The new bridge crosses the merge point between the Corinth Gulf and the Patraikos Gulf, connecting "mainland" Greece with its huge peninsula, the Peloponnese. Before now, only ferries tied to the two land masses together along this stretch of coast. Now, for a 10 Euro charge, drivers can easily make the crossing.
What's the impact on travel?
Previously, tourists intent on driving in Greece were sometimes faced with a choice, depending on time constraints. Do the site-rich Peloponnese or do the intriguing west coast of Greece, including the beautiful spot of Delphi. Doing both required tedious backtracking or an inconvenient ferry journey.
Now a new "loop" is possible - drive from Athens to Delphi, then proceed along to the Rio-Antirio bridge, enter the Peloponnese at the northern edge, go east to see the Corinth Canal, loop down to stop at Epidaurus, Mycenae, and Tiryns, and then return to Athens.
Some travelers who might have spent more time in the Peloponnese may instead opt for seeing more of Western Greece. So one of the less-spoiled areas of Greece may become, if anything, even less crowded.
