Perched on a cliff 60 metres above the Aegean Sea, the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion is one of the most dramatic ancient sites in Greece -- and one of the easiest day trips from Athens.
In this guide
Standing at the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula, about 70 km from central Athens, this 5th-century BC temple has drawn travellers for centuries. Lord Byron carved his name into one of its marble columns. Ancient Greek sailors offered prayers here before heading out to sea. Today, thousands of visitors make the trip each year to watch the sun drop behind the columns -- and it's easy to see why.
Why Visit Cape Sounion?
The Temple of Poseidon was built around 444 BC, roughly the same period as the Parthenon. Fifteen of the original 34 Doric columns still stand, framing views across the sea towards the islands of Kea, Kythnos, and Serifos. On an exceptionally clear day, you can see all the way to the Peloponnese.
But Sounion isn't just about the temple. The drive along the Athens Riviera is stunning in its own right, passing through upscale coastal suburbs and quiet coves. Many visitors combine the trip with a swim at one of the beaches along the way, or a stop at Lake Vouliagmeni's thermal waters.
The site is compact -- you can see everything in about 45 minutes -- which makes it perfect for a half-day trip, leaving time for lunch at a seafood taverna nearby or a beach stop on the return.
How to Get There
By Car (recommended for flexibility)
The drive takes about 1.5 hours from central Athens via the coastal road. There are two routes:
- Coastal route (Leof. Posidonos / Athens-Sounion road): The scenic option. Hugs the coastline through Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza. Slower but beautiful, with plenty of beach stops along the way.
- Inland route (via the A6/E94 motorway): Faster but less interesting. Takes about an hour.
Free parking is available right outside the archaeological site.
By Bus (budget option)
KTEL buses run from the corner of Alexandras Avenue and Patision Street (near Victoria metro station) to Cape Sounion. The journey takes about 2 hours and costs around 6.50 EUR one way.
Important: There are only a couple of services per day, and the last return bus leaves before sunset. If watching the sunset is your priority, the bus won't work -- you'll need a car, taxi, or tour.
Cash only for bus tickets. Arrive at least 30 minutes early in peak season to get a seat. Sit on the right-hand side for the best coastal views.
By Guided Tour
This is the most popular option, and with good reason. Tours handle transport, timing, and commentary. Most include hotel pickup from central Athens and run as either afternoon or sunset trips.
Expect to pay from around 20-40 EUR for a group tour, or 100+ EUR for a private tour. Many sunset tours include a stop at Lake Vouliagmeni or a coastal village along the way.
Half-day tours typically depart around 14:00 and return by 20:00-21:00.
Entrance Fees and Opening Hours (2026)
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Full ticket | 20 EUR |
| Reduced (EU citizens 65+) | 10 EUR |
| EU citizens under 25 | Free |
| Non-EU citizens under 18 | Free |
Opening hours: Daily from 9:30 AM until sunset. Last entry is 20 minutes before closing.
Closed: 1 January, 25 March, Easter weekend (Good Friday through Easter Sunday), 1 May, 25-26 December.
Free entry days: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, last weekend of September (European Heritage Days), 28 October.
Tickets are sold on site only -- no online booking for the archaeological site itself.
Best Time to Visit
For sunset: This is what Cape Sounion is famous for. Arrive at least an hour before sunset to explore the temple first, then find a spot along the cliffs. Be aware it gets windy and can cool down quickly after dark -- bring a light jacket.
For fewer crowds: Visit on a weekday morning. The site is small and can feel packed when multiple tour buses arrive at the same time, usually between 16:00 and 18:00 in summer.
Best months: April, May, September, and October. Comfortable temperatures, manageable crowds, and golden light. July and August are hot and busy.
What to See
- The Temple of Poseidon -- 15 standing Doric columns of white marble, with traces of a frieze depicting the battle between the gods and giants. The temple sits on a platform with views in every direction.
- Lord Byron's graffiti -- The poet reportedly carved his name on a column on the south side of the temple during his visit in 1810. (Look but don't add your own -- it's an archaeological site.)
- The fortification walls -- Remains of ancient defensive walls surround the promontory, dating from the 5th century BC when Sounion served as a strategic military outpost for Athens.
- The views -- On clear days, the panorama stretches across the Saronic Gulf to the islands. At sunset, the sky turns orange and pink behind the columns.
Practical Tips
- Footwear: The ground around the temple is uneven rock. Wear sturdy shoes, not flip-flops.
- Facilities: There are toilets and a small cafe/shop near the entrance. Nothing at the top, so grab water before the climb.
- Photography: The best photos are from the north-east side of the temple, with the columns silhouetted against the sea. For sunset shots, position yourself to the east of the temple.
- Wind: Sounion is exposed. It can be genuinely windy up at the temple, especially in the afternoon. Secure hats and loose items.
- Duration: Allow about 45 minutes to an hour for the site itself. More if you want to sit and watch the sunset.
Where to Eat Nearby
There are several tavernas within a few minutes' walk of the site entrance, most serving fresh fish and traditional Greek dishes. Eating with a view of the sea is part of the experience.
If you're driving back along the coastal road, the stretch between Lagonissi and Vouliagmeni has many good restaurants. The seaside suburb of Vouliagmeni itself has excellent options ranging from casual fish tavernas to upmarket dining.
Combining With Other Stops
Cape Sounion pairs well with:
- Lake Vouliagmeni -- A natural thermal lake fed by underground springs. Water stays between 22-29C year-round. Great for a swim on the way to or from Sounion. Entry around 15-18 EUR.
- Athens Riviera beaches -- Vouliagmeni, Kavouri, and Varkiza are all along the route. Stop for a swim and coffee.
- Lavrio -- A small port town near Sounion with good seafood tavernas and the Mineralogical Museum. Ferries to Kea and Kythnos depart from here.
Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
The classic approach is an afternoon trip: leave Athens after lunch, drive the coastal road with a beach or Vouliagmeni stop, arrive at Sounion around 17:00, explore the temple, watch the sunset, then have dinner at a nearby taverna before driving back. You'll be back in Athens by 21:00-22:00.
If you prefer mornings, an early start gets you there before the tour groups. You'll have the temple largely to yourself, with crisp morning light that's actually better for photography than the harsh afternoon sun. Combine with Schinias Beach or Marathon on the way back for a full day.
Cape Sounion is 70 km from central Athens. The drive takes about 1.5 hours via the coastal road. The Temple of Poseidon is open daily from 9:30 AM until sunset.