Sounion: Visiting the Temple of Poseidon from Athens
Athens’ most famous archaeological remains include wonders like the Acropolis and the Agora. People from all over the world come to the city to admire these beauties. Then they continue to gorgeous islands like Santorini or Mykonos. What a mistake! The Temple of Poseidon in Sounion is just an hour from Athens. Don’t leave our city without visiting this ancient site!
The Temple of Poseidon sits on a hill overlooking the sea. In ancient times Cape Sounion was strategic. Whoever controlled it was master of the sea towards Piraeus. The area around the temple boomed with silver mines. No wonder Athens became one of the wealthiest powers of its time.
How to Get to the Temple of Poseidon from Athens
It’s fairly easy to organize a day trip to the Temple of Poseidon from Athens. The fastest option is to rent a car and drive there. The Temple of Poseidon is approximately 43 miles (69 km) from the city center. To get there will take you around 1 to 1.5 hours. The journey to Sounion from Athens is an attraction in itself. Drive safely and enjoy the views!
If you’d rather join an organized tour, there are plenty to choose from. Though you won’t have too much time to explore the area, you’ll save some money and meet new people. Of course, you can also take a public bus directly to the temple. They are frequent, comfortable, and reliable. You can also hire a private transfer.
Private Tours to Sounion
You can visit the Temple of Poseidon via one of the numerous daily organized trips. The tours vary in price, duration, and type of transport. The best private tour to Sounion is the one that lets you enjoy the site during sunset. The temple is not as big as the Acropolis in Athens. It’s the location and colors that make it truly special. That’s why we highly recommend this tour.
If you want to visit the temple during the day, take a regular tour from Athens. The price is similar and the tour slightly shorter. Thus, it’s a good option if you are short of time. If you like adventures, there is an organized tour in a kayak to the Temple of Poseidon. Though a bit demanding, it’s a unique way to get to know the Athenian Riviera.
Buses from Athens to Sounion
The bus stop from Athens to the Temple of Poseidon is two blocks from the Archaeological Museum. It’s in front of the main entrance to one of the nicest parks in the city, Pedion Areos. It’s a large parking lot on Leof. Alexandras Avenue corner with Patision Avenue. It’s called Attica KTEL Sounio Intercity Bus Terminal.
You can walk there from Monastiraki Square in 30 minutes. Metro L1 from there takes 5 minutes. The only downside of riding the public bus is that it’s pretty slow. The whole trip usually takes about 2.5 hours. Sit on the right side so you can enjoy the views of the Mediterranean Sea. The temple is the last stop.
What to Do in Sounion
Cape Sounion’s pride and joy is the Temple of Poseidon. It’s one of the coolest archeological sites in Greece. The small peninsula lies at the southernmost tip of the larger Attic Peninsula. The Archeological site occupies the southern tip of the cape. A few houses and a couple of hotels are on the north. The road continues to Lavrio.
There isn’t much to see and do in Sounion apart from visiting the temple. Well, that’s not entirely true. If you visit during warmer months, you can spend time on a nearby beach. Just imagine swimming in the Mediterranean or soaking up the sun while enjoying epic views of ancient Poseidon. Heaven!
Sounion Archaeological Site
The main attraction in the area is the Archaeological Site of Sounion. The site includes the Temple of Poseidon, the Temple of Athena, sections of an ancient city wall, a port, and residences. Besides, archaeologists discovered graves dating back to the Early Bronze Age. The site is fenced off, and there is an entrance fee. Temple of Poseidon was an integral part of the ancient triangle together with the Parthenon of Athens and the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina.
The main site is west of the main entrance (where the parking lot is), while the Temple of Athena is on the east. There is no entrance fee for Athena’s Temple. Most tourists walk around the Temple of Poseidon and leave quickly. Thus, we recommend venturing off to the less-visited archaeological remains, to the northwest.
Temple of Poseidon
The Temple of Poseidon boasts a long and rich history. It was built between 444 and 440 BC during Pericles’ time. He also rebuilt the Parthenon in Athens. The temple is dedicated to Poseidon, God of the sea, storms, earthquakes, and horses. In Greek mythology, he is the most important God, right after Zeus.
The Temple of Poseidon is a typical temple from ancient Greece. It has a rectangular base with a colonnade on all sides. Or we should say it had a colonnade on all sides. Only 15 of the original 34 columns have survived the pass of time. The Doric columns are made entirely in local marble stone.
