Half-Day Sounion Day Trip from Athens with the Temple of Poseidon

Journey to Sounion for sunset with an archaeology expert

The Finer Details
Cape Sounion, located about an hour and a half outside of the city, offers some of the most stunning sunset views in all of Greece and is one of the most special things to do near Athens. During this visit to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion at the end of the day, we'll join a local archaeologist for an in-depth tour. As the sun sets, prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking views from this iconic site.

Itinerary Details

During this 5-hour day trip from Athens, we'll venture out to Sounion with an archaeologist to explore the site. Built as a temple to Poseidon—understandably, considering the proximity to the sea—the building and its surroundings have played a key role in Greek mythology and history. This is where King Aegeus leapt to his death, giving the name to the sea that surrounds Greece. It is also a famous pilgrimage site for romantics and philosophers, including the English poet Lord Byron, whose inscription at the site remains today.

Logistic Details

This excursion to Sounion has been planned to ensure arrival at the Temple of Poseidon at sunset, offering the opportunity to witness the breathtaking views at dusk. The round-trip car ride lasts 3 hours (90 minutes each way), with approximately 2 hours spent on-site to fully appreciate the experience. Along the journey, you'll have the chance to see some of Athens' most picturesque suburbs and natural wonders.

Please note: This tour includes a car service that will comfortably pick you up at your accommodation in Athens. Please let us know your hotel or apartment address in the 'Additional Details' box while adding the tour to your shopping cart.
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Where You’ll Go

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

  • Temple of Poseidon
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
  • English-speaking expert guide
    Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
  • Intentionally sized groups
    A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
  • Tickets and entrance fees
    All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
  • Headsets
    Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
    We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
  • Food and drink
    Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
  • Transportation to and from the meeting point
    Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
  • Hotel pickup or drop-off
    Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Make the Most of Your Tour

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:
  • Wear comfortable footwear
  • Check the weather and dress appropriately
  • Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
  • Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
  • Bring firearms or weapons
  • Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
  • Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our expert guide and our driver will meet you at your accommodation in Athens.  Please provide your Athens accommodation address in the "Additional Details" box while adding this tour to your shopping cart. At the end of the excursion, our expert guide and driver will drop you off at your accommodation.
You will need tickets to access the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion. These tickets are not included in the cost of the tour because they can only be purchased on-site. Our expert guide will help you purchase the tickets on the day of the tour.
Even though this walk is not designed specifically for families (there are no hands-on activities tailored for kids planned in this tour), we do have some family-friendly guides who can lead this tour. We offer two tours in Athens specifically designed for kids: Athens Archaeological Museum Tour for Kids and Acropolis Tour for Kids.
Unfortunately, clients cannot use their own vehicle and drive our guide for insurance reasons. 
This excursion has been designed exclusively for clients staying in Athens. 
Yes, you will stop for a quick refreshment near the Temple or on the way. This will not replace a meal.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

Don’t just take our word for it

20 Reviews

This was a wonderful time. A long drive, Effie filled it with conversation (not lecture) about modern Athens and Piraeus and suburbs further south, their history and recent developments, and current planning. The ancient history was not neglected, of course, and we had interesting conversation about my ramblings in search of Plato's footprints in modern Athens. The coastal drive was spectacularly scenic and Effie was full of information about what we were seeing. Sounion itself is moving and despite an adventure with the weather Effie filled in a panorama of information on what we were seeing all around on sea and land and islands and into the far past. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, including advice from our driver Georgiou on what to see tomorrow when I visit Piraeus.

Panos was awesome—fun, energetic, honest, so knowledgeable, and flexible. This tour was beautiful and relaxing—the drive along the coast followed by the glory of the Temple of Poseidon at sunset. Pretty magical!

Photo Shared by Lisa with their review

Panos was just wonderful. Incredibly well versed in the history of Poseidon’s Temple as well as being an overall super human to spend a few hours with. One note: if you are booking during Summer, this may not be a true sunset adventure. But even in the full light of day, it is spectacular!

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