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Experience the best of Temple of Poseidon

Book day trips to see one of the most picturesque coastal views of Greece at Cape Sounion, and the famous Temple of Poseidon that looms over it.
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Slide 1 of 8, Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion overlooking the sea during sunset.
Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion overlooking the sea during sunset.
5 hrs
3 more
  • Enjoy a hassle-free trip from Athens to Cape Sounion with round-trip AC bus/coach transfers from a centrally located meeting point.

  • Follow the journey with a multilingual audio guide, or choose an option with an English-speaking archaeologist guide for deeper insights into the region's history and mythology.

  • Drive along the Athenian Riviera, passing golden beaches, seaside resorts, and dramatic coastal landscapes on your way to Greece's southernmost peninsula.

  • Explore the Temple of Poseidon perched high above the Aegean Sea, wander around the ancient sanctuary, and take in sweeping coastal views from one of Attica's most scenic clifftop locations.

  • Upgrade your experience with Temple of Poseidon entry tickets and the expertise of an English-speaking archaeologist guide.

More details
  • Enjoy a hassle-free trip from Athens to Cape Sounion with round-trip AC bus/coach transfers from a centrally located meeting point.

  • Follow the journey with a multilingual audio guide, or choose an option with an English-speaking archaeologist guide for deeper insights into the region's history and mythology.

  • Drive along the Athenian Riviera, passing golden beaches, seaside resorts, and dramatic coastal landscapes on your way to Greece's southernmost peninsula.

  • Explore the Temple of Poseidon perched high above the Aegean Sea, wander around the ancient sanctuary, and take in sweeping coastal views from one of Attica's most scenic clifftop locations.

  • Upgrade your experience with Temple of Poseidon entry tickets and the expertise of an English-speaking archaeologist guide.

from Original price€28
€19.04

32% off

Slide 1 of 5, Guest exploring the Temple of Poseidon in Athens, Greece.
Guest exploring the Temple of Poseidon in Athens, Greece.
5 hrs
3 more
  • Enjoy an unhurried visit, with commentary in six languages that you control, so you can pause, rewind, and linger longer at Cape Sounion viewpoints.

  • Arrive at your chosen afternoon departure, meet your escort, receive basic instructions, then join the group as you set off together from Athens.

  • Ride an air-conditioned bus along the coast, stop at viewpoints for photos, then arrive with entry included at the Temple of Poseidon.

  • Walk into the Temple of Poseidon, roam the ruins and cliffs at your rhythm, and watch the sea and sky gradually shift color as dusk approaches.

More details
  • Enjoy an unhurried visit, with commentary in six languages that you control, so you can pause, rewind, and linger longer at Cape Sounion viewpoints.

  • Arrive at your chosen afternoon departure, meet your escort, receive basic instructions, then join the group as you set off together from Athens.

  • Ride an air-conditioned bus along the coast, stop at viewpoints for photos, then arrive with entry included at the Temple of Poseidon.

  • Walk into the Temple of Poseidon, roam the ruins and cliffs at your rhythm, and watch the sea and sky gradually shift color as dusk approaches.

from
€48
Slide 1 of 7, Panoramic view of the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion with Aegean Sea and boats.
Panoramic view of the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion with Aegean Sea and boats.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • Use your pre-booked timed entry to explore Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon at your own pace.

  • Visit the Temple of Poseidon and Sanctuary of Athena Sounias with a self-guided audio tour available in nine languages.

  • Discover ancient sanctuaries, marble columns, and stories of Greek mythology as you explore this historic site.

  • Take in panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and Attica coastline from this celebrated archaeological landmark.

More details
  • Use your pre-booked timed entry to explore Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon at your own pace.

  • Visit the Temple of Poseidon and Sanctuary of Athena Sounias with a self-guided audio tour available in nine languages.

  • Discover ancient sanctuaries, marble columns, and stories of Greek mythology as you explore this historic site.

  • Take in panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and Attica coastline from this celebrated archaeological landmark.

from
€29
Slide 1 of 11, Temple of Poseidon at sunset and Athens hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Temple of Poseidon at sunset and Athens hop-on hop-off bus tour.
5 hrs
2 more
  • Enjoy seamless sightseeing and great value in one combo with a 2-day HOHO pass, then unwind on a guided sunset trip to Poseidon’s temple.

  • Explore Athens freely with a 2-day hop-on hop-off bus pass, complete with 35 stops, multilingual audio, free WiFi, a city map, and open-top views of ancient and modern marvels.

  • Take a scenic drive along the Athens Riviera to Cape Sounion, where your guide brings mythology to life as the sun sets behind the Temple of Poseidon.

More details
  • Enjoy seamless sightseeing and great value in one combo with a 2-day HOHO pass, then unwind on a guided sunset trip to Poseidon’s temple.

  • Explore Athens freely with a 2-day hop-on hop-off bus pass, complete with 35 stops, multilingual audio, free WiFi, a city map, and open-top views of ancient and modern marvels.

  • Take a scenic drive along the Athens Riviera to Cape Sounion, where your guide brings mythology to life as the sun sets behind the Temple of Poseidon.

from Original price€38
€22.80

40% off

Slide 1 of 9, Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion and Acropolis in Athens, Greece, overlooking the sea.
Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion and Acropolis in Athens, Greece, overlooking the sea.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
Transfers available
  • Unlock ancient Athens with access to the Acropolis, Parthenon, and more, then chase the sunset at Cape Sounion for one perfectly themed Greek adventure.

  • Roam the Acropolis, stand before the Parthenon, sit where ancient dramas played in the Theatre of Dionysus, and learn its history via your audio guide.

  • Cruise the coastal road to Cape Sounion and hear dramatic legends of Poseidon and King Aegeus as you approach the cliffside temple with a multilingual audio guide.

