Amazing Day Trip from Athens | Cape Sounion

By Evgenia Mataragka

A day tour from Athens to Cape Sounion is one of the most popular excursions you can take. Located at the southern tip of the Attica peninsula, Cape Sounion offers stunning views of the rugged coastline and endless sea. At its heart stands the ancient Temple of Poseidon, a marvel of architecture with massive Doric marble columns dating back to the 5th century BCE.

The best time to visit Cape Sounion is at sunset, when the sun dips below the horizon, painting the Aegean sky with a mesmerizing blend of oranges, pinks, and purples. Even if you miss the sunset, the breathtaking sea views will still captivate you.

Without further ado, let’s discover everything about how to visit Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon.

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Best Things to Do in Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

My Latest Video on Athens Riviera

Fast facts for Sounion

1. Explore Athens Riviera

A view of Flisvos Beach in the Athens Riviera, showing a gently curving shoreline with pebbled sands and clear blue waters. Visitors are scattered along the beach, enjoying the sun and swimming. Palm trees and a stone wall line the beachside promenade, with modern buildings in the background. The sky is bright and partly cloudy, and the beach atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. A few green plants frame the foreground.
Paleo Faliro Beach

If you’re staying centrally in Athens, the ideal way to get to Cape Sounion is by driving along the scenic Athens Riviera. This route showcases miles of the stunning blue Aegean Sea, affluent southern suburbs, and picturesque seaside resorts, perfect for enjoying fresh seafood or a coffee by the sea. The closest coastal area to the Acropolis is Paleo Faliro.

Vouliagmeni

The Athens Riviera includes 19 neighborhoods and villages, with Vouliagmeni Lake being one of the coolest spots. This natural thermal spa offers warm, healing waters and stunning rock formations, making it the perfect place to relax and escape the city’s hustle. After the swim in the lake, I usually cross the busy road across to “Lambros” a brilliant seafood restaurant in Athens with lovely sea views.

2. Wander Cape Sounion and The Temple of Poseidon

The Temple of Poseidon, a masterpiece of classic Greece, is one of the most important sites in Greece.

A person in a red jacket and hood stands in front of the ancient Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Greece. They are pointing toward the partially restored marble columns of the temple, which rise prominently against a partly cloudy sky. The scene captures a mix of ancient architecture and modern tourism, with the individual smiling and engaging with the historic site. The ground around them is scattered with stone ruins and patches of green vegetation.
The Temple

It was strategically built so that Athenians had control over the sea and most importantly over the silver mines next door to Lavrio Port.

A distant view of the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Greece, situated atop a green, rocky hill. The ancient columns of the temple rise against a dramatic sky filled with dark, billowing clouds. The foreground features lush vegetation, creating a contrast with the rugged hill and the ancient ruins. The deep blue sea is visible on the left, emphasizing the temple’s prominent coastal location.
Temple of Poseidon as seen from the cafe

The Doric Temple of Poseidon is one of the major monuments of the Golden Age of Athens, set on a cape touched by the Aegean sea on three sides. Built between 444-440 BCE the temple of Poseidon was part of the sacred triangle, along with the temple of Aphaia in Aegina and the Parthenon in the Acropolis of Athens.

The temple of Hephaestus in Athens Ancient Agora is of similar architecture to the temple of Poseidon, from which many Doric columns and other parts are preserved.

3. Discover the Hidden Ruins

Most visitors walk up and around the Temple of Poseidon, take in the stunning vistas, and head back to the exit or have a snack at the cafe, contemplating the sea view.

A distant view of the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Greece, perched on a rocky cliff above the Aegean Sea. A winding path leads up the green hillside to the ancient ruins, with the stone columns of the temple visible at the summit. The sea waves crash against the rugged coastline below, and the scene is set against a cloudy sky, adding a dramatic backdrop to the historic site.
The areas where the barracks and the rooms used to be

But there is more to the site than just the temple although much less impressive as only a few remnants of the massive site are still there. The whole archaeological site was a Sanctuary dedicated to the god of the sea, Poseidon.

