The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Greece

The ancient Temple of Poseidon is situated on a high promontory at the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula, overlooking the Aegean Sea. It offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Beautiful beaches surround the site, and clear blue waters are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Discover tips from a local on how to get to Cape Sounion, the best tours, the best beaches, and where to stay and eat.

In a Nutshell

• Best hotels
  • Luxury: Cape Sounio Grecotel Boutique Resort
  • Midrange: Aegeon Beach HotelRent a car
• Best tours:
  • Private tour with a swim (see Vouliagmeni Lake too)
  • Sunset tour with a guide (best time to visit)
  • Sunset tour with audio guide (most affordable)
  • Private rib cruise with snorkeling (only kids 5+ are allowed)
  • Athens helicopter tour gives you a bird’s eye view over Athens and the coastline

Where Is the Temple of Poseidon?

Cape Sounion is a beautiful and historic site that is located on the southernmost tip of Attica, about 43 miles (68 kilometers) south of Athens. The Temple of Poseidon, located at Cape Sounion, is dedicated to the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon.

The Temple of Poseidon, situated on Cape Sounion, is one of the most important ancient Greek monuments, dating back to the 5th century BC. This temple has a long and fascinating history and is associated with many myths and legends from ancient Greek mythology.

If you are visiting Athens, check out our extensive guide on the best things to do in Athens and where to stay. There are tons of activities there.

Read more: Athens with Kids

Is Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon Worth It?

YES! That’s the answer, in short, a resounding yes. Visiting the archaeological site of Sounion is definitely one of the best things you can do if you have three days in Athens or more. Cape sounion is one of the best day trips from Athens.

Tip
Don’t skip the swimming part, there are many beaches worth checking out just a short drive from Cape Sounion!

You can see the main attractions in the center of Athens in two days and then spend a day exploring the ruined temple of Poseidon and swimming in the Mediterranean sea.

Read more: Two Days in Athens with Kids

How to Get to Cape Sounion from Athens

There are three ways to reach Cape Sounion.

• Rent a car and drive there. This is the best option, as you get to spend the day on the beach and enjoy your day trip the most.
• Get a sunset tour at the Temple of Poseidon with an archaeologist guide. Sunset is the best time to visit the temple and this is an easy option.
• You can get to Cape Sounion from Athens by KTEL, the long-distance public buses. There are three buses a day. You will find details on ktelattikis.gr. This is the cheapest way to visit the Temple of Poseidon, but you lose on flexibility.

Tip
I highly recommend renting a car. You can stop wherever you want along the Athens Riviera for a swim, and you can leave whenever you want to swim in nearby beaches.

The Best Time to Visit Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

The best time of the year to visit Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon is from April to October. The weather during this time is warm and sunny, and the seas are calm. However, it is best to avoid visiting during July and August as this is the peak tourist season, and the crowds can be overwhelming.

The best time of the day to visit the temple is sunset. The temple is situated at a prominent position on a high promontory overlooking the Aegean Sea, and the sunset views are simply breathtaking.

Read more: Best Time to Visit Greece

Where to Stay at Cape Sounion

While most visit Cape Sounion as a day trip from Athens, it is a great place to spend a few days if you are looking to relax on the Athens Riviera.

€€€ Grecotel Cape Sounio is a 5-star luxury hotel that features a pool, kids pool, playground, and kids club. Babysitting is also available at an extra cost. The hotel is a great place to stay for those who want to be close to the temple and the surrounding area. The view of the Temple of Poseidon from the hotel is amazing!

€€ Aegeon Beach Hotel is another hotel with great views – and at just 15 minutes walk from the Temple of Poseidon! The beach is sandy and there is an indoor and outdoor play area.

History and Mythology of the Temple of Poseidon

Cape Sounion in Greek Mythology

According to Greek mythology, Cape Sounion was the spot where Aegeus, the king of Athens, tragically took his own life by jumping off the cliffs of Sounion. His suicide was a result of his distress over the belief that his son, Theseus, had failed in his mission to slay the Minotaur in Crete.

However, Theseus was actually successful in defeating the beast. Unfortunately, he forgot to replace the black sail on his ship with a white sail on his return, leading to disastrous consequences for his father. In honor of the Athenian king Aegeus, the Aegean sea was named after him, ensuring that his memory would never be forgotten.