Temple of Athena
Though you can enter the Temple of Athena, there is not much to see. The temple is slightly older, dating back to 470 BC. Unlike the Temple of Poseidon, it had columns on the southern and eastern sides; very unusual at the time. Another unusual fact is that the altar was on the south. It typically stands on the east.
There used to be a smaller Doric temple probably dedicated to Artemis or Phrontis next to the temple. There was also an enclosed area with a burial mound and a shrine dedicated to Phrontis. The Temple of Athena was demolished in the 1st Century AD. Some of its columns were taken to Athens and used in the Agora.
Beaches of Sounion
Sounion hosts some of the nicest beaches in the Athenian Riviera. During the summer they can get crowded on weekends. Thus, visit on a weekday if possible. Sounion Beach is the long sandy beach just north of the Temple of Poseidon. This is the largest and most popular beach in the area. The splendid Aegeon Beach Hotel is here.
Northwest of Sounion Beach, we find another beautiful beach called St Peter (after the nearby church). It’s a public beach with no facilities. The famous Cape Sounion Hotel with private and public beaches is to the west. Finally, there is also a small and slightly secluded beach under the hill where the Temple of Athena is. It’s called Athena Sounias Beach.
Where to Stay in Sounion
We highly recommend spending a night or two in Cape Sounion, at one of the hotels by the beach. We always stay at the wonderful Aegeon Beach Hotel. It’s got the best views. Book a room with a balcony and sea views. The delicious breakfast is served on a terrace overlooking the temple! Since most tourists leave early, you will have lots of space and peace.
If you crave more luxury, stay at the Cape Sounio, Grecotel Exclusive Resort. The 5-star hotel is set in a massive garden opposite the Temple of Poseidon. There is a long private beach, five restaurants, and a lounge bar. If you prefer staying in private accommodation, Poseidon Beach Villas is the only option close to the temple.
Where to Eat and Drink
If you spend at least a few hours in Sounion, you’ll need to stop for lunch or dinner. Most restaurants are by Sounion Beach. Both Taverna Ilias and Akrogiali serve fresh fish and seafood. You can also dine at the Aegeon Beach Hotel. The restaurant is pretty good and offers views.
If you are driving, the best restaurant in the area is only 5 minutes away. We are talking about Vallis Restaurant Syrtaki. You can also go to any of the 5 restaurants at the Grecotel. These offer a buffet, gourmet, Asian fusion, grill, and seafood. If you are too lazy to walk from the temple, stop by the restaurant right at the entrance. It’s called Naos.
When to Visit Sounion
To enjoy to the max, plan well your visit to Sounion. Most tourists visit the Temple of Poseidon in the afternoon, just before sunset. Though this is the best time to enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean colors, it can get crowded. It is usually less crowded in the mornings and on weekdays.
Depending on the season, the temple can be too crowded or almost deserted. Naturally, most tourists visit in summer. Bear in mind that it can be very hot in summer in Greece. Thus, visit in the early morning or late afternoon. The rest of the year sees more moderate weather and fewer crowds, especially in winter.
Useful Tips
If you are visiting in summer, bring a hat and sunscreen. The best thing to do is to bring your own water in a recyclable container. If you don’t, you can always buy refreshments from the restaurants. Don’t forget to bring your swimming suit and a towel. Spending some time on the beach after visiting the temples is so refreshing.
The temples and the views from the top are spectacular. Therefore, don’t forget your camera and take plenty of photos. If you are visiting during colder months, dress warmly, as the area can get windy and cold. Of course, if you have time, spend a night or two in Sounion. You’ll have the whole place to yourself.
Other Nice Places on the Way
Those of you with extra time will be delighted to know there are several other interesting places in the area. To us, the most spectacular by far is Vouliagmeni. It’s on the road to Sounion, some 15 miles (22 km) from Athens. Vouliagmeni hosts a lovely beach and a unique lake. The small lake has warm seawater and works as a natural spa.
If you are into charming towns, take a bus from Sounion to Lavrio. The small port town hosts two museums, several old churches, a colorful fish market, a historic clock tower, and a cool post-industrial center. Nature lovers will enjoy hiking in the Sounio National Park. The main path starts at the Athens Sounion road east of the Cape Sounion Hotel. The views from the park are stunning.
