A Trip to Cape Sounio
The temple of Poseidon, the ancient Greek god of the sea, dominates the southernmost tip of Attica, where the horizon meets the Aegean Sea. Perched on the craggy rocks of Cape Sounio, the temple is enveloped in myth and historic facts dated from antiquity until the present times.
Between myth and history
There are stories about the ship of King Menelaus who stopped briefly at Sounio on his way back from Troy; or about the unfortunate King Aegeus who drowned himself on that spot and the Aegean Sea got named after him; or about the people who built a temple using local marble to honour the god of the sea and safeguard the profits from the neighbouring Lavrio mines.
Decorative elements
The unknown architect is probably the same one who built Theseion in the Ancient Agora of Athens. He decorated the temple with sculptures made of Parian marble (i.e. from Paros Island), which depicted the labours of Theseus as well as battles with Centaurs and Giants (Gigantes). The remaining sculptures are showcased in the Lavrio Museum whereas the impressive kouroi [male youths] that once stood in the temple yard are now on display in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.
Notice the Doric columns, count their flutes and you will see that they are less in number than those on other temples of the same period (mid 5th c. BC). This feature is also found in other seaside ancient temples, for instance in the Temple of Aphaea in Aegina etc.
What to do
Make the most of your trip by indulging in a refreshing swim in the small beach by the foot of the temple of Poseidon or in any one of the neighbouring beaches in Legrena or Lavrio! Treat yourselves to some fresh fish and seafood in the local tavernas. Drink in the lovely sunset view next to your better half – in one of Attica’s best locations – having the ancient temple as a backdrop and facing the deep blue sea!
• Sounio – Half day
Our professional English speaking driver will collect you from your hotel / accommodation. Leaving the city center and passing through the elegant and wealthy south suburbs of Attica like Faliron, Glyfada and further away towards the suburbs of Kavouri, Voula and Vouliagmeni . Where we will stop for a while to visit the unique Lake of Vouliagmeni 21 km far of Athens with medicinal waters and you can take some pictures. We continue our trip drive right next to the sea, and have the chance to admire the scenic Athenian and Attica Riviera, with the Saronic Gulf on our right.
Reaching our destination, Cape Sounion, we find the famous 5th-Century BC Temple of Poseidon, standing on a breathtaking cliff top, overlooking throughout the Saronic Gulf and Aegean Sea. You will have the chance to walk in the archeological site and feel the pulse of Ancient Greece, visualize God Poseidon worship ceremonies, King Aegeas jumping to the sea, or Lord Byron get inspired for his poems.
It is built in such way, that you should visit the temple in the afternoon so you can enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in your life!
Our tour ends, and we drive back to Athens and your hotel.
Duration: Approximately 5 hours
Travel with luxury and safety , our vehicles equipped with air-conditioning, air-bags, baby seat (on request), window films, phone/tablet chargers, wi-fi and free mineral water.
Please note that Athens Taxi Coast Drivers are not licensed tour guides and therefore cannot escort you inside the monuments, as it is forbidden by the Greek law.
INCLUDED:
• English speaking driver by Taxi,
• Gas,
• Tolls.
NOT INCLUDED:
• Professional Licensed Tourist Guide,
• Entrance fees,
• Lunch/Dinner,
• Drinks.
• Sounio – Full Day
Our professional English speaking driver will collect you from your hotel / accommodation. Leaving the city center and passing through the elegant and wealthy south suburbs of Attica like Faliron, Glyfada and further away towards the suburbs of Kavouri, Voula and Vouliagmeni . Where we will stop for a while to visit the unique Lake of Vouliagmeni 21 km far of Athens with medicinal waters and you can take some pictures. We continue our trip drive right next to the sea, and have the chance to admire the scenic Athenian and Attica Riviera, with the Saronic Gulf on our right.
Reaching our destination, Cape Sounion, we find the famous 5th-Century BC Temple of Poseidon, standing on a breathtaking cliff top, overlooking throughout the Saronic Gulf and Aegean Sea. You will have the chance to walk in the archeological site and feel the pulse of Ancient Greece, visualize God Poseidon worship ceremonies, King Aegeas jumping to the sea, or Lord Byron get inspired for his poems.It is built in such way, that you should visit the temple in the afternoon so you can enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in your life!
Before leaving for Athens, lunch or dinner in a traditional Greek tavern to the area of Palaia fokaia is an experience you can’t miss.
Our tour ends, and we drive back to Athens and your hotel.
Duration: Approximately 8 hours
Travel with luxury and safety , our vehicles equipped with air-conditioning, air-bags, baby seat (on request), window films, phone/tablet chargers, wi-fi and free mineral water.
Please note that Athens Taxi Coast Drivers are not licensed tour guides and therefore cannot escort you inside the monuments, as it is forbidden by the Greek law.
INCLUDED:
• English speaking driver by Taxi,
• Gas,
• Tolls.
NOT INCLUDED:
• Professional Licensed Tourist Guide,
• Entrance fees,
• Lunch/Dinner,
• Drinks.