Splash Waterpark
Water park with slides and pools near the Corinth Canal, suitable for family outings.
🌐 splashwaterpark.gr🕒 May-Sep 10:00-19:00
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Corinth Canal
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bridge
The Corinth Canal is an impressive engineering feat of the late 19th century that separates the Peloponnese peninsula from the Greek mainland. It connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf, shortening the sea route around the Peloponnese by approximately 700 kilometers. Although the idea of a canal was conceived in antiquity under Emperor Nero, it was only completed between 1881 and 1893. At 6.3 kilometers long and only 24.6 meters wide at the water's surface, the canal is too narrow for modern large-scale commercial vessels. Nevertheless, it remains a vital route for smaller freighters, yachts, and cruise ships, as well as a major tourist destination. The steep, nearly vertical rock walls rise up to 79 meters above sea level, providing a spectacular sight for travelers. Economically, the canal generates revenue through transit fees and serves as a lasting symbol of Greek industrial ambition. Due to occasional landslides, the canal requires periodic maintenance and structural stabilization.
- Location: Greece
- Top sights: Splash Waterpark · Hexamilion Wall · Roman Villa
- Nearby: Corinth (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 24 | 19 | 14 | 10 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 62 | 57 | 32 | 25 | 23 | 16 | 11 | 32 | 51 | 71 | 86 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The canal can be viewed for free from several bridges that span across it. Taking a passage on an excursion boat is a popular and fascinating way to experience the enormous, sheer rock walls up close from the water level.
Typical hours
The pedestrian bridges are accessible around the clock, allowing you to enjoy the view at any time. The excursion boat trips usually take place during the day and are highly dependent on the season and local tour operators.
Photography
The view from the main bridge deep down into the narrow gorge to the turquoise water is simply spectacular. For the great photo, wait for a passing ship to illustrate the truly massive and impressive dimensions of the canal.
Time needed
A short photo stop on the bridge usually only takes about fifteen to thirty minutes. If you decide to take a boat trip through the canal, you should expect this unique experience to take approximately one to two hours of your time.
Combine with
A visit can be ideally combined with the ruins of Ancient Corinth or the massive Acrocorinth fortress. The archaeological museum of Isthmia is also located nearby and perfectly complements the historical context for visitors.
Getting there
The canal is conveniently located right next to the highway between Athens and the Peloponnese peninsula. There is ample parking available near the old road bridge, where several souvenir shops and cafes are also situated.
Insider tip
If you have some time, look for the submersible bridge at the Isthmia end of the canal. It is a unique engineering spectacle to watch the bridge being lowered completely under the water to allow approaching ships to pass over it.
Geography
Facts
- The canal was officially inaugurated on August 6, 1893.
- Approximately 11,000 vessels transit the canal every year.
- At its deepest point, the rock walls stand 79 meters above the water.
- Hungarian engineer Béla Gerster led the design and planning of the canal.
- Construction took 11 years and employed more than 2,000 workers.
- A submersible bridge at Isthmia allows vessels with tall masts to pass.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Corinth Canal (8)
Roman Baths of Isthmia
Archaeological site in Corinthia regional unit, Greece: Roman bath complex with preserved structures.
Istmia
Ancient Greek sanctuary and current archaeological site, known for the Isthmian Games.
Archaeological Museum of Isthmia🏛 museum
Museum in Corinthia, Greece, displaying finds from the sanctuary and Roman buildings.
Diving Bridge of Poseidonos
Submersible bridge at the western entrance of the Corinth Canal, lowers for ships.
Isthmia Submersible Bridge
Submersible bridge at the eastern entrance of the Corinth Canal, allows ship passage.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Corinth Canal?
It is about 6.3 kilometers long and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland.
Can large ships pass through?
Only ships up to about 17-18 meters wide can pass through the narrow canal.
Is there bungee jumping?
Yes, bungee jumping is offered from one of the bridges during the summer months.
Where is the best view?
From the pedestrian bridge on the old highway, you have the best view straight down.
Can you go through by boat?
Yes, there are tourist excursion boats that offer trips through the canal.
Corinth Canal: where is it located?
Corinth Canal is located in Greece.
Corinth Canal: what is there to see?
Highlights include Splash Waterpark, Hexamilion Wall, Roman Villa.
Corinth Canal: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Corinth Canal: why is it worth visiting?
The Corinth Canal is an impressive engineering feat of the late 19th century that separates the Peloponnese peninsula from the Greek mainland.
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