9 Best Things to do in Corinth, Greece (2025)

What started as a quick stop in the quaint town of Ancient Corinth and a visit to Acrocorinth Fortress quickly turned into three days of adventure—and one of our favourite stops on our Peloponnese road trip. Out of all the places we explored on our itinerary, Ancient Corinth holds a special place in our hearts with its incredibly preserved ruins, charming small-town vibe, delicious food, and an authentic, non-touristy feel.

So if you’re debating whether Corinth deserves a spot on your Greece itinerary, the answer is a resounding yes! To help convince you, we’ve put together a list of our favourite things to do in Corinth, along with some helpful tips for your visit.

Is Corinth worth visiting?

Ancient Corinth is a charming little town nestled between Athens and Nafplio, and it quickly became one of our favourite stops on our Peloponnese road trip! While most visitors swing by on a day trip from Athens, if you have the time, I highly recommend staying for a few days. 

Despite its small size, Corinth felt like a true cultural immersion—like we had stumbled upon an authentic Greek town surrounded by ancient ruins that have stood still for thousands of years. It’s also home to one of the most impressive archaeological sites we visited throughout our road trip: the AcroCorinth Fortress. 

What really stood out was how local and untouched everything felt—and not just staged for tourists. From organic, locally made products to unique handcrafted jewelry and the freedom to explore ancient ruins without crowds, Corinth offers a refreshingly authentic experience. 

If you’re planning a Peloponnese itinerary, this is one stop you won’t want to miss!

Ancient Corinth Vs. Modern Corinth

Corinth now is divided into to distinct towns: Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) and Modern Corinth (located only a few kilometres away right by the water). 

Ancient Corinth is where you’ll find all the impressive archeological ruins, including the Temple of Apollo, the Agora, and the AcroCorinth Fortress. Staying here feels like stepping-back in time, with a more local, small-town atmosphere. 

Modern Corinth on the other hand, is a bustling port city. There are shops, restaurants, waterfront properties and fancy hotels. 

Between the two, we highly recommend staying in Ancient Corinth. It is here that you will get the fully authentic and historically immersive experience. Waking up surrounded by ancient ruins, with the AcroCorinth towering in the distance, feels like stepping back in time. The town itself has a laid-back, local vibe, with family-run tavernas, charming guesthouses, and artisanal shops selling handmade goods.

9 Best Things to do in Corinth

Below we’ll share our most memorable 9 things to do in Corinth, Greece. We try to include all sorts of activities, from exploring the Acrocorinth Fortress, archeological ruins, hidden gem jewelry stores, to the best rooftop terraces with a view!

1) Visit the AcroCorinth Fortress

The AcroCorinth Fortress is hands down the most impressive and exciting experience in Corinth. As we were driving toward the town, we spotted a massive fortress perched high atop imposing cliffs, absolutely dominating the landscape. Even from a distance, it looked absolutely impenetrable, and we couldn’t help but think, “Wow, imagine how incredible this must have looked in its prime thousands of years back!” 

Little did we know—that was AcroCorinth, and we were about to explore it up close!

Quick History of AcroCorinth

The Acrocorinth fortress was originally built around the 7th century BC by the Corinthians as a defensive stronghold. However, over the centuries, it was continuously occupied and fortified by various civilizations including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Franks, Venetians, and Ottomans. Due to it’s strategic position the Acrocorinth was considered one of the most impregnable fortresses in Greece.

Review of AcroCorinth

What we absolutely loved about our visit to Acrocorinth was the sheer size of the site and how free you are to explore. Right from the moment we entered the citadel, we saw a pathway veering to the right that most tourists seemed to be skipping. Naturally, we couldn’t resist checking it out, and it led us to one of the side defensive towers.

From there, we were rewarded with an incredible view of the fortress entrance, giving us a true appreciation of its ingenious defensive design. Seeing it from this angle really drove home just how strategically impenetrable this stronghold must have been!

Then once we reached the top of Acrocorinth, you can see the entire layout of the citadel and many of the structures still preserved. Standing there, it was easy to picture what life must have been like centuries ago—almost as if we had stepped straight into a scene from Game of Thrones!

Make sure to also visit the Upper Peirene Fountain, an impressive underground cistern that once played a crucial role in supplying water for the fortress.

Then next to it, there are the well-preserved ruins of the citadel walls which you can actually climb up and walk along. From here, you will get an absolutely jaw-dropping view of not only the entire fortress, but of the vast landscape stretching endlessly hundreds of feet below.

