Kayaking Sounio: Temple of Poseidon from the water

Paddle past sea caves and cliffs to see the Temple of Poseidon from an angle few ever reach

Kayak the Athenian Riviera near Sounio for three hours, paddling past caves, beaches and rocky islets inaccessible by foot. You stop for swimming and snacks on a hidden beach, then paddle to the Temple of Poseidon and view it from the water: a vantage point available to almost no one on land. A live guide leads the group in English or Greek, and you choose between morning and sunset departures.

The experience

Three hours on the water means you cover the Athenian Riviera's full arc: clear blue water, steep cliffs rising from the shore, and caves carved into the rock that have no land access. The paddle starts easy and builds naturally as you move along the coast. Your first stop lands on a rocky islet or one of Sounio's hidden beaches, where you swim and eat Greek snacks: the kind designed to refuel rather than sit heavy. The water is calm enough that swimmers of any fitness level can manage it, though the guide will read conditions and adjust the route if needed.

The Temple of Poseidon appears as you round the final stretch of coastline, and from the kayak it sits at eye level against the sky: a sight that land-based visitors never get. The temple has stood on that headland for over two thousand years, but the angle from the water makes it feel like a discovery. You paddle close enough to take it in without landing, then turn back toward the start. The whole day (paddle, stop, temple, return) fits into one morning or one sunset window, so you can build the rest of your Athens itinerary around whichever suits your schedule.

What’s included

• Double sea kayak, paddles, life jacket, Greek snacks during the stop, and a live guide in English or Greek.
• hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option at checkout.

Options for this experience

2 options

Tour without transferGuide in English or Greek · 10:00 and 16:00

Tour with transfersGuide in English or Greek · 09:00 and 15:00Private vehicle

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

Before you book

Lasts 3h, runs every day, 4 start times, from € 95 per person, with a live guide in English and Greek, in groups of up to 8 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 10:00, 15:00 and 16:00Last departure this season: 20 Dec

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (10 to 80 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by TREKKING HELLAS

Is this one for you?The guide leads the whole group together, so you're not paddling alone, but you're operating the kayak yourself, not watching from a boat. Choose the morning departure if you want to spend the afternoon elsewhere in Athens, or the sunset trip if you prefer to end your day on the water.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I kayak the Athenian Riviera if I've never paddled before?

Yes. The Athenian Riviera route is suitable for all fitness levels, and the guide leads the group at a pace that works for beginners. The kayak is stable and the water is calm along this stretch of coast.

What happens at the stop on the hidden beach?

You swim in the clear water and eat Greek snacks: energizing food meant to refuel you for the paddle back. The stop breaks up the three hours and gives you time to cool off before you continue to the Temple of Poseidon.

Will I actually see the Temple of Poseidon clearly from the kayak?

Yes. The Temple of Poseidon sits on the headland at Sounio, and you paddle close enough to see it in detail from the water. It's the vantage point that makes this paddle different from any land-based visit to the site.

Does the tour include transportation from my hotel?

One option includes hotel pickup and drop-off. The other is kayaking only. You choose at checkout which one suits your plans.

What's the difference between the morning and sunset trips?

Both follow the same route and take three hours. Morning paddles start earlier in the day. Sunset trips time the Temple of Poseidon viewing for late light. Pick whichever fits the rest of your Athens schedule.