Read also:

• Best Day Trips from Athens
• Landmarks in Greece
• The Ultimate Guide to Athens’ Hotels and Neighborhoods
• Best Things to Do in Athens with Kids
• 2-Day Athens Itinerary with Kids

The Strategic Significance of Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion was fortified to protect the sea routes to and from Athens. It was strategically located to safeguard the Athenians’ maritime interests. The Athenians stationed a formidable garrison composed of hoplites and triremes at the promontory to protect their crucial food supplies from Eubea and Pontos, as well as the nearby Lavrion silver mines. This ensured that these valuable resources were not compromised.

The History of the Temple of Poseidon

Cape Sounion is first mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey and archaeological evidence supports that the site was used as holy ground as early as 700 BC. Sailors came to offer animal sacrifices to Poseidon, the god of sea according to the ancient Greek religion.

The Temple of Poseidon was built between 444 BC and 440 BC, during the Golden Age of Pericles. It was constructed on the ruins of an earlier temple from the archaic period.

Read also: Landmarks in Greece

Although there is no direct proof for Sounion, it is believed that Xerxes, the king of Persians, had this first version of the temple, the archaic temple of Poseidon, destroyed around 480 BC. Xerxes had also razed everything on the Acropolis of Athens as a consequence of the Athenians’ defiance. The Athenian statesman Pericles rebuilt both the Acropolis and the Temple of Poseidon during the Golden Age of Athens.

Fun fact
After the Athenians defeated Xerxes in the naval Battle of Salamis, they placed a captured Persian trireme (a warship with three banks of oars) at Sounion as a trophy dedicated to Poseidon. Our kids love learning about the Greco-Persian wars and these interesting facts spark their imagination before visiting iconic places, such as the Temple of Poseidon.

In ancient times, the Temple of Poseidon was considered to be a part of the Sacred Triangle, which also included the Parthenon located at the Acropolis and the temple of Aphaia Athena situated on Aegina Island. This trio of sacred sites was of great significance for Ancient Greeks.

If you are looking for the best things to do in Athens and where to stay, then this guide will provide all practical tips to plan your visit.

Fun Fact
The British poet Lord Byron inscribed his name on one of the columns of the temple in the 19th century. Nowadays the doric temple with the white columns is roped to keep it from being further damaged, so it’s more difficult to see the inscriptions.

There is also a temple of Athena, the Sanctuary of Athens Sounias, at the opposite hill – completely overshadowed by the more well-known Temple of Poseidon.

The Architectural Features of the Temple of Poseidon

Here, you can see the Temple of Poseidon, which was virtually reconstructed by Anasynthesis with the help of historians.

The Temple of Poseidon is a magnificent example of ancient Greek architecture. It was built in the Doric style and is said to have been designed by the famous architect Iktinos, who also designed the Parthenon in Athens, together with Kallikrates and the well-preserved temple of Hephaestus.

The temple is made of white marble and is surrounded by 38 Doric columns—16 of the original columns survive today. It also features a windowless rectangular room called naos, which was used for religious ceremonies as a hall of worship. The temple is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of ancient Greek architects and is considered one of the finest examples of Ancient Greek architecture.

A part of a column of the Temple of Poseidon (4 drums) is in the garden of the Chatsworth House in the UK, whereas one more drum of the same column is on display at the British Museum.

In addition to its other features, the temple was home to a colossal bronze statue of the sea god Poseidon. Unfortunately, only a fragment of this awe-inspiring statue remains, and it is now on display at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.

The Sounion Kouros is a 3-meter statue from the archaic period found near the Poseidon temple and is also in the same museum. The temple was also decorated with sculptures that depicted the legends of Theseus and and were made of Parian marble (the renowned marble from Paros island)

The temple is on a high promontory overlooking the Aegean Sea and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, you can see the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, such as Kea and Aegina. Beautiful beaches and clear blue waters also surround the temple. Visitors to the temple can enjoy a stroll around the site, enjoying the stunning views and admiring the beautiful architecture.