Aerial view of the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Greece. The ancient marble columns of the temple stand prominently on a rocky promontory surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea. The site is bathed in golden sunlight, and visitors explore the ruins and the surrounding area. The dramatic coastline and clear sky enhance the historic and scenic beauty of the location.
The Archaeological Site of Sounion

Take the paths that begin from the Temple toward the sea and see traces of:

  • Remnants of the ancient town, the fortress of the archaeological site, a wide street, and a few house foundations that can be deciphered
  • The Port and the Ship Sheds
  • The few remains of the Temple of Athena Souniada (500 m northeast of the Temple of Poseidon)
View of the ruins at Cape Sounion, Greece, showing a stone pathway leading through ancient stone walls and scattered remains. Visitors walk along the path, with a backdrop of rolling hills, a coastal village, and the blue waters of a bay. The sky is partly cloudy, adding depth to the scenic landscape and historic site.
A pathway leading up a gently sloping hill at the archaeological site of Cape Sounion, Greece. The path is bordered by scattered stones and remnants of ancient structures, with green shrubs and low vegetation on either side. Steps rise toward the top of the hill, where the columns of the Temple of Poseidon are partially visible against a partly cloudy sky. The scene captures the rugged, historical landscape.
The remains of the Settlement on the south of the Temple

Right across the site entrance, there is a cafe/restaurant, a small souvenir shop, and a small Museum shop next to the bathrooms on the other side of the site towards the Sounion beach.

A scenic view from Cape Sounion, Greece, overlooking the blue waters of the Aegean Sea. The foreground features a rugged path surrounded by green shrubs leading down to the coast. A sailboat glides on the water near a small rocky islet. The background reveals distant islands and a mountainous coastline under a bright, partly cloudy sky. The landscape blends natural beauty with serene coastal vistas.
Views from Sounion Cape

Entrance Ticket:

  • April 1st – October 31st: €10 open 9.30am -sunset
  • November 1st to March 31st: €5 open 9.30am -sunset
  • Closed at Easter, 1st January, 25th March, 1st May, 25th and 26th December
  • Great Friday: open between 12.00-18.00
  • Great Saturday: open between 08.00-17.00

You may also enjoy: 30 Best Places to Go to Greece

4. Watch a Breathtaking Cape Sounion Sunset

Silhouette of the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Greece, against a dramatic sunset. The ancient columns stand prominently on the cliff edge, with the sun setting over the sea and mountains in the background. The sky is ablaze with warm hues of orange, pink, and gold, casting a serene glow over the landscape. Silhouetted visitors are visible near the temple, adding a sense of scale to the historic ruins.
Sounion Sunset

If you need an excuse to feel romantic, watching the famous Cape Sounion Sunset is one of the best things to do and my personal favorite. Cape Sounion Sunset is (almost) as famous as Santorini Sunset.

If you would like to experience the beautiful Cape Sounion Sunset with a stop at Vouliagmeni Lake on a guided tour you need to leave Athens at a certain time in the late afternoon. The trip from central Athens to Sounion by car without stops is about an hour and 30 minutes.

5. Hike the National Park of Sounion

A hiker walking along a dirt trail through a meadow at Cape Sounion, Greece. The path is bordered by blooming wildflowers in red, yellow, and white, contrasting with the lush green grass and pine trees. The sky is bright blue with a few fluffy white clouds, creating a vibrant and peaceful setting. The hiker is wearing a backpack and sunhat, heading towards a shaded area surrounded by trees.
Hiking at Sounion National Park

One of the top attractions near Cape Sounion is hiking the National Park of Sounion. The trails are off the well-trodden tourist area and the stunning sea views will reward you. Around the Temple of Poseidon stretches an expanse of beautiful barren and rocky beaches and on the north, forested hills make up the Sounion National Park.

