Cape Sounio

Length: 5 or 8 hours approx
Depart From: Athens

Temple of Poseidon, at windswept Cape Sounio, is a natural beauty of the location itself. Cape Sounio with a leisurely drive down the Attica Riviera, passing by the beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Lagonisi while enjoying a short photo stop at Lake Vouliagmeni. As approaching Cape Sounio, visitors realize that it rises like a sheer cliff out of the sea.  The current Temple of Poseidon, built upon an earlier temple, dates from around 440 B.C. and stands majestically on a jagged spur on top of the Cape.

The astonishing view from the temple is equally spectacular as viewed from the sea. Your private guide will tell you more of this prominent place in Greek history and mythology and how it played a major part in the Aegean Sea. The beauty of the surviving Doric columns has inspired many poets, including Lord Byron who carved his name on one of the columns. After visiting Sounio, you will return to Athens along the same coastal road.

Furthermore, you may wish to extend as a full day to include swimming at any organized beach along the way to/from Cape Sounio.

Note that, sunset at Cape Sounio is a breathless experience that you may NOT wish to miss.

Entrance fee to the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounio is 4 Euro pp.

Free admission for:

  • Journalists
  • Persons under 18 (with current identification to prove age)
  • University students from Greece and the E.U

Free admission (for all) on the following dates:

  • 6 March
  • 5 June
  • 18 April
  • 18 May (International Museums Day)
  • The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)

Summer Period: 1 April – 31 October

Winter Period: 1 November – 31 March

Opening hours for Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounio:

  • Winter period: 9:30am until sunset
  • summer period: 8:00am until sunset.

Last entry 20 min before closing.

All sites and museums are closed or have reduced opening hours, on the following holidays:

  • 1 January: closed
  • 6 January: closed
  • Shrove Monday: 08.30-15.00
  • 25 March: closed
  • Good Friday: until 12:00 closed
  • Holy Saturday: 08.30-15.00
  • Easter Sunday : closed
  • Easter Monday: 08.30-15.00
  • 1 May: closed
  • Holy Spirit Day: 08.30-15.00
  • 15 August: 08.30-15.00
  • 28 October: 08.30-15.00
  • 25 December: closed
  • 26 December: closed

Restrictions

  • The temple is reached by a packed half dirt half cement path leading up the hill.
  • Please note that on this tour, your driver is not licensed to accompany you on your climb to the Temple of Poseidon. If you want a licensed guide to tour the sites with you, you can hire one at extra cost.

Special Notes

  • Comfortable clothing and sensible, flat-soled walking shoes are recommended. Sun glasses and sun screen are suggested.
  • Photography is permitted throughout the tour.

Tips

  • Our prices are much better in comparison to those of the big Tour operators, because we are ourselves the tour operator and we do not use third party providers.
  • It’s always a great idea to bring a light Jacket as it usually quite windy and chilly specially in the evening.
  • A hat to protect your head and shade your face is also recommended when spending a significant amount of time in the sun.

More details about the attractions you visit

Terms of Use

For your safety inside the vehicle, drivers provide commentary only when it is deemed safe to do so while driving. When your driver must concentrate during difficult driving conditions, please refrain from any distracting behavior as your safety during the tour is our top priority.

Your driver will drop you off as close to the sites as legally possible and in accordance with the Municipality and Traffic laws of Athens.

Our service is solely confirmed when the potential customer has received an email confirming services along with the details of the tour. If the confirmation email is not received than please conclude that the service has not been confirmed. We suggest you contact us immediately for further clarification.

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