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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: John Malathronas

Sounion or Sounio (the Sacred Cape of the Athenians according to Homer) lies at the southernmost tip of the Attic peninsula. Marked by the partly-renovated temple of Poseidon set on a steep, 200-ft high precipice, Sounion is evidence that the Ancient Greeks chose the locations of their temples with immaculate taste.

The temple crowns the summit of an ancient fortified settlement, with six-foot walls, erected by the city-state of Athens for strategic purposes. It occupies around ten acres in total; a port was located at the sandy cove to the north of the fortress.

This is the spot where – according to myth – King Aegeas awaited the return of his son Thissias, who had been dispatched to kill the Minotaur. When he saw his ship bearing black sails – his son had forgotten to swap them – he committed suicide by falling into the sea, thus naming the Aegean.

The legend, the temple, plus the unfettered pelagic views all come together in one of Greece’s most renowned sunsets – an experience not to be missed.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: +
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

KTEL Buses to Sounion leave from the terminal at Mavromateon St (Alexandras Avenue end), but in winter they only run during weekends and often they leave the suite before the sunset, which defeats the purpose.

The Athens-Sounion ride along the Attica coast is one of the most scenic routes in Greece. Organised tours pick you up from your hotel but tend to take the fast modern highway inland past the international airport. If you go independently, drive also along the coast on the way there and come back the quick way inland. If you want to stay overnight, head for Sounion (there’s good swimming nearby).

Allow at least one hour to see the site itself. You can get an information booklet and a map at the ticket booth.

The archaeological site is open throughout the year and closes just after sunset. Most people watch it from just outside.

When to do it

The site is accessible all year round, seven days a week. It closes just after sunset.

Any time of year will do – in fact a stormy, wintry Cape might be said to be more inspiring – but July and August draw massive crowds at sunset. Winter is absolutely fine for sunsets except that they occur earlier (5pm instead of 8pm).

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Half-Day Small-Group Tour from Athens

Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Half-Day Small-Group Tour from Athens

Athens

Experience a half day small-group trip with minivan along the picturesque south Attica coastal road and visit to the 5th century BC temple o...

€55 | Rating 4.65 / 5 [807 ratings]

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Cape Sounion & Temple Of Poseidon Private Trip

Cape Sounion & Temple Of Poseidon Private Trip

Athens

Gaze one of the most majestic views in Greece with a private trip to Cape Sounion. After your private pick up by executive car or mini van, ...

€110 | Rating 5 / 5 [42 ratings]

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Private Sunset Tour of Cape Sounion, Temple of Poseidon & Athens Riviera

Private Sunset Tour of Cape Sounion, Temple of Poseidon & Athens Riviera

Athens

Driving along, you will be captivated by the breathtaking Saronic sea on your way to paying tribute to Poseidon, the God of the sea! Enjoy ...

€149 | Rating 4.73 / 5 [15 ratings]

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Cape Sounion Private Sunset Tour From Athens With Seaside Dinner

Cape Sounion Private Sunset Tour From Athens With Seaside Dinner

Athens

Gaze one of the most majestic sunsets in Greece with a private trip to Cape Sounion. After your private pick up by an executive car or mini ...

€170 | Rating 4.90 / 5 [135 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[28.2 miles]

One of the most glamorous resorts on the Athens Riviera, this hotel occupies a pine-clad peninsula with its own private beach and promenade.

Official star rating:

The Modernist Athens

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[43.5 miles]

A centrally-located, minimalist hotel that caters for all budgets, housed in an elegant former Embassy building.

Official star rating:

COCO-MAT Hotel

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[43.8 miles]

An informal, welcoming hotel with a home-from-home feel and wonderful Acropolis views from the leafy roof terrace.

Official star rating:

Divani Palace Acropolis

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[43.8 miles]

A modern, five-star hotel in a hip neighbourhood, within walking distance of all the capital’s most impressive sights.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Athens

Central Greece, Greece

Antiquities galore, contemporary culture, scintillating nightlife and fantastic food: there’s something for everyone in Greece’s cosmopolitan capital that’s continuously reinventing itself.

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