Corinth Canal

About

The Corinth Canal is a narrow, lock‑free waterway that slices through the Isthmus of Corinth, linking the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea to the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. Spanning 6.34 km (4 mi) and 24.6 m (80 ft) wide at sea level, the canal cuts through solid limestone walls that rise up to 90 m (300 ft) high, creating a dramatic, tunnel‑like canyon that is the most impressive feature of the attraction. Although its original purpose was to enable naval and commercial shipping, the canal’s narrowness and steep banks have made large vessels unable to pass, and it is now used mainly by recreational boats and tourist operators. The modern canal was completed in 1893 after a lengthy history of aqueduct‑style attempts dating back to the 7th century BC. It was engineered by the celebrated Hungarian engineer István Türr and his partner Béla Gerster, and built by a French consortium that boasted an ambitious budget of 30 million gold francs. The construction involved 8 m (26 ft) deep trenches and 24 m (80 ft) wide channels that were carved out of the limestone with blasting and hand‑cutting techniques. The waterway today still maintains the same depth and width, and is opened to the public for sightseeing, walking, and boat‑touring. Visitors can experience the canal’s unique geology and history from a number of dedicated viewing points. Along both entrances stand the iconic sub‑mersible bridges, built in 1988, that allow cars and pedestrians to cross the canal without the water flooding the road. In the central stretch the narrow canyon walls provide an almost cathedral‑like ambience, while the small steam‑powered paddle‑vessels that still transit the canal offer an interactive glimpse of the canal’s operational heritage. The site is a favorite for photographers, history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

Highlights

• Narrow Cutting
• Submersible Bridges
• Limestone Walls
• Panoramic Views

Must-See Areas

Good to Know

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 30 minutes