I think out of all the ancient Roman/Greek ruins we have seen throughout our travels, the AcroCorinth fortress, along with Demre and Patara ruins in Kas Turkey, are definitely among our top 3.

2) Acrocorinth Restaurant where they sell local products

Perched at the top of the towering hillside right beside the entrance of Acrocorinth, there is a cute little cafe where you can enjoy some local food, icecream, or shop for some organic products.

In fact, we were staying at Pegasus Rooms in Acrocorinth and while chatting with the owner, learned that their cafe sells organically-sourced olive oil, herbs, honey, and pistachio cream-all locally sourced.

Not only is this the perfect stop after your visit to Acrocorinth, but we loved it so much that we actually came back the next day. This time just to enjoy a drink, indulge in their local pastries, and soak in the incredible panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. 

This is also the perfect spot to buy some local produce souvenirs that you can bring back home to your families (or just keep it for yourself!).

3) Visit Temple of Apollo

It’s hard to miss being marvelled by the Temple of Apollo, as it can be easily spotted from almost anywhere in Ancient Corinth. We first saw it while casually strolling through the main street of Ancient Corinth and it creates for a stunning view with the backdrop of the towering Acrocorinth.

The Temple of Apollo dates back to around the 6th century BC, and was dedicated to Apollo, the greek god of prophecy, music, and healing. Originally, the temple consisted of 38 massive limestone columns but today, only 7 remain standing. Nonetheless, this temple showcases the wealth and influence of Corinthians during the antiquities, and is one of the most photogenic ruins in the region. 

You have the option of either just admiring the ruins from the fence (or from a rooftop restaurant, more on that later), or you can pay to enter the Archeological site of Ancient Corinth.

The Entrance costs 8€ and allows you to fully explore the archeological ruins as well as the Museum.

Opening Hours of Temple of Apollo and Ancient Corinth archeological site: 8:00-19:00 during the summer months.

Time to visit: A visit to the archeological site and museum should take around 1 hour. 

4) Rooftop view of ancient ruins at Taverna Gemelos

Whether you opted to visit the archeological site of Ancient Corinth or not, it is definitely worth admiring it again from the rooftop terrace of Taverna Gemelos. It offers one of the most impressive and close-up view of the ruins and is spectacular at sunset. 

On our first night in Ancient Corinth, we were treated to a breathtaking fiery orange sunset, with the silhouettes of the Temple of Apollo and AcroCorinth creating an unforgettable backdrop. But we wouldn’t be raving about Taverna Gemelos just for the view—the food was just as incredible! We ordered the lamb chops and souvlaki, and every bite was cooked to perfection.

When dining at Taverna Gemelos, be sure to ask for a table on the rooftop terrace! It’s tucked away at the back, so you might miss it otherwise—but trust us, the views from up there are totally worth it. And don’t make the same mistake as us when we accidentally went next door to the restaurant Tavernaki tou gabrou which only has a ground floor terrace, although their food was also equally delicious! 

5) Hidden Gem Local jewelry store in Corinth

I’m not usually one for jewelry shopping (though my wife is all about it!), but the handmade local jewelry in Ancient Corinth completely won me over.

The craftsmanship here is truly next level! While chatting with the shop owner, we learned that each piece is created by local designers, each drawing inspiration from different Greek historical eras, making every item uniquely special.

Of all the places we visited during our Athens and Peloponnese road trip, including Nafplio, this was hands down where we found the most distinctive and beautifully crafted jewelry—and the best part? The prices were surprisingly reasonable!

The shop is such a hidden gem that they don’t even pop up on Google maps. So to help you find it, head up the main street of Ancient corinth, and once you get to the fence where you see the Temple of Apollo, it is on the right side. 

It is a small shop owned by a lovely local Greek lady who is truly passionate about her craft. We spent over an hour there picking jewelry and learning more about the local arts. She even does the ancient Greek ceramic paintings herself which we would’ve loved to learn if we had more time in Corinth! 

6) See the Corinth Canal and Maybe Bungee Jump

If you’re driving from Athens to Corinth, be sure to make a quick stop at the Corinth Canal.

While the idea for the canal dates back to ancient times, it wasn’t actually built until the late 1800s, finally providing a crucial link between the Aegean and Ionian Seas. In fact, without the Corinth Canal allowing the connection to Piraeus port in Athens, many believe the city might not have grown into the powerhouse it is today. 

