Corinth Canal, Osios Patapios, Blue Lake, Ancient Heraion

Corinth Canal, Osios Patapios, Blue Lake, Ancient Heraion

Our first stop will be the unique and amazing Corinth Canal. The Corinth Canal was completed in 1893 and connects the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland. The canal was dug through the isthmus at sea level and has no locks. It is 6.4 kilometres (4 mi) in length and only 21.4 metres (70 ft) wide at its base.<br>Then we will visit the cavy Monastery of St. Patapios (also Agios Patapios), that is a monastery for women located 14km (22ft) from Loutraki, Greece at an elevation of some 700m (1120ft) on the Geraneai mountains. You will be amazed by the natural environment, and the outstanding view of the Corinthian gulf, city of Loutraki and Corinth Canal.<br> The spectacular blue lagoon of Vouliagmeni lies 16 km (10 mi) NW of Loutraki and is a roughly rectangular body of saline water spanning about 2 km E-W and 1 km N-S, is our next stop. Here you can swim, admire the landscape or enjoy some trational Greek seafood.Last but not least discover Ancient Heraion, that will allow you to swim amongst the ancient ruins, and the Malagavi Lighthouse, one of the oldest stone lighthouses in Greece built in 1897 that is still in operation.