Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Half-Day Small-Group Tour from Athens
Description
Experience the beauty of Greece with our Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon tour, available in both morning and sunset options. Each tour offers a unique way to see this stunning area, complete with picturesque photo stops like the picturesque Vouliagmeni Lake. The drive itself is a treat, showcasing the sparkling Saronic Gulf and charming suburbs of Athens. The main attraction, the Temple of Poseidon, sits majestically on the cliffs of Cape Sounion, where history and myth come alive. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky and sea are painted with vibrant colors, creating a magical backdrop for the ancient temple. It's a breathtaking sight and perfect for memorable photos. From early May to late October, both tours include a beach stop for a refreshing swim and a leisurely seaside lunch. Ideal for history buffs, nature lovers, or anyone looking for a unique day out, this tour is a wonderful way to explore the Greek coastline and its ancient wonders.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This half day small-group tour begins by picking you up from your hotel or apartment. If your hotel/apartment is not accessable ( e.g pedestrian area), we will apoint a nearby location for picking you up.
You will drive along coastal roads passing through some of Athens most beautiful suburbs (Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza) and watching some amazing views of the Saronic Gulf as well as modern south suburbs of Athens .
A short stop for amazing photos at one of Athens most photographed location. Vouliagmeni lake is the result of a volcanic eraption which lies bellow sea level. A lake by the sea , certainly one of a kind!
After a 50 minute drive along the coastal road and driving through idyllic beaches and small villages, you will have your first stop at a nearby beach. Relax by the deep blue waters of the Aegean sea and enjoy refreshments, a beer or a light meal. Swimming is available at the beach as well, just remember to bring your swimsuits and beach towels Please note that the beach stop operates from early May to late October, depending on the weather and the specific date when the time changes between summer and winter time, and vice versa. You are welcome to use the public beach area and the public changing rooms, bathrooms, and showers at no cost. However, if you wish to use organized facilities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, etc., additional fees will apply, payable directly to the beach businesses that provide these services. Our agency is not affiliated with these businesses, and these costs are not included in the price of our activity
Last stop will be at the location of a temple dedicated to the god of the sea, Poseidon. The host driver guide will provide you background information about the 5th century B.C. temple. Free time to watch the famous sunset if you choose to go for the sunset tour.
Just after sunset we will drive back to Athens. The tour finishes by dropping you off at your hotel or apartment.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick up and drop off is included from hotels and apartments within the range of central Athens area. Central Athens includes areas within the boundaries of Syntagma, Plaka, Monastiraki, Omonoia and Acropolis. If you're staying outside these areas, we will assign a convenient centrally located meeting point near a Metro station Your location details are required during the booking process (hotel name or apartment full address) If your hotel/apartment is not accessible by the type of vehicles we use (e.g street narrowness, pedestrian area) we will appoint the closest available meeting point for picking you up. In case that your location details has not been provided 48 hours prior to departure we will assign a centrally located meeting point of our choice for picking you up. You will receive an email from us with the exact pick up location and time 24 hours prior departure. No changes can be made to the pickup plan once it has been allocated and finalized. Please notice that pick up commerce starts 40-50 minutes prior departure. Departure time is adjusted to the Sunset time of each period (Sunset tour option) We dont provide pickups from ports/airports besides the Private tour option We dont provide pickups from Piraeus area, besides the Private tour option
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Bring your swimwear and beach towels in case you wish to swim during our beach stop (May to October)
- Departure time is adjusted to the sunset time of each period (Sunset tour option)
- We allow 19 travelers per Product. Since Viator allows only 15 persons per booking, If you are a group of more than 15 persons , you can book seperately but still be in one group on the same minibus. Just put this as a remark in your booking.
- Please note that the beach stop operates from early May to late October, depending on the weather and the specific date when the time changes between summer and winter time, and vice versa. You are welcome to use the public beach area and the public changing rooms, bathrooms, and showers at no cost. However, if you wish to use organized facilities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, etc., additional fees will apply, payable directly to the beach businesses that provide these services. Our agency is not affiliated with these businesses, and these costs are not included in our activity.
- The exact opening and closing dates of our beach stop vary each year, depending on several factors. If you're planning to visit in early May or late October and want to confirm if we're operating the beach stop, feel free to send us a message through the Viator messaging section.
- Consumption of food and beverages is prohibited inside the vehicles besides water. Designated stops during the tour will provide opportunities to eat and drink
- Participants are expected to carry no more than a backpack. If you have luggage that requires trunk space, please inform us in advance of the activity date so we can arrange the appropriate vehicle and pickup location
Reviews(3,453)
The tour guide and driver were excellent! The tour was just as described and the transportation was very comfortable. In my opinion, we could have spent more time at the temple by cutting out time from the two other stops. The sunset at the temple was the main attraction but we spent less that an hour there and had to pay a $20 entrance fee. If I were to book again, I would look for an itinerary that provided more time at the temple.
It's a long ride to get to Sounion. We went on June 21, being the longest day, sunset was not until almost 9, getting us back to Athens after 10:30. The stop at a small beach town for food, and/or swim was pleasant. The guide provided historical and cultural information along the way. The temple at Sounion was crowded of course, but we were still able to get some nice photos, which it seems is why everyone goes there!
This was a delightful half day trip from Athens that included transportation, historical information from our friendly guide, beautiful stops and lots of information along the way. We thoroughly enjoyed the brief swim stop and were well aware that the food and entrance to the temple were not included. But so worth it! It was fun to meet other travelers on the 12 passenger Mercedes van as a bonus!
Overall a very good experience and beautiful sunset views. Maria did an amazing job to share some facts and information on Greece history. One suggestion instead of beach visit they can provide extented visit to Lake. Lake seems more intetesting than beach. Sunset visit to temple is absolutely worth it
Drive was lovely - price at Temple of Poseidon was ridiculous. Lunch stop at the beach was too crowded to enjoy the beach. Would have loved more commentary on the return drive through lovely residential areas.
We had a great time Julia was very clear on where to be and what time to be there. It was a nice relaxing trip down and saw amazing views
We had an amazing time! Our tour leader Georgia was outstanding and made the experience phenomenal. She engaged the entire group during her explanations using her charisma and detailed knowledge of the city and landmarks. The fair was reasonable considering the extra stops at the beach and the sunken lake which broke up the evening nicely. Beware the restaurant staff at the beach, be prepared to sit far from the restaurant if you bring your own snacks. They're nice about it but theres 0 tolerance for it even if you buy a drink from them.
The tour was excellent and Maria was very informative. Everything was very smooth and timely and the pick up and drop off at our hotel was very convenient. The stop at the beach area was longer than necessary for us but overall it was an amazing experience
I’m not sure the extra cost for the sunset view is worth it. Plus another 20 euro to actually go up to the ruins, made this almost 100euro per person. The drive is pretty, the beach stop is 1 hour, long enough to wet your feet and grab some dinner. I can’t say that this was my favorite Greek adventure.
If you ride the double-decker city tour bus, the first half of this tour is the same...the ride along the beach. However, it is worth it to get out easily to the Temple of Poseidon. This tour stops at Cape Sounion and you can eat at the beach bar...the food is not bad, but don't expect anything but beach bar food. Julia, our guide was well informed.