The canal may not have the ancient ruins and historical depth of an archaeological site, but it’s still a fascinating spot to check out! Standing on the bridge, you’ll get a true sense of just how narrow the canal is—yet at over 84 meters deep, it’s an impressive engineering feat!

For those who are looking for that extra thrill, you can actually bungee jump off of the bridge over Corinth Canal. The place is called Zulu Bungee and costs around 100€ for the experience. 

7) Go to Kalamia Beach and visit Modern Corinth

If you’re craving some beach time, head to Modern Corinth and check out Kalamia Beach (Paralia Kalamia). This long pebble beach is lined with a lively boardwalk filled with tavernas, restaurants, and bars, making it a great spot to relax by the sea. Plus, many places offer free beach chairs—just order a drink or some food, and you’re set!

A couple of things to keep in mind: shade is minimal, so bring sunscreen, and try to visit on a calm day since strong winds can make the waves pretty rough.

A trip to Kalamia Beach makes for a perfect day outing from Ancient Corinth and pairs well with a leisurely stroll through Modern Corinth! Make sure to visit the downtown area where you’ll spot the huge Pegasus Statue next to the Hercules Statue. 

8) Day Trip to the Archeological site of Mycenae

If you are interested in seeing more archeological sites, then you can make a quick day trip to Mycenae and discover one of Greece’s most powerful civilizations, the Mycenaeans. Here, you’ll get to admire the iconic Lion’s Gate, elaborate tholos (beehive) tombs, and the massive Cyclopean walls.

It’s an interesting site to explore, but we found the ruins to be less well-preserved than we had hoped, making it harder to truly picture its former grandeur. This was especially noticeable when compared to Acrocorinth Fortress, where the impressive preservation and immersive atmosphere made it much easier to step back in time and connect with its history.

With that said, the most impressive part in Mycenae for us was definitely the massive beehive-shaped tholos tombs. While it wasn’t our favourite archaeological site in Greece, if you’re in the area, we’d still say it’s worth a visit! 

Entrance Cost

• 12€ for adults, 6€ for Children
• For more details, you can visit their official website 

How Much Time Do you Need in Mycenae

I would say that around 60-90 minutes there should be enough to explore the entire archeoleogical site of Mycenae.

9) Nemea for wine tasting and archeological site

Another amazing day trip idea from Corinth is to visit the region of Nemea where you can do wine tasting and explore its archeological ruins. Often called the “Bordeaux of Greece,” Nemea is especially famous for its signature grape variety, Agiorgitiko, a deep red wine known for its rich flavours and aging potential.

The Wine production here is believed to date back to ancient times, with legends linking the region to Hercules and his first labor—the slaying of the Nemean Lion.

A day trip to Nemea for wine tasting is the perfect day trip from Nafplio. Whether you prefer sleek modern wineries or quaint family-run estates, you’ll get to sample their exceptional wines while soaking in the panoramic views of the rolling vineyards stretching across the landscape.

Some of our top recommendations for vineyards in Nemea include Bairaktaris Winery, Karamitsos Winery ΚΑΡΑΜΗΤΣΟΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΣ, or Semeli Estates if you want the ultimate in sleek modern winery.

Finally, if you’re not too buzzed from all the delicious wines, you can finish off your day trip by visiting the Archeological site of Nemea. 

How many days to visit Corinth

We spent 2 nights in Ancient Corinth and felt like it was the perfect amount of time to explore Acrocorinth, the Temple of Apollo, shopping, and overall soaking in the small-town laid-back vibes. 

After leaving Ancient Corinth, we made our way to Nafplio, which gave us the opportunity to explore the archaeological sites of Mycenae, Nemea, and Epidavros while we were there.

If you’re not planning to visit Nafplio or venture further into the Peloponnese, consider staying in Ancient Corinth for four nights. This will give you plenty of time to also take day trips to Mycenae, Nemea, and Epidavros without feeling rushed.

Corinth Itinerary

To make your trip planning easier, we’ve put together the ultimate Corinth itinerary, packed with the best experiences this charming town has to offer!

