The Corinth Canal
Greece’s own Panama — 6,343 metres that slice the Peloponnese clean off the mainland. Just one hour from Athens, one of the world’s most striking feats of engineering is waiting for you.
The Corinth Canal joins the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf, cutting a dead-straight 6.3 km line through solid rock up to 90 metres high. Whether you stop for a photo on the bridge or leap off it on a bungee cord, it’s the essential first stop on any Corinthia trip.
How to get there from Athens
- By car: ~1 hour (80 km) via the Athens–Corinth motorway (E94). Take the “Isthmos” exit — there is free parking right by the bridge.
- By KTEL bus: Buses to Corinth leave from the Kifissos terminal in Athens roughly every hour.
- By suburban rail: The Proastiakos train reaches Corinth station; from there a taxi or local bus takes you to the Isthmus.
- By organised tour: The easiest option if you’d rather not drive — transfer, guide, and a combo with Ancient Corinth included.
What you’ll see
The view from the Isthmus bridge is breathtaking: the vertical walls drop 79 metres to the blue-green water, where cruise ships and yachts squeeze through with only a few metres to spare on each side.
- Submersible bridges: At each end (Isthmia & Poseidonia) the bridges sink 8 metres below the water to let ships pass — a spectacle you won’t see anywhere else.
- Nero’s failures: The Roman emperor began digging in 67 AD with 6,000 workers — traces of those first excavations still survive.
- The modern canal: Completed in 1893 after 11 years of work, fulfilling a 2,000-year-old dream.
Things to do
🪂 Bungee jumping
The area’s biggest adrenaline rush: a 78-metre free-fall over the canal with operator Zulu Bungy. Prices from ~€60, minimum age 12 (accompanied). Booking is required, especially at weekends.
⛵ Cruise through the canal
See the walls from below — a unique boat passage through the narrowest point. Lia’s Travel’s day cruise “Isthmus Crossing & Party on Board” is one of the most popular.
📸 Photography from the bridge
Free and spectacular. Best light is early morning or just before sunset, when the sun turns the walls golden.
Where to eat afterwards
Just minutes from the canal you’ll find excellent options:
- Mavadda Gastrobar — modern cuisine & drinks in Kiato
- To Polychoro — traditional taverna
- Gyromachies — for something quick & tasty
How long you need
Combined itineraries
- Canal + Ancient Corinth + Acrocorinth — history & views in one day.
- Canal + Loutraki + Heraion — beach, spa waters & an ancient sanctuary.
- Canal + Nemea — Agiorgitiko wine & culture.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit the Corinth Canal?
The view from the Isthmus bridge is completely free, with free parking. You only pay for activities such as bungee jumping (~€60) or a boat cruise.
Is the Corinth Canal open to visitors?
Yes — the area around the bridge is freely accessible 24/7. The submersible bridges operate whenever ships pass through.
How do I get to the Corinth Canal from Athens?
By car it’s about 1 hour via the E94 motorway (Isthmos exit), by KTEL bus from Kifissos, by suburban train to Corinth, or on an organised tour.
How much is bungee jumping at the Corinth Canal?
It starts at around €60 per person with Zulu Bungy. Booking is recommended, especially at weekends.
Can I visit the Corinth Canal and Ancient Corinth in one day?
Absolutely. They’re only minutes apart; a Canal + Ancient Corinth + Acrocorinth combo takes 4–5 hours.
How big is the Corinth Canal?
It is 6,343 metres long, about 24.6 m wide at the surface, ~21.3 m at water level and ~8 m deep, with walls up to 90 m high.
Experiences & Tours departing from Corinthia
Organised day trips by Lia's Travel — departure from Corinthia, destinations all over Greece.
Day trip Isthmus Crossing & Party Cruise
Plan your trip
Corinthia tips by email
Location
More sights to explore
Weather & best time to visit
Free Travel Guide (PDF)
Download our complete Visit Corinthia guide — top sights, beaches, wineries & practical info, all in one PDF.
Ready to explore Corinthia?
Book your trip with Lias Travel — specialist packages for Corinthia and all of Greece.
