Leaving Olympia I headed east to Corinth, which was about 250km and took a few hours. I had seen on iOverlander that there was a campsite near Corinth, but when I got there it was closed and derelict. There was also another campsite not too far away, but after riding there and having a look I decided to go to Plan B as the pitches were all gravel. Its really no fun camping on gravel. It was also next to a motorway which was noisy. I wanted to visit Corinth because there was a large and well preserved Amphitheatre nearby plus a temple to Apollo, with many of its columns still standing. But, with nowhere to camp it meant moving-on.
In Corinth I stopped at the entrance to the Corinth Canal. Completed in 1893, this 5.8km canal separates the Peloponnese peninsula from the Greek mainland and connects the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. Even more astounding is that it was all done by hand. I sailed through here twice while I was in the Royal Navy and was always interested to see it from the land. To watch ship pass through the canal is an unbelievable sight.
Right. As there was no camping in Corinth, this meant Plan B. Do I head north and wild-camp somewhere for the evening or join the motorway and go to Athens? I decided to follow the coast road north-east around the Gulf of Corinth and find somewhere to camp.
About 20k north of Corinth I saw a sign for a campsite and decided to follow it – and found a campsite. I told the guy on reception ‘One night’ and he gave me instructions where the tent pitches were. Arriving at the tent pitches I knew straight away I wanted more than one night so went straight back to tell him I’m here for a few days.
Overlooking the sea, the tent pitches are under shelters and overlook a small bay with a private beach for the campsite. Yes, a private beach. This, together with immaculate ablutions, is not bad for 15eu a night. So, I’m staying at Camping Alkioni for a few days until I managed to drag myself back onto the bike. The intention is to do NOTHING but enjoy the view and chill-out. It’s a lousy job, but someone’s got to do it I suppose…
There is a small village nearby, which was a little too far to walk. Greece is very much like Italy in that many places don’t come alive until July and August, so as it was still very early in the season the village was quiet. There was one supermarket, so I was able to get food, milk and bread.
