Corinth takes you from ancient urban sites and sanctuaries to lakes, biodiversity and mountain trails. When planning your trip, it helps to ask which focus interests you most: archaeological sites and museums, or nature and outdoor activities. This personal preference can also be a useful starting point when choosing accommodation.
Ancient City, Fortress and Sanctuaries
The Temple of Apollo and the theatre were central to the political and religious life of Ancient Corinth. The city’s strategic location on the isthmus helped it become a prosperous trading centre. Southwest of Ancient Corinth, the fortress of Acrocorinth stands at an elevation of 575 metres. Its walls are approximately 3,000 metres long and reinforced by three lines of defence. The complex includes the sanctuary of Aphrodite, the remains of an early Christian basilica, a Byzantine cistern and the Upper Peirene Spring. Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth therefore bring together different evidence of ancient urban history and later building periods.
Museums and Archaeological Sites
The Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth displays the twin Kouros statues from ancient Tenea. The Archaeological Museum of Nemea is located within the archaeological site of the Sanctuary of Zeus at Nemea. Its finds range from the Early Helladic period to early Christian times and come from excavations at Ancient Nemea, Kleones, Fliountas and the Mycenaean cemetery of Aidonia. Those wishing to relate museum collections to excavation sites will find objects here from several of the places and periods mentioned.
The ancient sites also reveal different facets of the region: Ancient Sicyon was a complete city-state, with a temple, palaestra, bouleuterion and theatre. The Archaeological Museum of Isthmia displays glass panels from the Temple of Isis; the Sanctuary of Poseidon stood at the eastern end of ancient Isthmia. The Heraion of Perachora comprises a temple of Hera, an altar, a two-storey stoa, a cistern and dining halls spread across three levels. The archaeological site is a few minutes’ walk from the lighthouse at Cape Melagavi. When planning a visit, you can therefore choose individual sites according to their particular focus, rather than treating these different places as a single monument.
Lakes, Biodiversity and Trails
At Lake Stymphalia, a nature theme is paired with a specific museum presentation. The Stymphalia Environmental Museum explores the harmonious coexistence of people and nature in the basin. It has an open aquarium presenting a cross-section of the lake, with living regional fish and plants. The lake is home to 160 species, mostly birds, and is part of the Natura 2000 network. Cycling around Stymphalia is pleasant and mostly easy. The museum, protected area and cycling route therefore offer different perspectives: the basin, its wildlife and an activity by the lake.
Lake Doxa provides a refuge for birds, fish, amphibians and mammals. Rare plants endemic to the Peloponnese grow in the surrounding forests and mountains. Visitors can walk or cycle around the lake; a moderately difficult 10.5-kilometre hiking trail also leads from Lake Doxa to Diaselo tou Kynigou on Durdouvanas. For planning a specific outing, the distinction is useful: the hike described has a set destination and stated length, while walking and cycling around the lake are mentioned as other options. The peaks of Ziria and the Flambouritsa Valley that divides them are also part of the Natura 2000 network. The nature theme thus ranges from protected landscapes and habitats to a clearly defined hiking route.
Discover more destinations: Korfos, Kiato, Isthmía, Loutráki, Feneos, Karya, Káto Ássos, Xilokastro Evrostini, Agii Theodori, Kato Synoikia Trikalon, Ano Tríkkala, Riza, Loutra Oreas Elenis, Kalianoi Stymfalia, Velo, Stymfalia, Corinth, Kefalari, Lechaion, Nerantza, Sofiko, Aghios Dimitrios, Pefkali, Aghios Petros, Psari, Derveni, Goura, Athikia, Loutraki, Vrachati, Panorama, Xilokastro, Kato Almiri, Kastania, Kokkoni, Evrostina, Sikionas, Sofiana, Mertikeika, Manna, Laliotis, Killini, Siderona.
Go to the broader travel overview: Peloponnese.
