A Sail Tale

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Canals and short cuts

Corinth Canal

A 6 km knife-cut through limestone, barely 25 m wide, with walls towering up to about 90 m overhead.

12 episodes on the chart

Length
6.34 km (3.9 mi)
Locks
None (sea level)
Opened
25 July 1893
Transit time
About 40 minutes (per the operator)
Max width / depth
Width about 21-25 m; maximum draft 7.3 m; bridges about 45 m above water
Operator
Corinth Canal S.A. (AEDIK)

The Corinth Canal slices 6.3 km through the isthmus separating the Gulf of Corinth from the Saronic Gulf. Opened in 1893, it spares boats the trip around the Peloponnese. It is dug at sea level with no locks, and Corinth Canal S.A. (AEDIK) operates it.

Yachts request a transit and pay in advance or at the Canal offices, using the online services of the operator. Transit is by one-way convoys with a pilot and, where needed, a tug. The fee depends on boat length and is high for such a short trip. VAT can apply, so use the AEDIK fee calculator. Crossing takes about 40 minutes, with mooring at either end.

The near-vertical rock walls are the draw, with the road, rail and motorway bridges around 45 m overhead. It is mainly used by pleasure boats these days.

Highlights

  • Sheer rock walls, up to about 90 m high
  • Submersible bridges dropping at both ends
  • Short cut from the Ionian side to the Aegean
  • Often called one of the world's priciest transits per mile

Watch out for

  • Fees are high for the distance, so check the AEDIK calculator
  • Transit only when the canal is open, since closures for landslides and maintenance happen
  • Submersible bridges must be lowered before you enter
  • Current rockfall closures and opening times change, so confirm with the operator

Episodes on this route 12

Crews on this route

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A summary for learning and dreaming, not for navigation. Rules, fees, seasons and security advice change: check current official sources before you go.

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