Athens: Cape Sounio & Poseidon Temple Trip with Audio Guide
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Reservations
History
Cape Sounion has been a sacred promontory since the 5th century BC, crowned by the marble Temple of Poseidon—guardian of seafarers and rival to Athena’s nearby shrine. Immortalized in Homer’s Odyssey, this cliff is where King Aegeus leapt to his death, giving name to the Aegean Sea.
Perched 70 meters above crashing waves, the temple’s Doric columns have withstood millennia, offering panoramic vistas that inspired Byron to carve his name on a pillar. Today, it remains a beacon of ancient maritime power and mythic drama.
Highlights
- Witness a breathtaking sunset from the cliffs of Cape Sounion
- Explore the majestic 2,500-year-old Temple of Poseidon
- Drive the scenic Athenian Riviera with turquoise bays and luxury villas
- Use multilingual audio guide in 6 languages for rich historical insights
- Capture iconic photos of marble columns against the fiery horizon
Full Description
Escape the city bustle on a half-day journey along the glittering Athenian Riviera to the dramatic cliffs of Cape Sounion. Travel in air-conditioned comfort with a live escort and immersive audio guide, passing upscale suburbs, beaches, and hidden coves.
Arrive at the Temple of Poseidon, where 16 surviving Doric columns frame endless sea views. Walk the sacred grounds, learn myths of gods and kings, and feel the wind that once filled ancient sails.
As the sun dips into the Saronic Gulf, watch the sky ignite in gold and crimson—a moment of pure magic. Return to Athens under twilight, enriched by legend and natural splendor.
Why Choose This Experience?
This expertly timed sunset tour delivers one of Greece’s most photogenic ancient sites without the midday heat or crowds. With pickup from three central locations and a multilingual audio guide, it’s perfect for independent travelers seeking history, scenery, and romance in just 5 hours.
No long hikes or complex logistics—just a smooth coastal drive, 1.5 hours at the temple, and a front-row seat to a world-class sunset. Ideal for cruise passengers, couples, or anyone craving a poetic escape from Athens.
What’s Included
- Round-trip air-conditioned bus with live escort
- Audio guide in 6 languages: English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish
- Pickup and drop-off at 3 central Athens locations
- Scenic drive along the full Athenian Riviera
- 1.5-hour visit to Temple of Poseidon (entry extra)
- Strategic photo stop en route
- USB charging ports and Wi-Fi onboard
- Digital sunset timing guide by month
- Live commentary on myths and landmarks
- Small group atmosphere (max 50 per bus)
Itinerary
- Pickup from Omonoia Square / Old Parliament / Melina Mercouri (varies by season)
- Coastal drive with panoramic views (30 minutes)
- Brief photo stop at scenic viewpoint (5 minutes)
- Cape Sounion: free time and exploration (30 minutes)
- Temple of Poseidon: guided audio visit (1.5 hours, entry extra)
- Sunset viewing from the cliffs
- Return drive to Athens (1 hour)
- Drop-off at original pickup points
Pricing
From $23 per person
Meeting Point
Pickup (3 options):
- Omonoia Square (near Hondos Center)
- Old Parliament House (Syntagma)
- Melina Mercouri Monument (Plaka) Look for the blue hop-on hop-off bus and company sign. Arrive 10 minutes early. Drop-off: Same 3 locations.
How to get there
- Metro: Line 2/3 to Syntagma (Old Parliament) or Line 1 to Omonoia
- Walking: All pickups within 10 minutes of central hotels
- Taxi: Request “Omonoia Square,” “Old Parliament,” or “Melina Mercouri, Plaka”
- Tram: Coastal line to Flisvos (connect via bus)
Good to Know
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (marble and gravel paths)
- Camera or charged phone (sunset photography)
- Light jacket or scarf (windy cliffs, cooler evenings)
- Cash (€8 temple entry, exact change preferred)
- Hat and sunglasses (afternoon sun)
Know before you go
- Temple entry €8 (cash only, not included)
- Tour runs rain or shine—ponchos provided if needed
- No pets allowed on the bus
- Sunset timing adjusted monthly for optimal viewing
- Audio guide activated via smartphone (bring earphones)
Reviews
- Grieselda was exceptional—attentive, warm, and ensured everyone felt safe and included. A true highlight of the trip!
- Magical sunset and majestic temple. The wind is strong—bring a jacket! The audio guide made history come alive.
- Smooth, scenic, and perfectly organized. Vasilis brought energy and humor—best half-day from Athens!
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
Is the Temple of Poseidon entry fee included?
No, the €8 entrance fee to the Temple of Poseidon is not included and must be paid in cash directly at the site. This allows flexibility if you prefer to admire the temple from outside the fenced area. The ticket grants access to the full archaeological site, including close-up views of the columns and the cliff edge. Concessions are available for students and seniors with ID. The 1.5-hour stop provides ample time to explore thoroughly. Your audio guide continues inside, synced to key points. Many guests find the small fee well worth the intimate experience with this iconic monument. Bring exact change to avoid delays. A must-see for history and photography lovers.
What are the exact pickup times?
Pickup times vary by month to align with sunset: March/October: 15:00–15:30; April/September: 16:00–16:30; May–August: 16:30–17:00; November–February: 14:00–14:30. Omonoia Square is first, then Old Parliament, then Melina Mercouri (Plaka). The bus departs promptly after the last stop. Arrive 10 minutes early at your chosen point. The escort confirms names and distributes audio devices. Live updates are sent via booking app. This precise scheduling ensures you reach Sounion at golden hour. Return drop-off follows the same order. A perfectly timed sunset experience every season.
Do I need to bring earphones for the audio guide?
Yes, bring your own earphones for the best audio experience, though disposable ones are available if needed. The multilingual audio guide (English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish) is accessed via your smartphone using onboard Wi-Fi. It activates automatically at key stops and includes myths, history, and fun facts. Volume and language are easily adjustable. The system works offline after initial download. This personal narration complements the live escort’s overview. Ideal for non-English speakers or those wanting deeper context. A modern, immersive way to explore Cape Sounion.
Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the tour operates rain or shine, with covered bus areas and ponchos provided if needed. The temple site remains open in light rain, and the dramatic clouds often enhance sunset photos. Strong winds are common at the cliff—secure hats and jackets. In rare cases of extreme weather, the operator may adjust timing or route for safety. The escort keeps the group informed. Indoor waiting areas are available near the entrance. Most guests still enjoy the experience regardless of conditions. The temple’s marble glows uniquely under overcast skies. A resilient and rewarding trip in any season.
When is the best time to see the sunset?
Sunset viewing is optimized by monthly departure adjustments—earlier in winter, later in summer. You’ll arrive at Cape Sounion approximately 60–90 minutes before sunset, allowing time to explore the temple and find the perfect photo spot. The sun sets directly over the sea, painting the columns in golden light. May through August offers the latest and warmest sunsets. Your escort signals the best viewing areas. Tripods are welcome for photographers. This timing ensures you witness the full spectacle without rushing. One of Greece’s most romantic and photographed moments—year-round magic.