Practical Tips to Visit the Temple of Poseidon

• The Temple of Poseidon is open every day from 09.30 until sunset. The last admission is 20 minutes before the closing time. You can double-check all the info above on the official site here.
• The entrance ticket costs around EUR 10. You can double-check all the info above on the official site here.
• Try to go on a weekday! It gets crowded on weekends.
• There is a cafe at the temple’s entrance. You can access the cafe without entering the temple.
• Always stay within the protective barriers.
• Be sure to keep an eye on kids at all times. Most of the site is safe, but there is a specific corner of the temple where kids should not be allowed near the edge.
• Be prepared to walk a fair amount and wear appropriate shoes, as the rocks can be slippery.
• There’s a cafe near the entrance of the Temple of Poseidon with a great view of the temple and the Aegean sea.

Best Beaches near Cape Sounion

There are several beaches near the Temple of Poseidon that visitors can enjoy.

Sounion Beach

One of the best beaches is Sounion Beach, which is right under the temple. You can swim with a gorgeous view. Most of the beach is sandy, and it costs about EUR 30 for two sunbeds and an umbrella at Aegeon Beach Hotel. There are two tavernas where you can eat.

While this beach has a great view, the free part is rocky, while the part with sunbeds is sandy. Additionally, it gets deep fast at some points, so families with toddlers and younger kids need to keep an eye on them.

Tip
Try to go on a weekday, as it gets crowded on weekends and it can be tough to find a parking spot.

Pountazeza

Another great beach is Pountazeza, which is very shallow and kid-friendly. One of the most well-known Greek summer camps is a few minutes away – precisely because the water is so shallow and safe.

The beach is easy to park right next to and organized. A café restaurant serves drinks and food directly on the beach. Shade from trees surrounds the beach, and you can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas. There are also free showers on the beach.

This family-friendly beach is perfect for children of all ages. It boasts shallow waters and soft sand that will keep the kids entertained for hours. The narrow opening towards the Aegean Sea means that there are no waves, making it a safe environment for kids to paddle and play.

Kape

Kape at Legrena is a small beach on the south coast that is not organized and has a small café at the top where you can have drinks and snacks. The sea is great, but it gets very deep quickly and there are many steps to get to it. This is one of the best beaches in the area, but it’s best to visit with older kids.

I have been going to this beach before, and it was popular, and we used to camp there. There weren’t even any stairs back then! If your kids can handle the stairs and you can carry an umbrella, then this is the beach I wholeheartedly recommend.

Okay, I’ll be honest with you. These beaches are great, but if you are looking for truly amazing beaches, check out Zakynthos and Lefkada!

Read more: The Best Greek Islands for Beaches, Ranked

Best Restaurants near Cape Sounion

There are several places to eat near the Temple of Poseidon. There is also a cafe at the entrance of the Temple of Poseidon, where you can enjoy something to drink or grab a bite.

If you are looking for a high-end restaurant, the restaurant of the Hotel Grecotel Cape Sounion is a great choice. The view of the Saronic Gulf and the Temple of Poseidon is out of this world!

One of the best options is a local seafood restaurant, a traditional taverna called Thodoras kai Eleni. Locals eat there, and people come from all over Attica. You should try the achinosalata and shrimp covered with sesame. I used to drive for an hour to enjoy these delicacies on summer weekends! We still eat there when we’re in the area. The exact spot of the restaurant is here.

Read more: Best Traditional Food to Try in Greece

How to Get to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon – Visiting as a Day Trip from Athens

Getting to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon is easy. Visitors can rent a car or take a tour. Private tours and guided excursions are also available for those who want a more personalized experience.

The blue hop-on hop-off bus goes to Cape Sounion, and the regional public buses KTEL.

The travel time is the same for all means except for the KTEL bus, which takes about half an hour longer.

Driving to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion

Rent A Car

Renting your own car gives you the flexibility to choose when to go, how long to stay, and where else to spend time in the area. A car rental would also allow you to do some more day trips from Athens at your own pace.

Tips on Driving to the Temple of Poseidon

If you are wondering about the drive from the center of Athens to the Temple of Poseidon, I would say it is easy for the most part. There are three main ways to reach Cape Sounion from the center of Athens.

• A. If you drive on a weekday or have ample time, you can drive along the coast from Syggrou. The southern suburbs of Athens, such as Palaio Faliro and Glyfada, are nice to explore. This is the coastal route, as it gives you more access to driving along the coast. This is pretty and busy at the same time.
• B. You can take Vouliagmenis until Varkiza and then drive along the coast for the remaining route. This is a faster option, but Vouliagmenis also gets busy on weekends.
• C. If you go on a weekend, avoid driving along the coast from Palaio Faliro or Vouliagmenis. There’s too much traffic. Take Attiki Odos. You will need to pay about EUR 3 in tolls, but you skip traffic and traffic lights.

