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 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 return you to your hotel by minivan.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Lake Vouliagmeni15m
2. Temple of Poseidon1h

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 (sunset tour)
• Drive back and drop off at hotel

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel or apartment in Athens. 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. Formed by a volcanic eruption, the lake sits below sea level right beside the coast, and it's one of Athens's most photographed spots. Further along 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. 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. After the temple, the drive back to Athens begins (just after sunset on the sunset tour), 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.

Options for this experience

3 options

Sunset TourGuide in English · 14:30 and 15:00Pickup is included

MORNING TOURGuide in English · 09:00Pickup is included

PRIVATE TOURGuide in English · 9 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:00Private tour: Get privacy and complete flexibility if you arrive on a cruise ship or have limited time in Athens. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 19

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 20

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

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 take the scenic route in an air-conditioned minivan, so you're not navigating the coastal road alone or sitting in a large coach.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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 to use.

What is the Temple of Poseidon and why is it at Cape Sounion?

The Temple of Poseidon is a 5th-century B.C. temple honoring the sea god, 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.

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.