Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon tour from Athens
Coastal cliffs, an ancient temple, a beach stop, and the Saronic Gulf unfolding the whole drive
A half-day small-group tour from Athens to Cape Sounion combines hotel pickup, a scenic coastal drive through the suburbs south of Athens, a photo stop at Vouliagmeni Lake, a beach break with swimming (May to October), and time at the Temple of Poseidon with a live guide. Choose the morning departure or the sunset option, which times the arrival for the light show over the Aegean; both tours run about five to six hours and return you to your hotel by minivan.
5h–6h
Step-by-step itinerary
Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Tour
- Pick up from hotel or nearby location
- Drive along coastal roads past Athens suburbs
- Photo stop at Vouliagmeni Lake
- Beach stop for swim and refreshments
- Visit Temple of Poseidon and learn history
- Watch sunset at Temple of Poseidon (optional)
- Drive back and drop off at hotel
The Experience
The tour starts with pickup from your Athens hotel or apartment—if your location is pedestrian-only, the driver will meet you at a nearby accessible spot. From there, the route follows the coastal road south through Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza, passing views of the Saronic Gulf and the modern suburbs that frame the city's edge. The drive itself is the first part of the experience: sparkling water, small villages, and the sense of leaving Athens behind.
A short stop at Vouliagmeni Lake breaks up the journey. The lake sits below sea level—a volcanic crater that fills with seawater—and it's one of Athens's most photographed spots. After another 50 minutes on the coastal road, you reach a beach for a swim and a rest. The public beach area, changing rooms and showers are free to use; if you want sunbeds or umbrellas, those are run by beach businesses and cost extra, paid directly to them. Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to go in the water. This beach stop runs from early May through late October, depending on weather and the seasonal time change.
The final stop is the Temple of Poseidon, perched on the cliffs at Cape Sounion. The driver-guide shares background on the 5th-century B.C. structure while you stand in front of it. On the sunset tour, you get free time to watch the light change over the sea and the temple. Just after sunset, the drive back to Athens begins, with drop-off at your hotel or apartment to close the day.
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Athens.
- transport by air-conditioned minivan with a live English-speaking guide.
- photo stop at Vouliagmeni Lake.
- beach access with free public facilities (May to October).
- time at the Temple of Poseidon with guide commentary.
- local taxes.
Operated by GETAWAYS GREECE
Is this one for you?The sunset option works best if you want the temple framed by light on the water and have the flexibility to time your evening around the seasonal sunset; the morning tour suits anyone who prefers to start early and be back by afternoon. Both versions keep the group small and the drive scenic, so you're not navigating the coastal road alone or sitting in a large coach.
Traveler reviews
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Top questions
Can I swim during the beach stop on this tour?
Yes, swimming is available at the beach stop, which runs from early May through late October. Bring your swimwear and towel. The public beach area, changing rooms and showers are free; organized facilities like sunbeds and umbrellas are available for an extra fee paid directly to the beach operator.
What is the Temple of Poseidon and why is it at Cape Sounion?
The Temple of Poseidon is a 5th-century B.C. structure dedicated to the god of the sea, built on the cliffs at Cape Sounion overlooking the Aegean. Your guide provides background on the temple during the stop, and on the sunset tour you have time to watch the light change over the water and the ancient stone.
Does the tour include food and drinks?
The tour does not include meals or beverages. At the beach stop, you can buy refreshments, beer or a light meal from vendors there. Water is allowed in the minivan; other food and drinks must be consumed at designated stops.
What's the difference between the morning and sunset tour options?
Both tours follow the same route and stops. The morning tour departs early and visits the temple in daylight. The sunset tour times the arrival at Cape Sounion for the light show over the sea, with free time to watch the colors change; departure time adjusts to match the sunset of each season.
Is hotel pickup included, and what if my hotel is in a pedestrian area?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. If your hotel or apartment is in a pedestrian-only zone, the driver will meet you at a nearby accessible location and bring you back there at the end of the tour.
How many people travel together on this tour?
The tour is small-group, with a maximum of 19 travelers per departure in one air-conditioned minivan. If your group is larger than 15 people, you can book separate slots but stay together on the same bus; add a note to your booking to arrange this.
Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon tour from Athens
5h–6h · EN · at your hotel
from € 36 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.663,641 reviews
