The Corinth Canal is an artificial waterway carved through the Isthmus of Corinth, Greece, which connects the Gulf of Corinth, in the Ionian Sea (West) and the Saronic Gulf, in the Aegean Sea (East). Since the 7th century BC, this union had been desired and at the time they used a system in wood to guide ships. Already in 67, Nero had thought of the construction of the canal which had begun but was immediately stopped because of his death. In 1882 that construction began, but everything they had calculated took a lot more time and cost and unfortunately the work was stopped 7 years later when there was a good part done. Finally the canal is inaugurated in 1893 but it become functional a year later. The channel is 6.343 meters long and 24.60m wide, with a depth of 8 meters. While passing by, the ships save 400 km, avoiding the peninsula of Peloponnese. There are other two submersible bridges (Isthmia and Posidonia) at each end that since 1988 allow to cross the channel. There is also a road bridge and two railway bridges. Due to its narrowness, the canal is little frequented.
Tips
To have a good view and enjoy the passing ships, go on one of the bridges, Isthmia or Posidonia, from where you will have a magnificent vision.
Take advantage of your trip to visit the site of Ancient Corinth (paying) and the Archaeological Museum. If you are driving, it only takes 20-30 minutes to get there.
There are yachts you can take to cross the canal, it’s well worth it.
