Ancient Corinth & Corinth Canal Shore Excursion from Athens
Cross into the Peloponnese to see the astonishing Corinth Canal and the ruins of Ancient Corinth, where St Paul preached — a rewarding half-to-full-day trip from Piraeus.
This excursion crosses from Attica into the Peloponnese, beginning at the Corinth Canal — a 6.4 km channel cut straight through the Isthmus of Corinth in the 1890s. Barely 21 metres wide at water level, with sheer rock walls plunging to a ribbon of turquoise, it is a genuinely startling sight and an unmissable photo stop.
A short drive on lies Ancient Corinth, one of the great cities of the classical and Roman world. Highlights include the imposing Doric Temple of Apollo, the marble-paved Lechaion Way, the bema where the Apostle Paul is said to have addressed the Corinthians, and an excellent site museum. Above the ruins rises the fortress rock of Acrocorinth.
At around 85 km each way on good motorway, Corinth is realistic on a port call of six hours or more. It is one of the best options for travellers who have already seen central Athens and want a rewarding half-to-full day beyond the city — with an operator managing the return to your ship.
Highlights
- The dramatic Corinth Canal cut through solid rock
- The Temple of Apollo at Ancient Corinth
- The bema associated with the Apostle Paul
- The Ancient Corinth site museum and Acrocorinth views
Weather & seasonal notes
The archaeological site is open and largely unshaded — hot in summer. Sturdy shoes help on uneven ancient stone; carry water and sun protection.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Corinth from the Piraeus cruise port?
Ancient Corinth is about 85 km west of Athens, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes each way by coach on the motorway, with the canal a short stop along the route.
Is Corinth suitable for a short cruise call?
It is best on calls of six hours or more given the round trip of around 170 km. On a shorter call, choose an Athens city sight instead.
Why is Corinth significant for Christian visitors?
The Apostle Paul lived and preached in Corinth for about 18 months and later wrote his letters to the Corinthians. The site includes the bema (public speaking platform) traditionally linked to him.
You may also like
- Delphi Full-Day Tour
A full-day journey to Delphi, the mountain sanctuary the ancient Greeks called the centre of the world — the Temple of Apollo, the oracle, and a superb museum, only for long port calls.
- Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon
A scenic drive down the Athens Riviera to the Temple of Poseidon on the cliffs of Cape Sounion — dramatic coastal views and one of Greece's most beautiful temple settings.
- Athens City Highlights
The best of Athens in one loop — the Acropolis, Plaka, Syntagma and the changing of the guard, the Panathenaic Stadium and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, tailored to your hours ashore.
Need help choosing?
Tell us your ship, port hours, and interests — we'll suggest Athens shore excursions from Piraeus that fit your schedule and return-to-ship window.