Cape Sounion Temple of Poseidon sunset tour from Athens: Private

Watch the Temple of Poseidon catch the sunset from the cliffs, then drive back along the Athenian Riviera at your own speed.

A private tour from Athens to Cape Sounion combines the Temple of Poseidon, the Archaeological Site of Sounion, Lake Vouliagmeni, and coastal stops along the Athenian Riviera in a single afternoon. Your professional driver provides historical commentary in English and picks you up from your hotel, apartment, airport or port. You control the stops and the pace. Entrance fees to the archaeological sites are paid separately at the gate or booked online in advance.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Lake Vouliagmeni15m
2. Cape Sounion40m
3. Temple of Poseidon40m

Private tour to Cape Sounion and surroundings

• Pickup from hotel or airport
• Drive along Athenian Riviera
• Pass through Glyfada seaside suburb
• Pass through Vouliagmeni coastal area
• Stop at Astir Marina for photos
• Stop at Lake Vouliagmeni for relaxation
• Explore Archaeological Site of Sounion
• Visit Temple of Poseidon at sunset
• Optional lunch at seaside taverna
• Drive back to Athens along coast

The experience

Your pickup happens at your hotel, apartment, airport or port in Athens, and from there the drive heads south toward the coast. The route passes through Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, two seaside suburbs where the city opens onto the water, and includes a stop at Astir Marina: a luxury waterfront spot where the yachts and clear water make for photographs. Lake Vouliagmeni, a natural thermal lake ringed by rock formations, comes next as a short pause before the final stretch to Cape Sounion.

The Temple of Poseidon sits at the southernmost tip of Attica, built in the 5th century BC and standing above the cliffs with views across the Aegean. Your driver will not enter the archaeological site with you (entrance is on your own), but can answer questions about what you are looking at. The temple is the main draw, especially in the late afternoon when the light changes and the crowds thin. A traditional seaside taverna near the site offers lunch if you want it, or you can skip it and walk the beach instead.

The return journey retraces the coastal road, giving you a second pass through the Athenian Riviera in the fading light. The whole experience runs between five and six hours door to door. Your vehicle is air-conditioned, bottled water and WiFi are on board, and the driver speaks fluent English. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available if you need one.

What’s included

• Hotel, apartment, airport or port pickup and drop-off.
• professional driver with historical knowledge speaking fluent English.
• air-conditioned private vehicle.
• bottled water and WiFi on board.
• stops at Lake Vouliagmeni, Astir Marina, and the coastal suburbs of Glyfada and Vouliagmeni.
• optional lunch at a seaside taverna near Cape Sounion.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day14 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 16:00

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on site€ 37

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by GetoKnowAthens

Is this one for you?Five to six hours door to door means you can fit this into a free afternoon without losing the whole day, though it leaves no time for a second destination. The private vehicle and your control of the pace work best if you want to linger at the temple or the lake without waiting for a group, or if you are arriving at the airport and need a transfer that doubles as a tour.

Traveler reviews

4.89★★★★★★★★★★

9 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

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

The Temple of Poseidon is a 5th-century BC monument dedicated to the god of the sea, built on the cliffs at the southernmost tip of Attica. It stands above the water with panoramic views across the Aegean and is one of the most photographed ancient sites in Greece, especially during sunset.

Do I need to buy entrance tickets before the tour, or can I pay at the gate?

Entrance fees to the Temple of Poseidon and the Archaeological Site of Sounion are not included in the tour price and are paid separately. You can purchase tickets online in advance through official archaeological websites or buy them on-site at the gate.

Will the driver come inside the archaeological sites with me?

No, your driver is not a licensed tour guide and will not enter the sites with you. However, they have deep knowledge of the history and can answer your questions about the places you visit before and after you explore them.

What stops are included along the way to Cape Sounion?

The route includes stops at Astir Marina, a luxury seaside location with views and yachts; Lake Vouliagmeni, a natural thermal lake surrounded by rock formations; and the coastal suburbs of Glyfada and Vouliagmeni. You control how long you spend at each one.

Can I have lunch during the tour?

Yes, there is an optional stop at a traditional seaside taverna near Cape Sounion where you can order authentic Greek cuisine or fresh seafood. You can also skip lunch and take a walk by the beach instead.

Where does the tour pick me up and drop me off?

Your driver picks you up from your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, Athens International Airport, or Piraeus port and returns you to the same location at the end of the tour.