Sounion Sunset Private Tour
A five-hour journey along the Attic coast to the ancient Temple of Poseidon at the edge of the Aegean.
The Sounion Sunset Private Tour takes you along the celebrated coastline south of Athens, past upscale seaside suburbs and a geothermal lake, to one of ancient Greece's most dramatically situated sanctuaries. The tour is rated easy and suits a wide range of travelers seeking both scenery and history.
Departing from Athens, the route follows the coastal avenue through Old Faliron, Alimos, and Glyfada — neighborhoods long regarded as the most refined in Attica. Private and public marinas line the shore, and the road opens repeatedly onto views of the Saronic Gulf.
A stop at Vouliagmeni Lake reveals a natural curiosity: a brackish lagoon fed by warm seawater through subterranean channels, with temperatures that rarely drop below 18 degrees Celsius. The lake has operated as a therapeutic spa since the late nineteenth century.
The coastal village of Varkiza marks the halfway point and offers a brief taste of the relaxed seaside culture favored by Athenians on weekend excursions. Beyond it, the road climbs toward Cape Sounion and the columns of the Temple of Poseidon, visible from the sea long before arrival.
Tour Highlights
Watch the sunset from the hilltop Temple of Poseidon, perched at the confluence of the Saronic and Aegean seas.
Stop at Vouliagmeni Lake, a geothermal lagoon formed by a collapsed cavern roughly 2,000 years ago.
Drive through the upscale southern suburbs of Athens, including Glyfada and Alimos, along a scenic coastal road.
Learn the myth of King Aegeus, whose tragic mistake at Cape Sounion gave the Aegean Sea its name.
End the evening with traditional Greek cuisine at a local seaside tavern on the return leg to Athens.
Travel in a late-model, state-licensed Mercedes vehicle driven by a certified, English-fluent professional driver.
Itinerary
The tour begins in central Athens and heads south along the coastal avenue. You pass through Old Faliron, Alimos, and Glyfada, observing marinas, waterfront cafes, and the open Saronic Gulf to the west.
A dedicated stop is made at this brackish geothermal lagoon. Warm seawater enters through flooded underwater caves, keeping the lake at a stable temperature year-round; the outline of the original collapsed cavern roof remains visible from the shore.
The route passes through Varkiza, a picturesque seaside village popular with Athenians for its beaches and relaxed atmosphere. It serves as a natural midpoint between the city and Cape Sounion.
The centerpiece of the tour is the fifth-century BC Temple of Poseidon, built on a promontory where the Saronic Gulf meets the Aegean Sea. Ancient sailors made offerings here before venturing into open water; the site is also tied to the myth of King Aegeus.
On the way back, guests are invited to dine at a local tavern offering traditional Greek food with a sea view. The vehicle then returns to Athens, completing the five-hour circuit.
What Is Included
Included
- Private transportation in a licensed, late-model Mercedes vehicle
- Professional, certified English-speaking driver
- Photo stop at Vouliagmeni Lake
- Visit to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
- Coastal drive through the southern suburbs of Athens
Not Included
- Licensed tour guide (available upon request at additional cost)
- Entry tickets to the Temple of Poseidon archaeological site
- Meals and beverages at the seaside tavern
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities
Important Information
Reserve Your Private Sunset Tour
Secure your five-hour private journey along the Attic coast and arrive at Cape Sounion in time for the sunset over the Aegean.
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