Greece - Korina Miller [123]
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CORINTH ΚΟΡΙΝΘΟΣ
pop 29,787
Modern Corinth (ko-rin-thoss), located 6km west of the Corinth Canal, is the administrative capital of Corinthia prefecture. The town was built here after the old town was destroyed by an earthquake in 1858. The new town was wrecked by another, equally violent and damaging, earthquake in 1928 and badly damaged again in 1981.
The rather plain, modern town is dominated by cold concrete edifices, built to withstand future earthquakes. But it has a fairly pleasant harbour, a thriving stretch of cafe-lined beachfront and helpful, friendly locals.
Orientation & Information
Corinth is laid out on a grid of wide streets stretching back from the waterfront. Social activity clusters in the cafe-lined pedestrian Pilarinou, and the nearby Kalamia Beach, 1km west of the port. The main square by the harbour is the recently renovated Plateia El Venizelou, by no means the social centre. Administrative activity is along Ethnikis Andistasis.
There is no EOT in Corinth.
Internet Café ( 27410 25570; Pilarinou 70; per hr €3; 8.30am-10.30pm Mon-Sat)
National Bank of Greece (Ethnikis Andistasis) Has ATM.
Police ( 27410 81100; Ermou 51, Plateia Kentriki) In the same building as the tourist police.
Post office (Adimantou 33; 7.30am-2pm Mon-Fri)
Tourist police ( 27410 23282; Ermou 51, Plateia Kentriki; 8am-2pm)
Sights & Activities
To the south of the wharf, the Folk Museum ( 27410 25352; Ermou 1; admission €1.50; 8.30am-1.30pm Tue-Sun) focuses on bridal and festive costumes from the past three centuries from the islands and the mainland. There is also metalwork, embroidery, gold and silver objects, and carvings, both secular and ecclesiastical.
If you’re spending time in town, it’s worth heading for Kalamia Beach, an attractive strip of sand fronted by a fashionable and thriving row of cafes and restaurants, 1km due west of the port.
Tours
In summer, Periandros ( 27410 30800, 6942013685; www.corinthcanal.com/cruises.html) offers visitors tours (around seven per week) through the Corinth Canal on its boat Canal Vista.
Sleeping
Blue Dolphin Campground ( 27410 25766/7; www.camping-blue-dolphin.gr; camp sites per adult/tent/car €6.50/5/3.50; Apr-Oct; ) About 4km west of town beyond the ruins of the ancient port of Lecheon is this well-organised camping ground. It has its own stretch of Gulf of Corinth pebble beach. Buses from Corinth to Lecheon can drop you there; staff will pick you up from the bus or train stations.
Hotel Korinthos ( 27410 26701/2/3; www.korinthoshotel.gr; Damaskinou 26; s/d/tr €40/65/75; ) In general, it’s like the rest of Corinth – it has definitely seen better days. The dated rooms have balconies and those at the back have views over the Gulf of Corinth. But management is very friendly and there’s also a roof garden.
Hotel Ephira ( 27410 22434/4021; www.ephirahotel.gr; Ethnikis Andistasis 52; s/d/tr €50/70/80; ) This may be Corinth’s smartest and most professional hotel. Indeed, it’s comfortably furnished, with a few blemishes. The more spacious suites on the 6th floor are a notch more upmarket (€180). Breakfast costs €5.
Eating
There are limited dining options in town. Most of the evening action takes place in the cafes along Kalamia Beach, which is also a good place to sunbathe or sip a drink during the day. The cafes along Pilarinou are popular with younger locals.
Restaurant Arodo ( 27410 71500; Kalamia Beach; fish per kilogram €40-60, mains €8-16; lunch & dinner) This restaurant has model ships inside and views of real ones in the Gulf beyond. In line with all things marine, fish dishes are the catch here, although all dishes are good. It’s a great place to kick back for the afternoon or evening, especially on the outdoor deck area.
Mediterané ( 27410 73232-5; Agiou Nikolaou 29; mains €8-18; lunch & dinner) This new, large but light and airy barnlike place serves up the lot – from smaller tasters, traditional dishes and steaks. It looks dangerously like it might cater