All routes (coastal route, Vouliagmenis, and Attiki Odos) take about 1-1.5 hours. Depending on traffic, the coastal road and Vouliagmenis can take much longer.

There is a free parking lot at the temple, but it can get quite busy, especially during sunset. If you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to go earlier.

You can catch the first glimpse of the Temple of Poseidon coming by car from afar; it is also the first thing you see from the sea.

The Best Tours

Private tours and guided excursions to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon are available for those who want a more personalized experience. Sunset is the best time to see the temple and its prominent position at the edge of a cliff. Sunset tours are a great idea!

By Helicopter

The absolutely best way to see Athens is by helicopter! This Athens helicopter tour lasts for 45 minutes and you get a bird’s eye view over Athens and the coastline.

By Rib Boat + Snorkeling

This private rib cruise around the Temple of Poseidon includes snorkeling and is one of the best private shore excursions. They pick you up from your hotel, bring you to Sounion, you enjoy snorkeling and you visit the Temple of Poseidon. Best to do this in the summer to have good enough weather to swim. Suitable for kids 5+ years old.

By Kayak

Another original way to see the ancient Greek temple is from water! This kayaking adventure will take you with a kayak along the Athenian riviera all the way to Cape Sounion. You will visit the temple and then you will go to a Greek tavern – no better way to finish this tour!

Private Tours

Private tours offer visitors a chance to see the temple at their own pace and explore the surrounding area.

This private Temple of Poseidon tour with a swim offers pickup from your hotel by a private driver, then you go for a refreshing swim and see the Vouliagmeni Lake before reaching Cape Sounion for sunset.

Sunset and Swim Tour

Guided excursions offer visitors a chance to learn more about the history and mythology of the temple from a knowledgeable guide.

This highly rated half-day sunset and swim tour picks you up from your hotel and after your visit at Cape Sounion you go swimming in a nearby beach. You get to see the sunset and enjoy some beach time. This is also led by an archaeologist that gives you a guided tour.

Sunset Tour

This highly-rated sunset tour takes you to the Temple of Poseidon at the most magical hour: sunset. The pick-up point is at Chalandri metro station, easy to get to from the centre of Athens. This is a great way to skip the traffic around the center. You also skip hotel pick-ups. The tour guide is an archaeologist that gives you all details about Athens and Cape Sounion.

Blue Hop on Hop off Bus

The Blue hop on hop off bus may be the easiest way of transportation to Cape Sounion. An audio guide is available. If you are more than two adults or kids 5+ years old, then it might make more sense financially to rent a car.

Public Bus (KTEL)

KTEL buses are the regional public buses. This is the cheapest and slowest way to reach Cape Sounion. It costs around EUR 7 per person and it takes about 2 hours. The starting bus stop is at Pedion Areos here and you buy tickets on the bus in cash. There are also two more bus stops, one at Syntagma at Filellinon street here and one at Syggrou Fix here

The KTEL runs twice daily and the departure time from Athens is in the morning or early afternoon. If you take the afternoon KTEL from Athens, you have just enough time to see the Temple of Poseidon and get the last bus to come back. You can find the timetable here.

Tip
KTEL takes about 2 hours to reach Cape Sounion depending on traffic, whereas a rental car or tour buses need about 1.5 hours. KTEL drives all the way along the coast, which can be pretty and busy at the same time.

The bus stop at Sounio is 30 meters from the Temple of Poseidon. It is said online that KTEL leaves you a few kilometers away from the temple, but this is not true.

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What Other Day Trips From Athens Are There?

Discover the best day trips from Athens. Uncover ancient ruins, quaint villages, and breathtaking beaches. Get ready to explore beyond the city limits.

Here’s a short overview of the best day trips from Athens:

• Cape Sounion sunset tour with a guide (best and closest to Athens)
• Delphi guided tour (great for history lovers)
• Nafplio, Epidaurus and Mycenae (enjoy history and a picturesque town)
• Hydra, Poros, Aigina (3 islands in a day)

Read more: Best Day Trips from Athens

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• Best Day Trips from Athens
• Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

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