Discover Corinth
Three thousand years,fifteen minutes away.
A short guide to the places we send our guests to, from the temple of Apollo to a swim in Lake Vouliagmeni.
Our tip
Twelve placeswe send our guests to.
The temple of Apollo, the Roman forum and the fountain of Peirene, with a museum on the site.
Our tipGo when the gates open. The columns of Apollo against the Acrocorinth are at their best in the first light.
Suggested visit: 2 hoursDirections: Ancient CorinthThe fortified rock above the ancient city, with Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian and Ottoman walls and a wide view of both gulfs.
Our tipWear proper shoes and carry water. Stay for the late afternoon, when the plain turns gold.
Suggested visit: 2 to 3 hoursDirections: AcrocorinthA six-kilometre cut through the Isthmus, opened in 1893, with rock walls that rise almost eighty metres above the water.
Our tipWalk the old bridge for the view straight down, then drive to the submersible bridge at Isthmia to see ships pass at eye level.
Suggested visit: 45 minutesDirections: Corinth Canal
Zde · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons The sanctuary of Poseidon, home of the Isthmian Games, with a small museum and Roman bath mosaics.
Our tipPair it with the canal. The two are minutes apart and tell one story.
Suggested visit: 1 hourDirections: Ancient Isthmia
Carole Raddato · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons The eastern harbour of ancient Corinth, with ruins at the water's edge on the Saronic Gulf.
Our tipBring a mask. Parts of the ancient harbour lie in shallow, clear water.
Suggested visit: Half a dayDirections: Kenchreai
Schuppi · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons The western harbour of ancient Corinth and the remains of one of the largest early Christian basilicas in Greece.
Our tipA quiet stop on the way to the beach, best in the soft light before sunset.
Suggested visit: 1 hourDirections: LechaionA seaside town known for its thermal springs, with a long pebble beach on the Gulf of Corinth.
Our tipSwim, then walk the seafront at dusk and stay for dinner by the water.
Suggested visit: Half a dayDirections: Loutraki
The sanctuary of Hera in a tiny cove beneath the Melagavi lighthouse, at the tip of the peninsula.
Our tipSwim in the cove among the ruins, then climb to the lighthouse for the sunset over the gulf.
Suggested visit: 2 hoursDirections: Heraion of Perachora
Charski A.V. · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons A calm lagoon joined to the sea by a narrow channel, on the road to the Heraion.
Our tipThe water is still and warm. Ideal with children, and for a long lunch on the shore.
Suggested visit: Half a dayDirections: Lake Vouliagmeni
Zde · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons The ancient stadium and temple of Zeus, surrounded by the vineyards of Agiorgitiko and their wineries.
Our tipWalk through the athletes' tunnel into the stadium, then book a tasting at one of the estates.
Suggested visit: Half a dayDirections: Nemea
Zde · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons The citadel of Agamemnon, with the Lion Gate, the grave circles and the Treasury of Atreus.
Our tipStart early and continue to Nafplio for lunch. It makes a full, unhurried day.
Suggested visit: Half a dayDirections: Mycenae
Nojos88 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons A mountain wetland tied to the labours of Heracles, with an environment museum above the reeds.
Our tipGo in spring for the birds and the cool air. A different Corinthia from the coast.
Suggested visit: Half a dayDirections: Lake Stymphalia
One day, three eras
A relaxed day by car for first-time visitors.
Morning
Ancient Corinth
The temple of Apollo, the Roman forum and the museum, before the heat.
Midday
Acrocorinth
Walk up through three lines of walls for the view over two gulfs.
Afternoon
Corinth Canal
Stand on the bridge above the cut, then follow the coast to Loutraki for a swim.
Journal
Notes on Corinth and the wider region, in three languages.
The first stories are on their way.