Cape Sounion from Athens | A Perfect Day Trip

By Evgenia Mataragka

Cape Sounion from Athens is one of those trips where you really feel the magic of Greece.

You leave the buzz of the city behind, breathe in the salty Aegean air, and follow the coastline all the way to the southern tip of Attica.

Cape Sounion from Athens and the Temple of Poseidon in sunset.
The Temple at sunset

And what could be better than standing at the Temple of Poseidon, with its ancient marble columns and endless views of the sea stretching to the horizon?

The history here is incredible, but honestly, it’s those sweeping sea views — especially at sunset — that will stay with you long after you head back to Athens.

The Temple of Poseidon at Sounion is the best half-day trip you can do out of Athens.

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Cape Sounion Quick Links

Cape Sounion from Athens: Best Stops Along the Way

Paleo Faliro Beach

Explore the Athens Riviera

If you’re based in central Athens, the best way to get to Cape Sounion is by driving along the scenic Athens Riviera.

The whole ride is a treat — you’ve got the deep blue Aegean on one side, stylish southern suburbs on the other, and plenty of seaside spots where you can stop for fresh seafood or just a coffee with a view.

The first coastal area you’ll hit from the Acropolis is Paleo Faliro, and from there, the sea pretty much keeps you company the whole 60 km (37.3 miles) to reach Cape Sounion

Vouliagmeni Lake

The Athens Riviera stretches across 19 neighborhoods and seaside villages, but one of the absolute highlights is Vouliagmeni Lake.

It’s this natural thermal spa with warm waters and dramatic rock cliffs — the kind of place where you can just float, unwind, and forget you’re anywhere near the city chaos.

And honestly? After a swim, I love strolling across the road to Lambros, a classic seafood spot with delicious dishes and gorgeous sea views.

It is the perfect day trip from Athens.

Visit Cape Sounion and The Temple of Poseidon

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

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

There was a sanctuary of Poseidon built of poros stone, but it was destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC before it was completed.

The temple we see today was rebuilt on the foundations of the earlier one around 444–440 BC. Back in the Classical and Hellenistic periods (5th–2nd century BC), the sanctuary was full of life.

Every four years, it hosted a big festival, with officials sailing in on a “sacred ship,” much like what happened at the sanctuary of Delos near Mykonos.

The Doric temple we see today was built from local Agrileza marble (Lavrio) on the ruins of the earlier Archaic temple.

The temple is attributed to the same architect who designed the temples of Hephaestus (“Theseion”) in the Agora, Ares in Acharnai, and Nemesis in Rhamnous.

King Aegeus

According to Greek mythology, Cape Sounion is where the King of Athens, Aegeus, met his tragic end.

Believing his son Theseus had been killed by the Minotaur, he saw the ship returning with black sails and, overcome with grief, threw himself off the cliff into the sea below.

That’s why the Aegean Sea carries his name today.

Kouros from the Temple of Poseidon

There are a few exceptional artifacts excavated from the archaeological site of Sounion, with the most notable being the 3-meter-high statue of Kouros carved from Naxian marble around 610–600 BC.

It was created as a votive offering; it was most likely dedicated to Poseidon himself.

Today, this larger-than-life statue stands in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, giving visitors a glimpse into the artistry and devotion of early Greek worshippers.

Kore in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens

A kouros is a free-standing statue of a young man from ancient Greece, while a kore is its female counterpart, showing a young woman. Both types first appeared in the Archaic period (7th–6th century BC).

Kouroi (plural) usually stand tall and rigid with one leg forward and arms at their sides, symbolizing strength and vitality.

Korai (plural of Kore), on the other hand, are often shown wearing elaborate drapery, reflecting grace and beauty. These statues were used as offerings to the gods or as grave markers, celebrating youth, life, and devotion.

Discover the Hidden Ruins

You can 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.

On a clear day, you will also be able to see the islands of Kea, Kythnos, and the Peloponnese with ships sailing around the sea.

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.

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
Ruins of the Athena Temple

Just 400 meters from the Temple of Poseidon, you’ll also find the sanctuary of Athena Sounias, built on the top of a low hill.

Not much of it has survived, just a few traces of the temple, along with remains of another temple that was probably dedicated to Artemis.