A view from a rocky outcrop at Cape Sounion, Greece, overlooking a coastal landscape with a winding road leading to a small peninsula. The sea is calm, stretching out to the horizon under a cloudy sky. The foreground features rugged rocks and sparse vegetation, while the background reveals rolling hills, a few scattered buildings, and the coastline merging into the Aegean Sea. The scene captures the expansive, serene coastal scenery with a hint of approaching weather.
Sounion Hiking views from the hills

The trail through the National Park of Sounion: The trail starts at the Temple of Poseidon, on a small dirt road left of the main road that connects the Temple with the Sounion village, and ends in Agios Konstantinos village at some 12,5 km. You can visit:

  • Ancient Quarries of Agrileza
  • Quaint Church of Agia Varvara
  • Ancient Silver Mines, Processing Workshops, and Washeries
  • Chaos, the heart-shaped Crater
  • Agios Konstantinos village and Mineralogical Museum. Download a leaflet here with useful info on the exhibitions and the time of the museum’s operation by the Society for Lavrion Region Studies.
View of ancient excavation sites at Cape Sounion, Greece, featuring circular and rectangular foundations partially dug into the ground. The archaeological site is surrounded by rocky terrain, low shrubs, and scattered pine trees. The background includes gently sloping hills under a clear sky, with the ruins and paths fenced off for protection. The scene highlights the historical significance of the area amid a natural, rugged landscape.
Lavrion mining area
Archaeological excavation site at Cape Sounion, Greece, featuring exposed stone foundations and partially unearthed structures. The area is surrounded by rope barriers and features a large pine tree at the center, providing shade over the ruins. The background includes a gentle hillside covered with green vegetation and more trees under a clear sky. The scene reflects a blend of historical exploration and natural beauty.
Lavrion mining area

The second popular hiking – and my favorite! – is to hike by the seaside starting again from the Cape Sounion, 12.6 km, an easy one. You hike and you swim and then you hike a bit more and then you swim…How much fun is that?

A hiker wearing a backpack and sunhat walks along a coastal path at Cape Sounion, Greece. The path is lined with dense, silvery-green shrubs and wildflowers. To the right, the Aegean Sea stretches under a cloudy sky, with distant hills and rugged coastline visible. The scene combines natural beauty with a sense of adventure amid changing weather conditions.

The trail passes by the Lavrio port and city and on your right, you can see the islands of Kea and Makronisos. As this trail is not signposted, you walk the dirt rods with the sea on your right and the Leoforo Souniou on your left. You can visit:

  • Many unorganized beaches like Kavatza Beach, 1.9 km from the Temple of Poseidon, Kato Sounio Beach, Vamvakousi Beach
  • The Lavrio Port and town
  • Thorikos Archaeological Site

  Are you looking for somewhere to stay in Sounion? Check rates and availability here!

6. Taste Fresh Fish across the Temple of Poseidon

View of a coastal village near Cape Sounion, Greece, with a sandy beach and a small bay surrounded by hills. The scene features scattered buildings and homes nestled among lush green vegetation. A winding road connects the village to the surrounding landscape, and the sea is calm under a partly cloudy sky. In the foreground, ancient stone ruins are visible, blending history with the natural beauty of the area.
Sounion Beach

Right across from the Temple of Poseidon, you can swim on an organized, sandy beach with umbrellas, sunbeds, a beach bar, and a shower. The sand, the sea, and the Mediterranean landscape… look so much like a Greek island.

Outdoor seaside restaurant with wooden tables and chairs covered by large umbrellas. Diners enjoy their meals while facing the calm blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Sailboats are anchored in the distance, and a rocky coastline is visible on the left. The sunny sky and gentle breeze create a relaxed and pleasant dining atmosphere.
© Elias Fish Restaurant

The best part is that the beach is lined with some fantastic taverns, like Akrogiali, Elias Fish Restaurant, and Syrtaki Tavern. Pick a table and enjoy your meal while looking at a 5th-century BC masterpiece.

