Corinth is a town in Greece, set where the Peloponnese meets mainland Greece, and it has held that strategic position for a very long time. It makes a good stop for anyone travelling between the two regions, and it rewards a slower visit for those interested in the ancient world.
The ancient city and its temple
The archaeological site is extensive, and walking through it gives a clear sense of the city's scale. The most striking feature is the Temple of Apollo, whose columns remain a focal point of the ruins. Allow time to wander between the remains rather than rushing from one point to the next.
Visitors also come to walk through the ruins where St. Paul once preached, a connection that draws many people with an interest in early Christian history.
Acrocorinth and the views
Above the town rises Acrocorinth, the imposing fortress that crowns the site. The climb is worth making for the panoramic views, which take in two seas. It is a good place to understand why the city's position mattered so much to those who controlled it.
The canal and the surrounding area
- The Corinth Canal, a 19th-century engineering feat, lies nearby and is a striking sight in its own right.
- The ancient site, the fortress and the canal can be combined into a single day trip.
- The town itself offers a base for exploring the wider Peloponnese.
Corinth suits visitors who enjoy archaeology, history and landscape, and who are happy to spend a few hours on foot among ruins and viewpoints.