocorinth, and to objects excavated in the basement of the ancient city. Ceramics, mosaics, amphores, sculptures are exposed there. Some objects, more than 2,000 years old, have not lost their bright colours! The exhibitions cover three rooms around the central courtyard, to trace the history of the Corinthians from the Neolithic. Close to the museum, do not miss the temple of Apollo. Built in the 6th century, it had 38 columns and has only 7 which are still standing today. The Gallo-Roman remains bear witness to the richness and notoriety enjoyed by Corinth during the Greek antiquity.

7. The Pirene

Other essential vestige of the ancient site of Corinth: the Pirène , to see inevitably if you only know what to do in Corinth. It is a Greek fountain whose first constructions date from the 7th century BC. She would have undergone up to 9 renovations during her history. The current version dates back to Herode Atticus (101-177). She doesn’t date yesterday!

8. The site of the Acrocorinthe

We continue this Gallo-Roman pilgrimage with a must for you who come to visit Corinth in 2019: the acrocorinthe is the acropolis of the ancient Corinth, a fortress built on a rocky sparrow in the 6th century before our era. Located 10 kilometres from the modern city, the building is surrounded by walls measuring 2 kilometres.

It is certainly not the Great Wall of China but the monument bears witness to the power of the ancient builders! You will find the ruins of the temple of Aphrodite, Roman, Turkish, Byzantine and Ottoman remains, including two ancient mosques. You don’t like ancient stones? Enjoy at least the splendid view of the surroundings! A hike around the Acrocorinthe lasts about two hours.

9. The city of Lechaio

Visiting Corinth is not only the ruins of an over-year period: it is also a paradise of turquoise blue, crystalline waters bordering beautiful beaches of fine sand. A Lechaio , a few kilometers west of Corinth, the beach is worth a visit. Careful, it is also a very popular spot, as nice as tourist.

10. The city of Isthmia

We come back to the Corinth Canal area, to visit Isthmia , the commune located south at the mouth of the canal. Why visit Isthmia? To stroll through the quiet streets of this small seaside resort, to cruise to the Corinth Canal and/or visit the archaeological museum of Isthmia!

In the 4th century BC, a ship from Egypt reached the port of Kencherai on a sea day so agitated that he was in the waters of the port. The archaeological discoveries of our contemporary era allowed treasures of an invaluable wealth to resurface: architectural paintings in colour, ivory and glass mosaics. They can now be seen at the archaeological museum of Isthmia.

11. The Temple of Isthmia

Since the year 582 BC, Isthmia was the city where the Isthmic Games were held (games organized by Corinth between ancient Greek cities), in honor of the god Poseidon. The archaeologists discovered a temple built in the 7th century BC: the temple of Poseidon . Forgotten tourists, it allows to visit Greek ruins in all tranquility. Destroyed and rebuilt in the 5th century BC, burned in -390, it was little by little shaved to no longer reveal to the public its foundations.

12. The monastery of Saint Patapios

Want to go hiking? If you leave in the morning – it can be very hot here -, go visit the Saint Patapios church northeast of Corinth, continental Greece side. The path leaves the city of Loutraki, on the Periferiski Odos Loutraki. At the top, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of Corinth’s isthmus.

How to get to Corinth?

How to come to visit Corinth? Corinth with no airport, you will first have to go to Athens from France to arrive at destination. With a regular air traffic for Greece, you will have no trouble finding a flight from France to Athens: pay attention, however, to anticipate the purchase of your tickets, prices tend to increase sharply depending on the seasons... It is Greece! Through your research, visit our partner and specialist website Ulysses to find a flight at the best price.

Once in Athens, Corinth is only 80 kilometers away. To go, you have several options:

• The car

A greater freedom of movement, the possibility of doing what you want when you want, the price of gasoline... The reasons for having his own car during his trip are numerous and advantageous. If you rent a car as soon as you arrive at the airport – the right solution to visit the whole Peloponnese – take the E94 motorway out of Athens, towards Corinth.

• The bus

To go to Athens by bus you will have to reach Terminal A in Athens: here there are buses every 30 minutes, from 5:30 to 22:30.

• The train

Finally, a train line serves Corinth from Athens Airport: this is a good option if you arrive from France by plane to visit Corinth!

Where to stay in Corinth?

You have to find a place to sleep to visit Corinth! In Corinth and in the surrounding areas, there are many hotels where to stay (you will find the best rates on this one). Compare hotels ) : Loutraki, Isthmia, Lechaion are the communes to favour. You can also choose a campsite, a campsite Airbnb , a guest room or a cottage. Everything depends on the duration of your stay and the comfort or experience for which you want to opt! To need you in your choice, don’t hesitate to consult our article “ In which quarter house in Corinth? "!