Corinth Canal (Greece)

Corinth Canal is located in Aegean Sea (Eastern Mediterranean cruising region). It connects Gulf of Corinth with Saronic Gulf. The canal cuts through narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates Peloponnese from Greece's mainland. This way it effectively makes the former peninsula an island. The canal's builders dug it through Isthmus at sea level as no locks are employed.

An effort was made to build the canal in the 1st century AD. In 1881 its construction finally started, but was hampered by financial and geological problems that bankrupted the original builders. The Corinth Canal was completed in 1893. However, due to its narrowness, navigational problems and closures to repair landslides from its steep walls, the canal failed to attract the shipping traffic expected by its operators. It is currently used mainly for tourist traffic, including small-sized cruise ships.

In 2019, the Fred Olsen-ship Braemar set a world record with its inaugural Corinth Canal cruise as the longest ship (LOA length 195 m / 640 ft) ever to pass through this unique waterway. Fred Olsen Braemar’s second passage (in 2021) was scheduled as part of the following itinerary:

• (booking code M2109) 25-day "Greek Islands and Corinth Canal’ cruise roundtrip from Southampton England, departure April 16, 2021. Prices started from GBP 4000 per person (based on two adults sharing twin-bedded Inside Cabin, inclusive of port taxes).
• Ports of call: Malaga, Valletta, Agios Nikolaos, Rhodes, Ermoupoli, Corinth Canal (passing), Patras, Katakolon, Argostoli, Messina Strait, Stromboli Island, Trapani, Ibiza, Cartagena, Lisbon.

Corinth Canal cruise terminal