Overview
Corinth Canal, Greece Cruise Port
The Corinth Canal is an artificial waterway in Greece that connects the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. Cutting through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, this impressive feat of 19th-century engineering transforms the Peloponnese peninsula into an island, saving smaller ships the long and dangerous circumnavigation of the peninsula. Although conceived in ancient times, with attempts dating back to Roman emperors like Nero, the modern canal was finally completed in 1893, drastically shortening sea travel for many vessels.
The Corinth Canal is a spectacular scenic transit highlight for many Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruise itineraries, especially for smaller to mid-sized cruise ships, as its narrowness (only 21.4 meters or 70 feet wide at its base) precludes passage by larger modern vessels. Cruise ships do not dock within the canal, but perform a slow and deliberate passage, offering passengers breathtaking views of the sheer, towering limestone walls. A transit through the Corinth Canal provides cruise passengers with an unforgettable experience of a remarkable engineering achievement and a unique perspective on Greece's geography and history.
