Corinthia: The Canal, Ancient Corinth and Nemea Wine – A Travel Guide
Corinthia is the gateway to the Peloponnese, about one hour from Athens. In a small area you find the famous canal, the ruins of one of the richest cities of ancient Greece, the vineyards of Nemea and easy seaside towns on two gulfs – a perfect first stop on a road trip, or a day trip from Athens.
The Corinth Canal
Opened in 1893, the canal cuts through the narrow isthmus between the Peloponnese and mainland Greece. Its walls rise almost straight up from the water, and the best view is from the bridges that cross it near Isthmia. A short stop here is a classic on every transfer from Athens to the Peloponnese.
Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth
Ancient Corinth was one of the great cities of ancient Greece and later the capital of the Roman province. Its symbol is the Temple of Apollo, with seven Doric columns still standing from the 6th century BC. There is also a good museum and the bema where the Apostle Paul is said to have spoken. Above the site rises Acrocorinth, a huge mountain fortress with walls from ancient, Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian and Ottoman times and wide views over both gulfs.
Nemea and its wineries
Nemea is one of the best-known wine regions of Greece, home of the red Agiorgitiko grape. Many wineries welcome visitors for tastings. At Ancient Nemea you can see the Temple of Zeus with its restored columns and the ancient stadium where the Nemean Games were held. See our Mantinia & Nemea wine day trip.
Loutraki and Lake Vouliagmeni
Loutraki is a spa town on the Corinthian Gulf, with a long beach, a seaside promenade and thermal springs. A short drive west takes you to the quiet Lake Vouliagmeni and the Heraion of Perachora, a small ancient sanctuary by the sea with a lighthouse at the tip of the cape.
Xylokastro and the coast
West of Corinth, Xylokastro has a long pebble beach backed by a pine forest, a pleasant promenade and simple fish tavernas. It is a calm base for families, close to the mountain villages of inland Corinthia.
When to go
Spring and autumn are best for sightseeing and walking. The wine harvest in Nemea is in late August and September. Summer is good for the beaches of Loutraki and Xylokastro, but visit the ancient sites early in the morning.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Corinth & Nemea · Where to stay in Loutraki & Xylokastro
Getting there
Corinth is about 80 km from Athens by motorway, around one hour from the city centre and a little more from the airport. A private driver lets you stop at the canal, Ancient Corinth and a winery in one day, or continue to Nafplio and the rest of the Peloponnese.
See: Athens – Ancient Corinth · Athens – Loutraki · Athens – Nemea · Athens – Epidaurus · Lagkadia – Corinth & Loutraki
Combine it with
Corinth, Mycenae, Nafplio & Epidaurus – 4 days · Athens – Corinth – Nafplio – Mycenae – Epidaurus tour · Epidaurus festival · Messinia travel guide
Frequently asked questions
Can we visit Corinthia as a day trip from Athens?
Yes. In one day you can see the Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth, and add a wine tasting in Nemea before returning to Athens.
How long should we stop at the Corinth Canal?
Twenty to thirty minutes is enough for photos from the bridge and a coffee. It fits easily into any transfer from Athens to the Peloponnese.
Is Acrocorinth worth the climb?
Yes, if you like views and castles. A road goes up to the gate, and from there you walk inside the walls; wear good shoes and bring water.
Tell us your dates and how many you are, and we will reply within 24 hours with your plan and private transfers. Ask for your trip
Photo: Temple of Apollo, Ancient Corinth – Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.