After thoroughly enjoying Ancient Corinth the day before, Acrocorinth was our last stop in the Pelopponese area of Greece during our Aug/Sept 2024 trip. We didn’t spend as much time here as we would have liked to as we had to catch a plane to Karpathos Island later in the day. However, we did enjoy exploring as much as we could. We toured Acrocorinth on our own, but you can book a trip from Athens and visit Acrocorinth along with Ancient Corinth and the Corinth Canal through Viator here.
Location
Acrocorinth is located about an hour and a quarter north and west of Athens Airport in the Peloponnese area of Greece. It is a good highway and a nice drive.
History of Acrocorinth
You can’t miss Acrocorinth as it is high on a large rock overlooking the area and takes up most of the hill. This impressive site, with its towering walls and extensive structures, is a massive fortress that reflects many types of architecture that has evolved over the years. Not only is Acrocorinth’s location a strategic spot for defense, but the acropolis also has a natural spring water supply and fertile land surrounding the community. The location of Acrocorinth overlooks Ancient Corinth and provides a connection between mainland Greece and the Peloponnese.
This area is believed to have first been inhabited during the Early Neolithic Era between 6500-5750 BC. Although the first true community was known to be around 3000 BC, which was Ancient Corinth. The first fortification was on the Acropolis, it was built between the 7th and 6th century BC when the Cypselid Tyranny ruled. It most likely contained a small settlement but also was built to protect the people of the area including Corinth.
Over time, Acrocorinth underwent many sieges, battles, and conquests, making it a significant site of military interest throughout history. It has been under Roman, Frankish, Venetian, and Ottoman rule, with each dynasty adding, changing, and refortifying the castle, making it into a formidable fortress of strategic importance to this area. On October 26, 1823, Theodoros Kolokotronis liberated Corinth and Acrocorinth, marking a pivotal moment in the Greek War of Independence, and once again the area was under Greek control, beginning a new era for the region and its people.
Coffee First
We were up early and walked to the local shop for a couple of coffees to wake us up. As Acrocorinth was not yet opened it was the perfect place to spend some time doing nothing! It was a perfect coffee experience just sitting, relaxing, and enjoying a delicious coffee in the early morning.
Acrocorinth
Driving to Acrocorinth was easy and parking was more than adequate as we were the only visitors here! The workers were just heading towards the entrance as we started our journey into Acrocorinth. Acrocorinth was protected by not only three fortified walls with main gates and towers, but also a moat. Inside the fortress, during medieval times, there were houses, military buildings, fountains, cisterns, baths, churches and mosques.
First Gate
As is everything we love to visit in Greece, Acrocorinth is also a lot of uphill walking. We walked along the ancient cobblestone path to the gated entrance. Some of the stones were slick, and walking was slow and deliberate. It was a nice morning and it felt truly remarkable to be walking into this massive fortress. My understanding is the moat was beneath here.
Second Gate
Once inside the gated entrance, we made our way up the wide stone path, wondering how many have walked this stairway before us. Between the ancient fortified walls and the beautiful views, this was a lot too take in. Once through this entrance, you can see the fortified walls continuing all the way up to the top of this rocky hill.
Third Gate
Continuing uphill, we marveled at seeing yet another entrance in what is the third fortification. This entrance features a bastion on each side of the gate. The information sign here states that part of the third fortification wall is from the 4th century BC fortification.
Inside the Third Gate
Since we had a plane to catch, I explored the inner area of this section and Steve explored the area around the perimeter wall.
Byzantine Church
The Byzantine Church was built on an ancient temple of Aphrodite which dates back to the 5th or 4th century BC. The Byzantine church itself was built around the 6th-7th century AD.
Perimeter Wall
Meanwhile, Steve went to the north side perimeter walls which overlooked the city of Corinth.
Other Photos
We did not trek all the way to the top of the Acropolis but we did wander around enjoying the history and the views. There are a few maps and some signage in Acrocorinth but not a lot. So use of imagination works well for some of these ruins.
Corinth Canal
After Acrocorinth we stopped at the Corinth Canal which cuts though the Isthmus of Corinth separating mainland Greece from the Peloponnese. The Corinth Canal is a man made canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Sea. It was completed in 1893 and is 6.4 km (4 miles) long and 24.5 meters (80.7 feet) wide.
Conclusion
Acrocorinth is another historic gem in the Peloponnese area of Greece. We spent an hour and a half here and would have easily spent another hour if we didn’t have a plane to catch for Karpathos! Bring plenty of water if you decide to explore Acrocorinth as it is uphill and exposed to the sun.
That’s all for our adventure in the Peloponnese! Keep following, because my next few posts are going to explore the awesome Greek Island of Karpathos.
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Click on the links below to follow my 2024 Greek Travels and also my Past Greek Travels
Ancient Corinth-September 2024
Ancient Olympia: Birthplace of the Olympics-September 2024
The Old Fortress of Pylos-August 2024
Aria Estate Suites and Spa August 2024
Kardamyli Old Town-August 2024
The Old Sparta to Kalamata Road, August 2024
o the Top of Monemvaisa-August 2024
Exploring Ancient Sparta-August 2024
Anthemion Suites and Villas, Greece-August 2024
A Bit of Charm in Nafplio, Greece-August 2024
Acronauplia Fortress-August 2024
Argos Theatre and Agora-August 2024
Exploring the Larissa Castle of Argos,Greece-August 2024
Snorkeling the Sunken City of Epidaurus. August 2024
Ancient Epidaurus: Birthplace of Modern Medicne August 2024
Mycenaean Bridge and Acropolis of Kazarma-August 2024
Ancient Nemea Greece-August 2026
Greece at Home
I have had a hard time finding Greek items that I love for my home in the United States. Below are a few links to items I have found to be dependable and great items. I actually use all of these items almost on a daily basis!
- For true Greek honey, mountain tea, and and also olive oil, I order online through Kilo Tea. They are prompt and in addition, I have never had problems with any of my orders. I highly recommend ordering from here as everything is delicious. You can click here to view and also order the Klio Tea products.
- If you like to cook and bake, why not prepare Greek food at home? I have looked at many Greek recipes and my tried and true Greek cookbook is A Drop of Ladi and My Greek Soul. by Krystina Kalapothakos. This is more than just another cook book. Chef Krystina includes first hand information of Greece, Greek foods, stories and more. Also check out her blog here!
- A Greek product I love that I can order from home is Korres Skin care. This line of skin products uses natural products from around Greece and I really can feel and see the difference. You can check out my favorite product by clicking here.
The Gen-X Travels recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities or tour companies are based on our own experiences unless noted. We are not sponsored by any business or company and all trips are at our expense. All photos are by myself or my husband unless otherwise noted. We are affiliates of some companies such as Amazon,Viator, and others which we do receive a small commission from, at no cost to you if you buy or book through one of our links.
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Absolutely spectacular Lori. When we stopped at Corinth, we only saw the canal and stopped at the Temple of Apollo. Now I wish we had had time for to hit the heights. Thanks for sharing. Allan
Thanks, Allan. I wish we had more time here so we could have trekked all the way to the top. Next time maybe! Have a good week! Lori
Phenomenal information Lori, I could feel the pain in my knees just reading about the climb up there!
But that looked as though it would be worth it! Looking forward to the next stop on your journey! 💙🇬🇷
Thank you! It was a bit hard in the knees! The heat was pretty bad though, even that early, so it bothered me enough not to think of my knees🤣🤣
Beautiful views from Acrocorinth. Seems like an interesting spot to explore. It’s incredible how massive the fortress is.
I was impressed with its size! So many great places to explore in this area!