On the Corinth Canal side of Isthmía is one of the two submersible bridges currently in operation. The bridges connect Central Greece and the Peloponnese. The bridge on the Isthmía side is for private motor vehicles only. Take this restriction into account if you include the crossing in your plans.

By the Canal: Location and Bridges

The village of Isthmía lies at the western end of Kalamaki Bay, near the southeastern entrance to the Loutraki Canal. The bay and canal entrance therefore provide two specific reference points for finding your way around the area.

Museum and Sanctuary of Poseidon

The Isthmía Museum is located in the settlement of Kyra Vrysi, next to the archaeological site of the pan-Hellenic Sanctuary of Poseidon. The entrance area displays selected finds, sculptures, victory stelae, and part of the sima of a temple dating to the 4th century BC. The selection brings together different types of objects with a part of a temple whose date is specifically stated.

The Archaeological Museum’s collection includes finds from Mycenaean burial grounds in the area, the Sanctuary of Poseidon, the Roman bath, and the Justinianic Wall. It also includes finds from Rachi Hill in Isthmía and from the port of Kenchreai. These findspots span burial grounds and a sanctuary, as well as a bath, wall, hill, and port, giving the collection several historical points of reference.

Notable exhibits include glass panels from the Temple of Isis in the port of Kenchreai. Alongside finds connected with the Sanctuary of Poseidon, they point to another temple and a different findspot.

Historic Sites and Kryfi Beach

The Sanctuary of Poseidon in Isthmía was one of four pan-Hellenic sanctuaries; the other three were Olympia, Delphi, and Nemea. The Isthmian Games were also held in the area of Isthmía. The sanctuary and the games thus give the area its own historical context within these sanctuaries, known across the region.

The area’s archaeological landscape also includes the ruins of temples of Poseidon and Melikertes-Palaimon, as well as a Roman theater and stadium. These remains are in the Isthmía area; they complement the museum finds and sanctuary with additional historic sites.

Another focus for a trip is Kryfi Beach, an organized beach in Isthmía. As beach facilities may change, check the latest information if facilities are important for your visit.

When looking for a hotel in Isthmía, you can first consider whether archaeology, Kryfi Beach, or both should be the focus of your stay. This lets you tailor your choice to the things that interest you locally, rather than inferring a fixed itinerary from the different options available.

Discover more destinations: Pefkali, Kefalari, Evrostina, Nerantza, Loutraki, Sikionas, Aghios Petros, Velo

For the broader travel overview: Corinth.