Ah, Cape Sounion, what a wonder! If you want to get away from Athens for a day, this is a perfect excursion. At the top of a rocky spur, stands proudly a temple dedicated to Poseidon whose white marble columns serve as a landmark for sailors. The place, which seems to be suspended above the Aegean Sea, is beautiful, especially at sunset. It offers splendid panoramic views of the islands of Makronissos and Kea and the Saronic Gulf.
With its perfect combination of mythology, archaeology and natural landscapes, Cape Sounion is one of the favorites of Living Athens!
How to get to Cape Sounion from Athens?
Cape Sounion is located 65 kilometers southeast of Athens. You can get there by bus (orange Ktel bus or multi-stop bus), by cab, as part of an organized tour or by car. It’s up to you to choose according to your desires and your budget.
Cape Sounion: a legendary place
First of all, in Greek mythology, Cape Sounion is known as the place from which King Aegeus would have thrown himself from a cliff. His son Theseus had promised him to change the black sails of his boat by white sails if he succeeded in defeating the Minotaur. But, in the excitement of the return, Theseus forgot his promise and Aegeus, who waited for his son on top of the Cape Sounion, saw the boat approaching with black sails. In despair, thinking that Theseus was dead, he threw himself into the sea which, since then, bears his name.
Homer spoke of Cape Sounion as a “sacred rock”. It housed two sanctuaries, one dedicated to Athena and the other to Poseidon. In the Iliad and the Odyssey, Homer explains that Ulysses, on his return from Sparta with the beautiful Helen, would have stopped there to bury one of his most faithful sailors.
Finally, in 1810, the famous British poet Lord Byron, who fell under the spell of Cape Sounion, engraved his name on the north pillar. Will you find his signature? Unfortunately, a lot of graffiti has been added next to the poet’s mark.
The Temple of Poseidon: marble columns and exceptional view
The temple was built in 444 BC. J.C, at the same time as the Parthenon. It is dedicated to Poseidon, God of the Sea and protector of sailors. According to the legend, Zeus agreed to grant a temple to Poseidon here to appease his fury after he lost the battle with Athena for supremacy over the city of Athens.
The temple is impressive even if there are only 15 marble columns left out of the original 34. Its exceptional location, overlooking the sea, is worth the detour alone. The view is splendid.
The site also contains the ruins of a temple dedicated to Athena and the remains of a fortified tower.
A perfect day at Cape Sounion
Here is a suggested program for a beautiful day at Cape Sounion, mixing Greek version of idleness, culture and nature. If you have a car, we recommend that you start your day with a swim on the beautiful beach of Legraina, a small hidden and wild cove with turquoise waters, accessible by a dirt road. It is not equipped, better to go there early in the morning to avoid the strong heat.
We then suggest you to take your vehicle to go to lunch 4 kilometers further in one of the two taverns located on the beach of Sounion: O Ilias or Akrogiali. In these two fish taverns, you can enjoy classic Greek cuisine. And enjoy a breathtaking view of the temple of Poseidon. Afterwards, if you wish, you can swim in the crystal clear waters of the beach of Sounion. Before visiting the temple at the end of the day (count about an hour of visit). Finally, wait for the sunset on the temple and admire the show.
We suggest guided expeditions – we’ve tested them. It’s very well organized and we had a wonderful day! This is a Private Tour : Tour the celebrated Athens Riviera shoreline all the way to the stunning Temple of Poseidon overlooking the Aegean sea
If you want to extend these pleasant moments, you will find nice hotels by the sea in Sounion.
Laure M.
Updated February 2, 2024
