Half-day Excursions
At the southernmost tip of Attica, where the Attic sky meets the Aegean Sea, stands proudly the Temple of Poseidon, the mythical god of the sea. Perched on the steep cliffs of Cape Sounion, it will whisper to you its myths and history, from ancient times to the present day… Between myth and history.
It will tell you about the ship of King Menelaus, which stopped at Sounion on its way back from Troy, about the unfortunate Aegeus who fell into the sea, giving it his name, and about the people who built the temple from local marble to honor the sea god and protect the profits from the nearby mines of Lavrio.
The Secrets of the Architect The mysterious architect, likely the same one who built the Theseion in the Ancient Agora of Athens, adorned the temple with sculptures made of Parian marble depicting the labors of Theseus, as well as battles with Centaurs and Giants. Those that have survived are housed in the Lavrion Museum, while the impressive kouroi that once dominated the temple’s courtyard are now kept in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.
Observe the Doric columns, count their flutes, and you will discover that they are fewer than those of other temples of the era (mid-5th century BC)—a peculiarity also found in other ancient coastal temples, such as the Temple of Aphaia in Aegina, among others.
What to Do? Combine your visit with a refreshing dip in the small beach located “in the shadow” of the Temple of Poseidon or in one of the neighboring beaches, in Legrena or Lavrio! Taste fresh fish and seafood in the tavernas of the area. Enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in Attica with your partner, with the ancient temple in the background and a view of the blue sea!
How to Get There: Sounion is located at the southernmost tip of Attica, at the end of the Athenian Riviera, 69 km from Athens. You can get there by intercity bus (KTEL) from Egypt Square (Victoria Metro station) or by car, driving along the coastal front of Athens and Attica (Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Lagonissi, Anavyssos, Legrena, etc.), while enjoying the stunning view of the sea and the islands of the Saronic Gulf.
