Temple of Poseidon

Cultural landmark ·

Temple of Poseidon

Cultural landmark ·

Ancient temple dedicated to sea god, stunning sunset views

Information

Sounion 195 00, Greece Get directions

Temple of Poseidon

Cultural landmark ·

Temple of Poseidon

Cultural landmark ·

Ancient temple dedicated to sea god, stunning sunset views

Information

Sounion 195 00, Greece Get directions

@matadornetwork

1,344 Postcards · 344 Cities

Day Trips in Athens

"It’s not a coincidence that ancient Greeks picked this magnificent spot on Cape Sounio to build a temple for Poseidon, the ancient god of the sea. Located on the southernmost tip of Attica, about 40 miles away from Athens, the Temple of Poseidon overlooks the royal blue Aegean Sea from three sides. Built with marble, this major monument was also embellished with sculptures, some of which are in the Archaeological Museum of Lavrion, about six miles away, and the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.The temple is 230 feet above sea level and overly exposed to sea breezes. So, if you visit during the autumn or winter months, dress warmly. For your summer itinerary, leave Athens early in the morning and cool off in the emerald waters of one of the Cape’s beaches, such as the unspoiled Legrena beach or the pocket-sized Kavokolones, just beneath the temple. Then, treat yourself to a fresh seafood lunch in any of the local tavernas on the coasts of Anavyssos or Thimari, and arrive at the temple just before sundown to capture an exquisite sunset.Cape Sounio is one of the most accessible destinations from Athens. Catch the bus from the KTEL Bus Terminal on Alexandras Avenue close to Pedion Areos park, or from the city center, near Syntagma. To enjoy the route along the coastal suburbs of Glyfada, Saronida, and Anavyssos leisurely, rent a car, but be mindful of the multiple sharp bends." - MATADOR_NETWORK

https://matadornetwork.com/destinations/europe/greece/athens/day-trips/

MATADOR_NETWORK

Temple of Poseidon

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"The Temple of Poseidon, at Sunset The Temple of Poseidon, perched on the edge of Cape Sounion, has long been a welcoming sign of "home" for sailors returning to Athens. The 5th-century BC structure is dedicated to the god of the sea, and it's just a quick drive from downtown Athens. If you happen to come here at sunset, you won't be disappointed."

One Week in Greece

Photo by Candice Walsh

Temple of Poseidon

Magda

Google

That is definitely a once in a lifetime experience. We went there for the sunset like I think everyone going there. So theres a pretty big crowd. But I mean the whole experience is just magical. The ruin looks beautiful. The sunset from there is something else. You definitely should go and experience this for yourself. Just please keep in mind that it's insanely windy up there

Anastassia G.

Google

As good as you hope it would be! Captures your heart from the drive along the coast. Recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before the sunset to get that special sun through the temple shot. No food or drink allowed to be consumed in the grounds however great picnic spot anywhere outside the restaurant with a lovely view of the temple and the surrounds.

Janice K.

Google

The trip was about an hour and a half from where i'm staying.But after you get out of the hustle and bustle, the trip was awesome. A lot of places you could pull over and take pictures or just pull over and go down to the shore. The temple itself was twenty euros, which seemed kind of high.But I did have a good time and got plenty of pictures.

Madison H.

Google

The temple is beautiful, but the tickets are a little expensive for how much time you can actually spend here. This is definitely one of the best places you can watch the sunset from, though. We went on a semi-cloudy day, and even then the sunset was stunning. There is also a cafe that is nice to take some time to relax at, since if you're staying in Athens it is a bit of a drive.

Megan B.

Google

20 euro to enter and 4:45 is the last entry no exceptions. Keep that in mind. But the view is beautiful. We got a coffee right before heading out. A few things to keep in mind. Dress for 10 degrees cold than you think it will be. The sea wind is freezing. The women’s restroom will get backed up, so maybe do that first. There’s a quicker line for paying with cash. The latte was really good and hot.

Miccayla F.

Google

The Temple of Poseidon was beautiful, a bit of a drive but a great stop. The views were amazing. It didn’t seem they were doing much to preserve what was once considered the homes at the base of the temple. We drove ourselves and spent nearly two hours walking around and there were still a path that we missed. We had a great time. We stopped at the store attached to the restaurant on way out and the employee was beyond rude. I was so shocked and was willing to put my items back and leave. She didn’t want us touching things that we were looking to buy. She said they are all the same, which they weren’t. Some were different colors or the writing on the item was illegible on some items, one of the snow globes had a crack, others a bubble or a chip. We as consumers should be able to choose what items we purchase as long as we are respectful with the way we handle the items, which we were. If they don’t want the items handled, then maybe remove some of the stock from the shelves. She made it seem like customers are an inconvenience. We were here in December and the only patrons in the store at the time.

Gwendolyn Claire L.

Google

This place is just magical during sunset.🌄 It was actually raining when we got there and just before the sunset at 18:30, the weather turned. There was also a beautiful rainbow🌈 Don't buy tickets in advance due to weather conditions, so just buy on the spot.

Lyubov T.

Google

A beautiful place in itself, but the unjustifiably high price of €20 made us turn back and take a free walk in another part of the peninsula, where the views were just as breathtaking. Is the price of watching the sunset — even next to such a stunning temple — really comparable to the entrance fee for Mycenae, Corinth, or Epidaurus, where, in addition to the ruins, you also visit a museum and get a wealth of information? A highly promoted tourist spot — deservedly so for its amazing views, but not for its price.