Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon: Small Group Tour
Hightlight
-
English-Speaking
-
Group-Friendly
-
Reservations
History
Cape Sounion has guarded the southern tip of Attica since the Bronze Age, its strategic cliffs once signaling Athenian fleets with beacon fires. The Temple of Poseidon, built in 444 BCE by Pericles, replaced an earlier shrine destroyed by Persians and became a maritime landmark for sailors praying to the sea god.
Lord Byron carved his name on a pillar in 1810, immortalizing the site in romantic lore. Today, the Doric columns stand as a dramatic testament to Athens’ golden age, perfectly framed against the endless Aegean.
Highlights
- Drive the stunning Athenian Riviera with glittering Saronic Gulf views
- Stop at serene Vouliagmeni Lake for photos of its therapeutic waters
- Swim and relax at a pristine beach in Anavyssos (May–Oct)
- Explore the cliff-top Temple of Poseidon with expert live guidance
- Watch the sun melt into the sea behind ancient marble columns (sunset tour)
- Travel in intimate small-group comfort with hotel pickup
Full Description
Escape Athens aboard an air-conditioned minivan and trace the coastal road past glamorous suburbs and hidden coves. Pause at Vouliagmeni Lake, its emerald waters fed by underground springs, before continuing to Anavyssos for a 75-minute beach break (seasonal).
Arrive at Cape Sounion where the Temple of Poseidon crowns a 60-meter promontory. Your guide brings myths to life—Poseidon’s trident, Theseus, and the Aegean named for King Aegeus—while you wander among 16 surviving columns. A quick photo stop captures the panoramic seascape.
The sunset option times departure to coincide with golden hour, turning the temple into a silhouette against fiery skies. Return to Athens relaxed, with drop-off at your door.
Why Choose This Experience?
This half-day escape delivers dramatic history, natural beauty, and coastal relaxation without the crowds of full-day tours. Small groups (max 14) ensure personal attention, while seamless hotel pickup and live English commentary make it effortless.
Perfect for cruise passengers, couples, or anyone craving a quick dose of myth and Mediterranean magic—especially at sunset when the temple glows against the horizon.
What’s Included
- Round-trip air-conditioned minivan transport
- Hotel pickup/drop-off in central Athens (or nearby meeting point)
- Professional English-speaking tour leader
- Guided visit to Temple of Poseidon
- Photo stops at Vouliagmeni Lake and Cape Sounion viewpoint
- Beach time in Anavyssos (May–Oct)
- Bottled water and cold towels (summer)
- All taxes and fuel surcharges
- Digital photo album link post-tour
- Child safety seats (on request)
Itinerary
- Hotel pickup in Athens (40–50 min before tour start)
- Scenic coastal drive (30 min)
- Vouliagmeni Lake photo stop (15 min)
- Continue along Riviera (20 min)
- Anavyssos: Beach swim, lunch, relax (75 min)
- Drive to Cape Sounion (15 min)
- Cape viewpoint photo stop (10 min)
- Temple of Poseidon: Guided tour + free time (60 min)
- Return drive to Athens (60 min)
- Hotel drop-off (~5 hours total)
Pricing
From $46 per person
Meeting Point
Direct pickup from your hotel, apartment, or cruise terminal in central Athens. Outside central zone? Assigned a nearby metro-accessible meeting point. Pedestrian-only streets? Pickup within 2–5 min walk. Exact details emailed 24 hours prior.
How to get there
- Hotel pickup included (central Athens)
- Metro to assigned meeting point (if outside zone)
- Taxi from airport/port (private tour only)
- Walk from cruise terminal (Piraeus pickup available)
Good to Know
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimwear and towel (May–Oct)
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Light jacket (evening breeze)
- Cash/card for temple entry & lunch
- Camera (sunset light is magical)
Know before you go
- Temple entry NOT included: €10 (Nov–Mar) / €20 (Apr–Oct)
- Sunset tour departs ~4:00 PM (summer) / ~3:00 PM (winter)
- Beach stop seasonal (May 1–Oct 31)
- Lunch self-paid in Anavyssos (~€12–18)
- Moderate walking on uneven marble at temple
- Toilets at beach and temple
- Private tour required for airport/cruise port pickup
Reviews
- Amazing small-group tour! Guide was informative, sunset from the temple was breathtaking. Loved the personal vibe—no huge crowds.
- So grateful they waited for us at NJV Hotel. Guide Marua was knowledgeable, kind, and made the history come alive.
- Perfectly organized. Friendly guide, stunning views, just the right amount of time everywhere. Highly recommend!
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
Is temple entrance included in the tour price?
No, entry to the Temple of Poseidon is paid onsite: €10 per person (November–March) or €20 (April–October). Students/seniors with ID pay half. Children under 6 enter free. Your guide handles group entry to minimize wait time. The fee supports site preservation. Cash or card accepted. The tour price covers transport, guiding, and all stops—temple ticket is the only extra cost.
When does the sunset tour actually depart?
Departure time adjusts monthly to align with sunset: approximately 4:00 PM in summer (June–August), 3:30 PM in spring/fall, and 3:00 PM in winter (November–March). Exact time is confirmed in your pickup email 24 hours prior. The goal is to reach the temple 45–60 minutes before sunset for golden-hour photos and the full spectacle as the sun dips into the Aegean. Morning tours depart around 9:00 AM and focus on history and beach time without the sunset.
How much time do we have at the beach?
From May 1 to October 31, you’ll have 75 minutes in Anavyssos—a quiet, organized beach with crystal water, sunbeds (€8–10), and seaside tavernas. Time for a full swim, sunbathing, and lunch (self-paid). Changing rooms and showers available. Outside this season, the stop is replaced with extra time at Cape Sounion or a coastal viewpoint. Water shoes are recommended for pebbly entry. The guide coordinates so everyone returns relaxed and on schedule.
Can I join if I’m on a cruise ship?
Yes, with the private tour option only. Cruise passengers are picked up directly at Piraeus port passenger terminal (representative holds your name sign). Standard small-group tours do not include port pickup—guests must reach central Athens. Private tours also suit airport arrivals. Notify ship name and disembarkation time at booking. The 5-hour duration fits most port calls. Return drop-off ensures you’re back with time to re-board.
What happens if it’s cloudy at sunset?
The tour operates regardless of weather—cloudy skies can create dramatic, moody photos with the temple silhouetted against stormy seas. Rain rarely cancels; the minivan has cover, and the temple area has sheltered spots. In extreme weather (high winds), the guide may adjust timing for safety but still visits all sites. Refunds are not issued for lack of clear sunset—natural conditions vary. Many guests find cloudy sunsets equally stunning with unique light play on the marble.
