Cape Sounion: tours and the Temple of Poseidon
Cape Sounion forms the southern tip of the Attica peninsula. It belongs to the municipality of Lavreotiki in East Attica. The Temple of Poseidon stands on a cliff about 60 metres above the sea.
Cape Sounion tours
A guided Cape Sounion tour from Athens with sunset views lasts 5 hours and includes transport in a licensed Mercedes vehicle, a certified English speaking driver, a photo stop at Lake Vouliagmeni, a visit to the Temple of Poseidon and a coastal drive through the southern suburbs of Athens.
The private Cape Sounion tour with sunset at the Temple of Poseidon lasts 5 hours and 30 minutes, with private transport, a licensed professional guide and itinerary planning included.
The Temple of Poseidon
Construction of the Temple of Poseidon took place between 444 and 440 BC, during the ascendancy of Pericles, the Athenian statesman who also rebuilt the Parthenon. It was built over the remains of an earlier temple. Its marble came from the quarries at Agrileza.
Of the original 34 columns, about 15 still stand, some of them re-erected in the 20th century. They follow the Doric architectural order. The columns are about 6.1 metres high. They narrow from a diameter of 1 metre at the base to 79 centimetres at the top.
Lord Byron's name is carved on the base of a column; whether he carved it himself is uncertain.
A private tour of Lake Vouliagmeni and the Temple of Poseidon in Athens lasts 6 hours, including a private vehicle with an English speaking driver, visits to the lake and temple, and a drive along the Athenian Riviera.
The private half day tour from Athens to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon lasts 5 hours and includes a private air conditioned vehicle, a professional local driver familiar with the route and sites, and entry to the Cape Sounion archaeological site.
A day trip from Athens
From Athens, Cape Sounion lies about 70 km to the southeast. The KTEL intercity bus journey from Athens to Sounion takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
A private tour from Athens to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon lasts 4 hours and 30 minutes, with a private vehicle, a professional driver, transport along the Athenian Riviera and a stop at Lake Vouliagmeni on the return journey.
The private full day tour of Athens and Cape Sounion with a meal lasts 9 hours and includes professional guiding, private Mercedes transport and a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, with four plates per person and a drink.
Athena and ancient Sounion
In Homer's Odyssey, Sounion is described as sacred. Objects found at the site date back to 700 BC. Fortifications were added in 413 BCE, during year nineteen of the Peloponnesian War. A shipshed in the northwestern corner of the fortress accommodated two warships.
On a low hill about 300 to 400 metres northeast of the Temple of Poseidon stood the Temple of Athena, built around 470 BC; in the first century AD it was dismantled and parts were taken to the Agora in Athens. It replaced a structure from the sixth century BCE.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Cape Sounion?
The cape forms the southern tip of the Attica peninsula and lies about 70 km southeast of Athens.
When was the Temple of Poseidon built?
The temple was built between 444 and 440 BC, over the remains of an earlier temple.
How many columns are still standing?
Of the original 34 columns, about 15 still stand, some of them re-erected in the 20th century.
How long is the bus journey from Athens?
The KTEL intercity journey from Athens to Sounion takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Was there also a Temple of Athena?
Yes, it stood on a low hill about 300 to 400 metres northeast of the Temple of Poseidon and was built around 470 BC; in the first century AD it was dismantled and parts were taken to the Agora in Athens.