7. Visit the Port Town of Lavrion

View of Lavrio Port in Greece, featuring various boats docked along the waterfront. The scene includes colorful fishing boats in the foreground, larger yachts and sailboats in the middle, and a large ferry and cruise ship in the background. The calm water reflects the vessels and the clear sky at sunset, creating a serene harbor atmosphere. The distant hills add depth to the port landscape.
Lavrio Port

10 km from Sounion you can visit Lavrion, a popular seaside town with a variety of fish tavernas, mezedopolia (taverns that sell small portions of variable food with plenty of ouzo!), and cafes by the sea. Lavrion is one of the most important mining areas in the world and the Temple of Poseidon had barracks protecting the Lavrion silver mines.

Rustic metal structure extending over the water at Lavrio Port, Greece, with a backdrop of moored boats and a coastal town. The old framework, supported by pillars and crossbeams, reflects in the calm water. Sailboats and yachts are visible in the background under a soft evening sky. The scene captures a blend of industrial heritage and modern marina life.

Lavrion is also one of the three Athens ports with ferry boats going to the Cyclades islands such as Andros or Paros. Book your ferry transfer with FerryScanner.

8. Walk around the Ancient Theatre of Thorikos

The ancient theatre of Thorikos

The ancient theatre of Thorikos and the archaeological site, lie 2.5 km north of the town of Lavrion, in the ancient mining town of Thorikos. It was built before the mid-5th century AD on the rocky slopes of the coastal Velatouri hill.

The Ancient Theatre of Thorikos is the oldest stone-built theatre in the Ancient World.

Two hikers conversing on a trail at Cape Sounion, Greece, with a grassy hill rising in the background. The hill is covered in low shrubs and dotted with rocky outcrops. Scattered ancient stone remains lie in the foreground, blending into the natural landscape under a bright blue sky. The scene captures a blend of historical exploration and natural beauty.
Thorikos Hill and Mycenenan ruins

It has a free entrance and a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy the Aegean sea views and the Makronisos island just across from the theatre. A 3-minute drive gets you to a hill where you can hike to two domed Mycenean Tombs.

Sounion Cape & Temple of Poseidon: Top FAQs

Where Best to Stay in Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Grecotel
  • Cape Sounion Grecotel Exclusive Resort (luxury, family-friendly): One of the best resorts in Greece, with a stunning location right across the Temple of Poseidon and in front of the Sounion beach. Top-notch service, rooms, and facilities at their best.
  • Helen’s Sounio Apartments (mid-range, self-catering, family-friendly). A very quiet, spotlessly clean nice apartment with extra hospitable hosts. Ideal accommodation, if you prefer the home-like atmosphere.
Where best to stay IN GREECE

FAB PROPERTIES

Check out availability and prices for the best hotels and apartments in Greece on Booking and Expedia.

How to Get to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

Intercity Bus (KTEL): they leave from Athens center in Park of Pedio Areos, ktelattikis.gr, and it takes about 2 hours to get to Sounion. The most fun way to get to Cape Sounion however is to rent your car!

Is it Best to Visit During the Day or for Sunset?

Both offer unique experiences. Daytime allows for detailed exploration of the temple and stunning sea views. Sunsets paint the landscape in dramatic colors but expect larger crowds.

Can I Swim near the Temple of Poseidon?

Swimming near the temple itself is prohibited due to archaeological protection. However, several beaches surround the area offering swimming opportunities.

What Facilities are Available at Sounion Cape?

There’s a cafe, restaurant, souvenir shop, and restrooms near the temple.

What should I wear and pack for my visit?

Comfortable shoes are essential for navigating the uneven terrain. Sun protection, water, and a hat are recommended, especially during hot summer days.

Are there any Myths or Legends about Sounion Cape?

Yes! The legendary King Aegeus and Theseus’ return journey are linked to the cape, adding a layer of cultural significance to your visit.

What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Sounion Cape?

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds.

Are there any other Temples of Poseidon in Greece?

