Diolkos Ancient Shipway
Walk where ancient ships were dragged overland and witness a modern bridge that submerges for passage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness the bridge submerge
Diolkos Ancient Shipway
Best Time
Witness the bridge submerge
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk where ancient ships were dragged overland and witness a modern bridge that submerges for passage.
"A unique stop combining ancient ingenuity with modern marvels, offering stunning views."
⏳ Check Bridge Schedule
Plan your visit around ship passages to see the unique submerging bridge in action.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The coastal scenery with palm trees and waves is ideal for stunning photoshoots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ancient Shipway
Corinth Canal
Walk the polished marble path where ships were dragged across land, a marvel of ancient engineering.
The Submerging Bridge
Corinth Canal
Witness the modern marvel that dips into the sea, allowing ships to pass over the ancient route.
Coastal Vistas
Surrounding area
Enjoy breathtaking views of the coast with palm trees, lush grass, and crashing waves.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Stone Road
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Check Bridge Schedule
Plan your visit around ship passages to see the unique submerging bridge in action.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The coastal scenery with palm trees and waves is ideal for stunning photoshoots.
🚶♀️ Explore the Marble
Walk the ancient polished marble road where ships were once dragged.
🚗 Easy Access
The site is easily accessible, making it a great stop on your first days in Greece.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Check Bridge Schedule
Plan your visit around ship passages to see the unique submerging bridge in action.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The coastal scenery with palm trees and waves is ideal for stunning photoshoots.
🚶♀️ Explore the Marble
Walk the ancient polished marble road where ships were once dragged.
🚗 Easy Access
The site is easily accessible, making it a great stop on your first days in Greece.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Diolkos and Corinth Canal a fascinating stop, highlighting the unique engineering of both ancient and modern times. The submerging bridge is a major draw, offering a spectacular sight, though some note potential waits. The scenic coastal views add to the appeal, making it a worthwhile and memorable experience.
"I talked to the bridge guy :) he said it is closed for another 6 month, so until Apr 2026. Now it opena up twice a fay in the morning for some tow-boats. But the view is great!"
Mihey Mik
"A short 2.2 k walk from the bus station. Not much to see when there and in November - all restaurants along the way are shut. You will pass a supermarket.
Good view once arrived."
Tashy W W
"Remains of acient "road", made of polished marble, used to pull/drag ships from the Aegean to the Bay of Corinth, 2000 years before the Corinth canal was built."
seg1959
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Diolkos is located near the Corinth Canal. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors stop here as part of a larger tour of the Peloponnese region.
Public transport options directly to the Diolkos are limited. It's best visited with a rental car or as part of an organized tour.
Combine a visit to the ancient shipway with watching the ships pass through the Corinth Canal. The unique submerging bridge is a highlight.
Yes, the Corinth Canal itself is a major attraction. You can also explore the ancient city of Corinth and the Acrocorinth fortress nearby.
Roads leading to the Diolkos and Corinth Canal are generally well-maintained and easy to navigate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the Diolkos itself, the ancient stone road, is generally free. However, there might be viewing areas or facilities at the Corinth Canal that have associated costs.
The ancient shipway is an open-air site, so it's accessible at most times. The Corinth Canal bridge operates on a schedule for ship passages.
Viewing the Corinth Canal and its unique bridge is typically free from designated viewpoints.
While the ancient site itself is open, visiting at night might be less safe and offer limited visibility. It's best experienced during daylight hours.
While not always advertised specifically for the Diolkos, many tours of the Corinth region will include a stop here.
📸 📸 Photography
The ancient marble road itself, the surrounding coastline with palm trees, and the Corinth Canal bridge offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over the site or canal.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. Commercial photography might require permission.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views and the shipway. A telephoto lens can be useful for ships passing through the canal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great spot for a picnic with stunning coastal views, making it a relaxed outing. Encourage kids to imagine the ancient sailors and the challenges they faced. The open space around the canal also allows for some freedom to move around, though supervision is always recommended.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for the 'golden hours' – early morning or late afternoon – for the most dramatic lighting. The contrast between the ancient stone and the modern steel of the bridge, set against the blue of the sea, creates visually striking compositions. Don't miss the opportunity to capture the bridge in its submerged state during a ship passage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of the Diolkos
Travelers often marvel at the sheer scale of this undertaking. The polished marble surface, still visible today, speaks to the effort and resources invested. It’s a tangible link to a past where maritime trade was paramount, and such innovative solutions were developed to overcome geographical challenges. The concept of a 'shipway' is fascinating, and the Diolkos stands as one of the most significant examples of this ancient practice.
While the ancient shipway itself is a historical remnant, its legacy is continued by the modern Corinth Canal. The canal, completed in 1893, serves a similar purpose of connecting the Gulf of Corinth with the Aegean Sea. The juxtaposition of the ancient Diolkos and the modern canal offers a unique perspective on the enduring human drive to facilitate maritime passage.
Experiencing the Corinth Canal Bridge
When a ship is scheduled to pass, the bridge sections descend, creating a dramatic scene. While it can mean a wait of about half an hour, the experience is widely considered worth it. Seeing this innovative mechanism in action provides a memorable moment and a great photo opportunity.
To catch this event, it's best to check the canal's schedule or inquire locally about upcoming ship transits. The surrounding area also offers excellent vantage points for photography, with stunning coastal views that complement the industrial marvel of the canal.
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