Realistic reproduction with AI

One of the more interesting spots here is a circular enclosure known as the “Heroon of Phrontis.” According to the Odyssey of Homer, this is where Phrontis—the helmsman of Menelaus’ ship—was honored.

He died on the voyage home from Troy and was said to have been buried at Sounion

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 to 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 toward 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

As early as the 17th century, travelers were already visiting Sounion to admire the Temple of Poseidon—though some also took pieces of it.

Fragments of its columns can now be found in places like the British Museum, Venice, and Potsdam in Germany.

The carved names at the Temple

Over the years, many carved their names into the temple’s columns. Among them is the famous poet Lord Byron, whose signature is still visible on the south wall of the temple.

I suppose they had a different idea of what vandalism is from what we have today.

Book a Breathtaking Cape Sounion Sunset

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.

The trip from central Athens to Sounion by car without stops is about an hour and 30 minutes.

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 in 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,l 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:

Lavrio mining relics
  • 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.
Lavrio Chaos

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 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 roads 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, and Vamvakousi Beach
  • The Lavrio Port and town
  • Thorikos Archaeological Site.

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

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

You can have a snack or a coffee at the Naos cafe Restaurant inside the archaeological site with a view of the Temple.

Right across from the Temple of Poseidon, you can swim on an organized, sandy beach with umbrellas, sunbeds, and a beach bar. Here, you will find one of the best Cape Sounion Hotels, the Aegeon Beach.

The hotel is about as close as you can get to a Greek island near Athens without actually leaving the mainland.

Elias Restaurant

The best part is that the Cape Sounion beach is lined with some fantastic taverns, like Akrogiali and Elias Fish Restaurant.

Pick a table and enjoy your meal while looking at a 5th-century BC masterpiece.

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

Just 10 km from Sounion, you’ll find Lavrion, a charming seaside town known for its fresh seafood and relaxed atmosphere.

Enjoy a meal at one of its many fish tavernas or mezedopolia—traditional eateries serving small plates of delicious Greek food, best paired with ouzo!

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 historically significant, as one of the world’s most important mining areas.

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

You can easily book your tickets through FerryHopper or FerryScanner—both are super easy to use!

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 BC 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 Mycenaean 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 Mycenaean tombs.

Sounion Cape & Temple of Poseidon: FAQs

Where is the Best Place to Stay in Cape Sounion

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 Cape Sounion beach.

Helen’s Sounio Apartments (mid-range, self-catering, family-friendly). A very quiet, spotlessly clean, nice apartment with extra hospitable hosts.

How much is the ticket and when it the site open?

The general entrance is €20 and it is open daily from 9.30 am to 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.

Can you walk inside the Temple of Poseidon?

No, the temple is roped off to protect the ruins. But don’t worry—you can still stroll around it, get really close, and enjoy the stunning sea views from every angle

How to Get to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

You’ve got a few good options.

The budget-friendly way is by intercity bus (KTEL). Buses leave from the center of Athens at Pedio Areos Park, Aigyptou Square (Victoria metro station). It takes about 2 hours to reach Sounion, and costs around €7 each way.
Just note—the last bus back leaves the temple at 6:00 pm, so it’s tricky if you want to stay for the sunset.

Private Tour: You can take this Sunset Private Tour to Cape Sounio, with a badge of excellence and recommended by 97% of travelers.

Rent a car: To me, the most fun way to get to explore Greece is by renting a car! That way, you will drive a scenic route by the Athens Riviera.

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

It really depends on what you’re after.

If you go during the day, you’ll have more time to walk around and really take in the temple and the sea views.
If you go at sunset, the whole place lights up in amazing colors—it’s absolutely magical. Just be ready for more people, since that’s the most popular time.

What Facilities are Available at Sounion Cape?

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

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.

What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit the 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 Erechtheion

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

Final Thoughts on Cape Sounion from Athens

A trip to Cape Sounion is the perfect day trip from Athens. The coastal drive is gorgeous, the Temple of Poseidon is unforgettable, and if you catch the sunset, it’s pure magic.

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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 €45 to Athens, €55 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.

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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 “Cape Sounion from Athens | A Perfect Day Trip”

  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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