If you have 2-3 days to spend in Corinth, we would recommend the following itinerary:

3 Day Corinth Itinerary

• Day 1: Explore Acrocorinth, then dinner at Taverna Gemelos with the rooftop terrace, then stroll through the small town of Ancient Corinth
• Day 2: Visit the Archeological site of Ancient Corinth and the Museum, then go boutique shopping especially at the jewelry store, and if you still have time you can go to Kalamia Beach and walk through Modern Corinth
• Day 3: If you have a third day, then we would recommend doing a day trip to Mycenae, Epidavros, or Nemea. If you’re curious about some of the other experiences you can find in the region, we wrote a guide on Nafplio (located a short 1 hour drive away) including activities like kayaking in a sunken city, sailing trip, and more! 

📝 Check out our full guide on the Best Things to do in Nafplio, Greece

Day Tours to Corinth

We spent two nights exploring Ancient Corinth and absolutely loved it!

But if you’re short on time, no worries—there are some fantastic day tours departing from Athens.

Each tour offers a unique mix of experiences, so we’ve put together a quick summary to help you easily decide which one fits best into your itinerary:

How to get to Corinth

There are two methods of reaching Ancient Corinth, either by renting a car (The drive takes a little over an hour), or by taking the bus.

However, the bus from Athens will only bring you to Modern Corinth’s central bus station, and then you will need to take a taxi to reach Ancient Corinth. Once there, you can explore the Ancient Corinth Archeological site but will require another taxi to get up to AcroCorinth.

For this reason, I highly recommend either taking one of the day tours shown above, or renting a vehicle.

We ended up renting a vehicle since we were doing a complete Peloponnese itinerary, starting from Corinth, and then going through Nafplio, Mystra, Monemvasia, Gytheo, Methoni, Messene, and finally Athens. 

Where to Stay in Corinth

When choosing where to stay for your visit to Ancient Corinth, you either have the option of staying in Ancient Corinth or Modern Corinth.

In order to be close to all the historical sites, and for the cultural immersion, we highly recommend staying in Ancient Corinth.

It is a small, charming, and laid-back town and we loved seeing the local lifestyle there. Here are some of our top recommendations for places to stay, their highlight features, and budget:

Where to go after Corinth

After Corinth, you can continue exploring the Peloponnese.

We went from Athens airport, rented our car, and headed straight to Ancient Corinth. After a few days, we headed over to explore the coastal town of Nafplio and its archeological sites. Then we headed to the mountainous region of Mystra and Sparta, before exploring for a few days the castle town of Monemvasia (one of our favourite places!).

Then you can go West towards Gytheo, Methoni, and the final archeological site of Messene. And whatever you do, don’t skip Athens! Despite what some travelers might say, we absolutely loved our time there. Visiting the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum were definite highlights, and the city has so much more to offer beyond its ancient ruins!

Using WISE card in Greece

When taking cash out of an ATM while abroad, you will most likely be charged both a foreign exchange fee and a foreign transaction fee by that country’s ATM. With my Canadian card, this can easily be 3-4$ + 2.75% + a markup on the exchange rate charged by my bank, and then another 3-5$ charged by the foreign ATM.

This can be really costly. For this reason, we recommend using WISE card which has only minimal fees and just about no foreign currency exchange markup. This helps me save at least 5-7$ every time I take out money from an ATM. If you want to see our full review of the card showing exactly how WISE can help you save, check out our WISE Travel card Review post.

Recap: Things to do in Corinth

And there you have it! This is all the information you should need to help plan your itinerary in Corinth. We absolutely loved our time there and in fact, loved it so much that we returned for a quick stop at the end of our Peloponnese road trip itinerary.

Before leaving, we went back up to the Acrocorinth restaurant, enjoyed a quick lunch, bought some delicious organic olive oil, and one final visit to our favourite jewelry store! We hope this list of best things to do in Corinth helped add some unforgettable experiences to your trip, like it did for us!

Looking for more travel inspiration?

Incredible volcanoes and ancient Mayan civilizations: Tikal and Antigua in Guatemala.

Hiking in the Andes and discovering Machu Picchu: Travel itinerary in Peru, hiking to Machu Picchu

Exploring ancient cave dwellings and riding hot air balloons in Cappadocia

Exploring and sailing on the Turkish Coast

Hiking in one of the US’s best national parks and road tripping through Utah

Discover Vietnam and the exciting northern Ha Giang Loop, as well as the Unesco city of Hoi An.

Discover Japan through the bustling city of Tokyo, the ancient culture of Kyoto, savouring the food of Osaka, the bowing deers of Nara, or off-the-beaten path on the coast of Izu Peninsula.