Discover a dizzy site with our guide to visit the Corinth Canal!
Greece is worldwide known for its ancient vestiges but there is not only that to see. If you are in the region Athens , you have to take advantage of it to go to the Corinth Canal which allows boats to cross the isthmus. This canal, dug in the rock about 6 kilometers, is a real technical prowess, just like the works of art that cross it.
Civil engineering enthusiasts will appreciate the submersible viaducts and bridges visible on its route. It attracts many tourists who hope to immortalize the passage of a boat between the high cliffs. Finally, the surrounding region is rich in historical sites as well as seaside resorts to get farniente. If you are interested in this visit, here is all you need to know with this complete guide to visit the Corinth Canal.
The Corinth Canal in a few words
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alika Obraz
As it is 80 kilometers from Athens, visiting the Corinth Canal is a fairly well-known activity of travellers in the region. Located in Peloponnese , the origins of the canal go back to ancient Greece. Already at the time, the population is trying to connect the Aegean Sea to the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea to avoid a detour of several hundred kilometres. For this reason, the Greeks had built a paved path, still visible at the present time, the Diolkos.
Ships were fired on by rail species. But it is in the 19th century that the canal is really dug and that it takes the form that we know it today. With the help of a French company, the work began in 1882 to finish in 1893. Its total length is 6,343 metres. The most impressive is its narrowness since it is only 25 meters wide with high cliffs of 80 meters high and a depth under water of 8 meters.
It is this spectacular landscape that attracts the curious and the photographers because, finally, few boats cross it. In fact, large ships cannot pass, but this does not prevent it from being worth a look.
1. The Corinth Canal by boat
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Oleg Znamenskiy
Visiting the Corinth Canal via a cruise is undoubtedly the best way to admire the vertiginous cliffs that border it. For the most sensitive, it can also be a way to experience some strong sensations especially if you are on board a large cruise ship whose edges are a few centimeters from the walls.
Surprisingly, most tourists opt for a tour of the canal from the farmland, making the boat a good option to avoid crowds on the bridges. And reassure yourself, tourist boats are not risking anything, they are sailing at ease.
Practical information
- For a cruise, you must go to Isthmia at the southern entrance of the canal. From there are organized excursions1h15, the time to return by boat ;
- The schedules change from day to day, but several departures are offered at daytime in high season;
- Count about 25 € per person and per excursion.
2. The Corinth Canal on foot
Photo credit: Shutterstock – f4 Luftbilder
For a breathtaking show, take the height and plan to visit the Corinth Canal on foot. But be careful, depending on the season, you may not be alone. The most well-known places are bridges and viaducts that crowd it.
They are very popular to take pictures especially if a boat passes. But there is a more original and unusual bridge to cross, it is that of Isthmia. It is located at the entrance of the canal and has the particularity of being submersible. It is quite impressive to see when a boat approaches and the bridge sinks into the water.
In addition, the great front view on the canal is interesting.
Practical information
- It is impossible to miss the canal and the bridges, they are indicated everywhere in the region, in Athens. The A75 motorway makes it easy to get there from the capital;
- Buses also connect Athens to Corinth with departures every 30 minutes. The departure is made from Terminal A. Once in Corinth, another bus allows to go to the canal;
- Finally, you can go there trains leaving from Athens airport to Corinth Station.
3. The Corinth Canal in Jump to Elastic
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alika Obraz
If you want to experience the dizzying height of the canal a little closer, why not try the elastic jump? The platform is located on the bridge of Isthmios. If we believe the enthusiasts of this practice, the Corinth Canal would be one of the best spots in the world for the jump of the angel.
Of course, if you can keep your eyes open, the perspective from the 80 meters high is exceptional. You can even ask to touch the water. To the amateurs.
Practical information
- The jump is offered by the company Zulubungy. We have to count 80 € by person for the jump as well as a record of your exploit;
- To jump, you have to weigh between 45 and 105 kg. Know that you will be weighed at the beginning to adapt the elastics;
- Practice is prohibited, among other things, pregnant women, diabetic but also to persons with cardiac or neurological problems. All information is on the website and you will have to sign a dump before jumping.
4. The Corinth Canal by guided tour
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Dimitris Panas
This is the ideal opportunity to visit the Corinth Canal and the surrounding sites. You will have to satisfy your curiosity with full comments on his history and the technical prowess he represents.
From Athens, you have circuits that are organized during the day and that allow you to also visit the site of the ancient Corinth. If possible, choose one that leaves you time to climb to the Acrocorinthe, the ancient acropolis of the city. The view is spectacular, as well as the historical vestiges.
You also have other circuits that, in addition to the channel, include visiting other sites such as Mycenes and Epidavros.
Practical information
- A day trip from Athens lasts on average 8 a.m. with the transport included.
- Count about 60 € per person. Prices easily pass the bar 100 € or more if you want a private group or other ancient sites.
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