The Submersible Bridge at Isthmia

A lowland place in the Municipality of Loutraki-Perachora-Agioi Theodoroi, 61 m above sea level, home to 351 residents at the 2021 census.

• Elevation61 m
• Residents351
• MunicipalityLoutraki-Perachora-Agioi Theodoroi

☆ Save to my plan

At each end of the Corinth Canal stands a bridge that works the opposite way round to what you would expect: instead of lifting to let a ship through, it sinks into the water.

How it works

The bridge deck descends about 8 metres below the surface so vessels can pass over the top of it. Once the ship is through, the bridge rises again and traffic resumes. The whole thing takes a few minutes and is one of the most unusual sights in Greece.

Where to see it

There are two of these bridges: one at Isthmia (the eastern entrance, on the Saronic side) and one at Poseidonia (the western entrance, on the Corinthian Gulf). Both are freely accessible.

Practical notes

• There is no timetable — it submerges whenever a ship passes.
• Cafes and tavernas nearby make the wait easy.
• Combine it with the archaeological site of Isthmia and the Canal itself.