Temple of Poseidon

Cultural landmark

Temple of Poseidon

Cultural landmark

Sounion 195 00, Greece

Highlights

5th-century BCE temple ruins with Doric columns, sea views

Sounion 195 00, Greece Get directions

odysseus.culture.gr

@matadornetwork

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/

View Postcard for Temple of Poseidon

@afar

"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

View Postcard for Temple of Poseidon

Guillermo Quinones

Google

Took a while to get there from Athens but it is worthy. It was very cloudy that day so the sunset was not really visible. But it os amazing how the ancient Greeks decide to honor Poseidon in such a magnificent place. The nice thing was there was a holiday in Greece and the entrance was free!

Yuliia Venedyktova

Google

It's worth a trip here to see the beautiful sunset. The panoramic view is unforgettable. We rented a car, but you can also find buses. There's a restaurant and a souvenir shop near the Temple of Poseidon. I recommend bringing a jacket, as the wind is very strong and cold. By the way, you should know that immediately after sunset you will be asked to leave the area. My recommendation is to arrive at least an hour before sunset and buy a ticket in cash, this will speed up your entry.

Gwendolyn Claire Lin

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.

Desislava Pencheva

Google

The temple on the edge of the sea is a magnificent view. It's definitely worth it to visit. It's not so hard to get to there from Athens with the public transport. You can take the bus to Sunion which cost only 6.20 euros in direction. We took it from the Singrou-fix at around 11 o'clock. The trip to there takes around two hours and the road is very beautiful by the sea. The entrance ticket is 20 euros. There is coffee/restaurant there. The bus will drop you off right to the entrance of the temple.

Nirmal S

Google

Visiting the Temple of Poseidon was an unforgettable experience. The temple itself is truly majestic, standing tall for more than 2,000 to 3,000 years and offering a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Greek history. The surrounding sea views are breathtaking, and when combined with the temple’s presence, it feels almost magical. The highlight of the visit was without doubt the sunset. It is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen, with the colors reflecting over the Aegean Sea and the temple glowing in the evening light. The road leading to the temple was also a wonderful part of the journey, with scenic views all along the way. A must-visit when in Greece! 🌅🏛️

Stephen Asbury

Google

A wonderful place to enjoy sunset, in the grounds of the 6th century BC (destroyed, and rebuilt 488BC) Temple of Poseidon. Free to enter for EU residents (take proof/passport), 20 Euro cash or card otherwise. Arrive early, and choose a rock to sit on for sunset; it gets really busy! Beautiful colours in the sky, Aegean Sea, and on the Temple make this an evening to remember!

Oliver Kuhn

Google

Worth the drive. The 20 Euro ticket is kind of pricey but worth it just because the temple and other ruins are in a spectacular location, up on a hill with a panoramic view of the Aegean. Of course there are tourists, but not nearly as many as at the Acropolis say, so you can enjoy the experience without feeling herded around. I found the informative signs a bit lacking, but not really a complaint, it's more about the sun, sky, sea and ruins. Very photogenic I might add.

Alicia Arnold

Google

Beautiful from all viewpoints, went to the museum first, it was very busy but the line moved quickly, you can get into a quicker line and buy tickets online while you wait. The temple sold out by the time we got there. I would buy tickets in advance or get there first thing in the morning. We were there at the beginning of the slower season.