For many visitors, visiting Cape Sounion in Attica comes as a surprise and a relief. Sometimes the first tourist destination for the tour group participant arriving in Athens at noon, the contrast between the hustle and bustle of modern Athens with this serene and imposing building is sharp. Sounion, sometimes called just Sounio, is reached by an easy, scenic drive south from Athens along the western coast of the Attica peninsula. If you are not driving yourself, you can also book a bus tour, either in advance or when you are in Athens.
Arriving at the Temple of Poseidon, the tour buses broadcast their passengers and they all pass by the always busy gift shop and a decent-looking restaurant and up a small hill to where Poseidon still reigns, overlooking the sea. The ruins of another temple to Athena, a mere goddess of wisdom named after Athens herself, are generally neglected or pointed out in an instant as a group walks to see the main attraction. And the attraction that is.
The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
Although his famous statue is long gone, safely imprisoned in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, the great Poseidon does not need bronze accessories to make his presence felt. Greeks have always watched the sea, the return of loved ones, the safe delivery of goods, the news of war. Perhaps that is why the Temple of Poseidon, with its magnificent view of the Aegean, seems to continue to fulfill the role of observer of the sea from the high promontory. (Or maybe it’s just the combined visual power of several hundred visitors, including many local Greeks, intending to see the stunningly beautiful sunset.)
The temple itself is simple Doric in style and was erected by Pericles, during the Golden Age of Greece, and is said to be on top of the ruins of an earlier sea temple that may date back to Mycenaean or even Minoan times.
If you are lucky enough to find yourself amongst them, also intend to watch your step on alternately rough or slippery rocks, and if you are traveling with young people, people prone to vertigo, or just the inherently clumsy (like me!) Keep in mind Note that there are few guardrails, chains, or the like to protect you or your loved ones from a quick dive into the air, water, and rocks. Add to this a strong and playful breeze, bring jackets even if you’ve been suffocating in Athens, and, perhaps, the fact that Poseidon rules over earthquakes too, and you have reasons for caution.
But the cause for celebration wins. Sounion is cleansing for the mind and spirit and exciting for the soul and heart. Do not miss it!
While you are there, you will find yourself at a point in a magical triangle that the ancient Greeks enjoyed: from Sounion, you could see the Temple of Aphaia on the island of Aegina and the Acropolis itself.
If you are traveling independently, Sounion can be easily reached by bus from Athens, or via organized tours. Sunset is the most popular time to visit Sounion, although tour buses are there almost non-stop. Early in the morning, as with most sites in Greece, will give you the best chance of enjoying Sounion without a visitor crush. If you have rented a car, it is also an easy and beautiful trip on good roads if you have rented a car.
Many companies offer tours to Cape Sounion and your hotel or any travel agent in Athens can help you find one. Advance planner? Here’s an option that you can book online in advance. Book Direct: Cape Sounion Sunset Tour
Beneath the promontory of Poseidon, there is a small tourist area that offers several hotels and anchorages for yachts. If you just can’t get enough of the temple itself, you can easily stay in sight. The Cape Sounio Hotel is one option.
Day trips in Athens and around Greece