A woman stands smiling in front of the Erechtheion on the Acropolis Hill in Athens, Greece. She is wearing a green shirt, blue jeans, and a backpack, with sunglasses resting on her head. The ancient temple behind her features the iconic Caryatids, stone maidens that support the structure, and is set against a bright blue sky. The foreground includes green grass and scattered ancient stones, capturing both the historic and modern elements of the site.
The Erechteion

Yes, there are! If you are interested in visiting other significant temples of Poseidon in Greece, then you should go to:

Test Your Knowledge on Cape Sounion!

  1. What ancient Greek god is the Temple at Cape Sounion dedicated to?
    • A) Zeus B) Poseidon C) Apollo D) Athena
  1. Which famous ancient Greek playwright mentioned Cape Sounion in his works?
    • A) Euripides B) Aeschylus C) Sophocles D) Aristophanes
  1. Cape Sounion is located at the southern tip of which Greek peninsula?
    • A) Peloponnese B) Attica C) Halkidiki D) Evia
  1. What is the primary architectural style of the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion?
    • A) Ionic B) Corinthian C) Doric D) Composite
  1. In Greek mythology, why is Cape Sounion significant in the story of Aegeus and Theseus?
    • A) Aegeus threw himself into the sea from this location. B) Theseus defeated the Minotaur here. C) It was the site of the first Olympic Games. D) Theseus was born here.

Answers: 1B, 2A, 3B, 4C, 5 A

Plan My Trip to Greece

Do you need a custom travel itinerary or a transfer within Greece? Are you traveling solo, with your family or friends and need a tailor-made multi-day tour or a transfer?

If yes, please visit my dedicated Plan My Trip Page for a personalized itinerary!

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Athens Airport to Piraeus Port

Bus X96 Peiraias Port to Athens Airport
Airport Bus
  • Bus: If you are arriving at Athens International Airport you can travel straight to the port by taking the X96 express bus (€5.5, children <6 yo, free entrance), which departs every 40 minutes and the average trip lasts 1 hour – runs 24/7.
  • Metro: (€9) is easily found across airport arrivals (blue line – M3) going directly to Piraeus port. The average trip to Piraeus lasts 1 hour.
  • Taxis are available in front of the airport (around €40 to Athens, €55-60 to Piraeus (depending on the traffic in Kifisos), and take up to 3 or 4 people with small luggage)
  • Rent a car with Discover Cars for reliable, new cars at affordable prices
  • You don’t like driving but love hassle-free solutions? Book a Private transfer with an English-speaking driver from Athens International Airport to Piraeus Ferries, or anywhere else in Greece
  • Are you looking for domestic flights in Greece? Check out the official Aegean Airlines Website.

Essential Greek Travel Info

About the author
Evgenia Mataragka
Hi! I am an Athens-based Greek obsessed with exploring Greece and bringing you the best travel experience ever!

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4 thoughts on “Amazing Day Trip from Athens | Cape Sounion”

  1. Evgenia and her team are amazing. Not many are able to deal with last minute changes and she managed it with a smile. She is authentic and genuine something we don’t find any longer. She is a wonderful guide. The whole group enjoyed the day hiking in the Cape Sounion Area. I am a travel agent over 25 years and I don’t encounter many like her. Thank you Evgenia for everything.

    Reply

    • Thank you so much Antonella for your kind words, I was very happy to meet you and your wonderful group! I hope I see you soon again to Greece 🙂

      Reply

  2. Your description of the hike from Temple of Poseidon to Lavrio looks amazing (-: I am thinking to do it the other way – starting in Thorikos and Lavrio. Is it easy to find the path if coming from that end? Many thanks for super inspirational posts☺️

    Reply

    • Hi Susan 🙂

      Thanks for your emssage and I am glad oyu liked the article :D. I think hiking Thorikos and Lavrion is a great idea. Right across from the theater of Thorikos there is a nice small peninsula with a church that you can also explore. From there is not a trail or a signposted path you just follow the small bays and explore the area in Lavrion. I am sure you will have a good hike there 🙂 Cheers, Evgenia

      Reply

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