General Information about the Prefecture of Corinth

The prefecture of Corinth (Corinthe) joins Sterea Hellas (Central Greece) with Peloponnese. It covers 2,290 square kilometers and has a population of 142,365. It is known for its many summer resorts that have sprung out on its north coast and for the various archaeological sites, that have remained from ancient years. The capital, Corinth (Corinthe), is 84 km from Athens.

History

Corinth was inhabited since the Neolithic Period and acquired great power and prosperity in the 9th through the 5th century B.C. It was conquered by the Romans in 146 B.C but flourished again under the Roman Rule. It was visited by St. Paul, who preached there on 52 A.D. Due to its strategic position, Corinth has suffered raids from Goths, Slavs, pirates, Franks, the Knights of Rhodes, the Venetians and the Turks.

MAJOR TOWNS & VILLAGES

Corinth (Korinthos City) & Surrounding Areas

In Corinth, you should visit St. Paul's Metropolitan Church and the tribune from which St. Paul spoke to the Corinthians.

To the south of Modern Corinth (Korinthos) is the ancient city. The most important monuments are the archaic temple of Apollo, the Lecheos Road, which linked the city with the port of Lecheon in the gulf of Corinth and the legendary Krini of Glafki.

Akrocorinthos is the largest and oldest castle in Peloponnese built on a hill of 575 m height. The imposing walls date back to the medieval years. The castle is connected with the history of Leon Sgouros who committed suicide by falling from the walls on horseback in 1210 to avoid surrender to the Franks, who occupied the fortress until 1460.

The Corinthian Canal links Peloponnese with the Greek mainland. The opening was accomplished in 1893. A walk on the bridge offers a magnificent view of the water road between the Korinthian and Saronic Gulfs.

Loutraki

The city is world wide known for its cosmopolitan air. The palm trees in Loutraki's seaside park embellish the town with an exotic brash. Loutraki has gained rapid grow since 1925 when it was acknowledged as a bathing resort and 1928 when the first casino in the country was opened. The first Casino in Greece re-opened here in 1995 after 60 years. The decoration is luxurious, the service is incomparable and the behavior is exemplary. The spa in Loutraki treats arthritis and rheumatism, while the drinking of its table natural mineral water is good for gravel, nephrolithiasis, and gallstone.

At Loutraki, the lake of Vouliagmeni offers the chance for swimming, waterskiing and fishing.

Generally, you can try water sports and windsurfing along the beaches of the region.
You can take the caique from Loutraki and reach the island complex of Alkionides in 45 min, where you can enjoy the beautiful and remote beaches.

The magnificent taverns and fish taverns at the seaside will present you with a variety of Greek dishes and quality wine. You can choose among a wide range of hotels and rooms in the region that will provide you with an optimal quality service.

You will spend an unforgettable time at the cultural events organized in Loutraki, such as live concerts, theatrical performances, Greek traditional music and dances.

Kiato

The popular seaside town of Kiato is located close to the capital of the prefecture of Corinth. The area has lush vegetation and is full of beautiful fruit trees. Kiato is frequented by many Athenians for weekend getaways, as it is just a short drive from Athens. Situated near the town is the splendid site of Ancient Sikyon and its Archaeological Museum. The lovely beaches in Kiato offer visitors well-organized facilities and the cool waters of the Corinthian Gulf.

Xylokastro

It is famous for the renowned Pefkia, the unique pine forest of the Corinthian coast.
Many people have built their summer houses here and the region has developed into one of the most popular vacation spots, offering a wide range of accommodation and entertainment options.

Nemea

It is located close to the borders with Argolida. In ancient times, it gained fame when Hercules carried out one of his twelve labors by killing a local lion terrorizing the region.

Ancient Fliasia was always known for its famous wine. The town's founder was Dionyssos's son and the vineyards a gift of father to son. Nemean wines are characterized for their quality, with foremost the variety of Agioritiko which is cultivated on the Fliasian plain for over 3.000 years.

The most important archaeological site of Nemea is the temple of "Zeus" (4th century B.C.). Other sites include the ancient bath houses and the stadium.

Stymphalia

Another village known from Greek mythology. At the shores of the local lake, Hercules killed the destructive birds.

Near Stymphalia, the beautiful village of Kastania, 920 m above sea level, situated among fir trees, offers unforgettable winter vacations.

Follow the picturesque route at the shores and the paths of the mountain. Cross the villages that are set in a wonderful landscape of lush vegetation and enjoy the gifts of nature.

Mount Ziria or Kyllini

Kyllini is a green-clad mountain where you can visit the famous valley of Flabouritsa which is a unique bioland of Peloponnese. The landscape is also embellished with the lake Dasiou, which is formed in a meadow of wild flowers during spring. Breathe the crispy air of the mountain by climbing little Zirinia in about 3 hours or Great Zirinia in about 3 hours and 30 min. The cave of Mercury on the west bank of Flabouritsa, which consists of many chambers with rich and multi-colored stalactites, invites you to admire its natural beauty as long as you have the required equipment.

Beaches

Along the Corinthian Gulf, there are many beaches that you can visit such as the lake of Vouliagmeni, Strava and Loutraki. On the Saronic Gulf side, Agioi Theodoroi is a coastal little town with many summer houses which combines mountain beauty with sea joy. You can enjoy this experience by staying in the organized camping site of the region.

Along the road to Epidavros, you can enjoy the Loutra Oreas Elenis, renowned for the spa water ideal for arthritis and rheumatism.

Korfos, a picturesque fish village with olive and pine trees and Kiato, built among fruit-bearing trees await for you. The beaches of Kehries and Almyri are also worth visiting.

Past the canal, you will have a wonderful time at the beaches of Lechaio, Kokkoni, Kato Diminio, Melissi, Pefkia, Lykoporia and Derveni.

Sports

You can go sailing in Corinth, Loutraki and Kiato.
(Information at the Yachting Club of Corinth, tel: +30 27410-28630)

Try climbing at Ziria to Lodge A' and Lodge B' on foot or take your car. (Mountaineering club of Corinth at +30 27410-29970)

Get your adrenaline going by living the challenging experience of bungee jumping at the Corinth Canal. (Information at Zulu Bungy, tel: +30 210 514-7051)

Transportation

You can get to Korinthia the Corinth (Corinthe) prefecture by car, coach or train. The route by the train is majestic as it passes through all the coastal villages offering a wonderful view and an enthusing landscape succession.

USEFUL INFORMATION

CORINTH (area code: +30 27410) Municipality: 24-518 First Aid: 25-711 Port Authority: 28-888 Police Department: 22-143 Tourist Police: 23-282 Traffic Police: 23-333 LOUTRAKI (area code: +30 27440) Municipality: 22-423 First Aid: 63-444, 26-666 Police Department: 63-000 Tourist Police: 65-678

NEMEA (area code: +30 27460) Community: 22-235 First Aid: 22-227 Police Department: 22-333 XYLOKASTRO (area code: +30 27430) Municipality: 22-361 First Aid: 22-222, 22-317 Police Department: 22-200 Tourist Police: 24-555 Traffic Police: 22-345