More details
  • Unlock ancient Athens with access to the Acropolis, Parthenon, and more, then chase the sunset at Cape Sounion for one perfectly themed Greek adventure.

  • Roam the Acropolis, stand before the Parthenon, sit where ancient dramas played in the Theatre of Dionysus, and learn its history via your audio guide.

  • Cruise the coastal road to Cape Sounion and hear dramatic legends of Poseidon and King Aegeus as you approach the cliffside temple with a multilingual audio guide.

from Original price€76
€60.96

20% off

Slide 1 of 10, Visitors exploring the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion during a private tour.
Visitors exploring the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion during a private tour.
6 hrs
2 more
  • Leave Athens for a trip to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, with round-trip travel in an air-conditioned minivan and hotel pickup & drop-off.

  • An English-speaking tour leader and driver share local insights along the way, helping you make the most of your time on the scenic coastal route.

  • At the Temple of Poseidon, wander among the ancient columns, trace carvings, and capture wide views across the Aegean Sea from the headland above you. Continue to Cape Sounion’s shoreline to stroll the seaside paths, pause for photos over the water, or spend free time relaxing beside the beach.

  • Choose between a small group morning departure or a small group sunset schedule to match the tour timing to your preferred light and energy.

More details
  • Leave Athens for a trip to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, with round-trip travel in an air-conditioned minivan and hotel pickup & drop-off.

  • An English-speaking tour leader and driver share local insights along the way, helping you make the most of your time on the scenic coastal route.

  • At the Temple of Poseidon, wander among the ancient columns, trace carvings, and capture wide views across the Aegean Sea from the headland above you. Continue to Cape Sounion’s shoreline to stroll the seaside paths, pause for photos over the water, or spend free time relaxing beside the beach.

  • Choose between a small group morning departure or a small group sunset schedule to match the tour timing to your preferred light and energy.

from
€28
Slide 1 of 8, Sunbeds along the shore of Vouliagmeni Lake, Greece, with rocky cliffs and greenery.
Sunbeds along the shore of Vouliagmeni Lake, Greece, with rocky cliffs and greenery.
4 hrs
2 more
  • Travel along the Athens Riviera in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver, passing beach coves and sea cliffs as the city gives way to open coastline toward Cape Sounion.

  • Enjoy the convenience of a small-group journey with hotel pickup and drop-off, along with onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, bottled water, snacks, and more.

  • Stop at Lake Vouliagmeni for a swim in its thermal spa waters, a natural lake known for its steady temperature and peaceful setting (entry ticket not included).

  • Visit the Temple of Poseidon, perched above the Aegean Pelagus, where you can explore the ancient site at your own pace.

More details
  • Travel along the Athens Riviera in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver, passing beach coves and sea cliffs as the city gives way to open coastline toward Cape Sounion.

  • Enjoy the convenience of a small-group journey with hotel pickup and drop-off, along with onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, bottled water, snacks, and more.

  • Stop at Lake Vouliagmeni for a swim in its thermal spa waters, a natural lake known for its steady temperature and peaceful setting (entry ticket not included).

  • Visit the Temple of Poseidon, perched above the Aegean Pelagus, where you can explore the ancient site at your own pace.

from
€120
Slide 1 of 12, Tour group with guide at the Acropolis, Athens, exploring ancient ruins.
Tour group with guide at the Acropolis, Athens, exploring ancient ruins.
10 hrs
1 more
  • See Athens’ ancient landmarks and the Aegean coastline in a single seamless day, with included entry tickets, expert guidance, lunch, and sunset views at Cape Sounion.

  • Acropolis & Acropolis Museum: Walk through the Acropolis with your expert guide as you explore the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike, and continue to the Acropolis Museum to view its remarkable collection of ancient statues and artifacts up close.

  • Temple of Poseidon: At Cape Sounion, hear the myths and history of the Temple of Poseidon as you take in its dramatic cliffside setting and sweeping views over the Aegean Sea.

More details
  • See Athens’ ancient landmarks and the Aegean coastline in a single seamless day, with included entry tickets, expert guidance, lunch, and sunset views at Cape Sounion.

  • Acropolis & Acropolis Museum: Walk through the Acropolis with your expert guide as you explore the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike, and continue to the Acropolis Museum to view its remarkable collection of ancient statues and artifacts up close.

  • Temple of Poseidon: At Cape Sounion, hear the myths and history of the Temple of Poseidon as you take in its dramatic cliffside setting and sweeping views over the Aegean Sea.

from
€175
Slide 1 of 8, Academy of Athens facade with statues of philosophers in Greece.
Academy of Athens facade with statues of philosophers in Greece.
10 hrs
1 more
  • Begin your day with flexible pickup from your hotel or port, traveling in comfort with a private air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water.

  • Visit Athens’ most iconic sites, from the Parthenon and Erechtheion to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium.

  • Enjoy a scenic drive along the Athens Riviera, passing beaches, marinas, and Vouliagmeni Lake as you leave the city behind on your way to the coast.

  • Arrive at Cape Sounion and explore the Temple of Poseidon perched on the cliffs, where you take in wide-open views over the Aegean Sea.

More details
  • Begin your day with flexible pickup from your hotel or port, traveling in comfort with a private air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water.

  • Visit Athens’ most iconic sites, from the Parthenon and Erechtheion to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium.

  • Enjoy a scenic drive along the Athens Riviera, passing beaches, marinas, and Vouliagmeni Lake as you leave the city behind on your way to the coast.

  • Arrive at Cape Sounion and explore the Temple of Poseidon perched on the cliffs, where you take in wide-open views over the Aegean Sea.

from
€460

Pro tips to help you make a pick

We cannot recommend the sunset tours enough for it is a one-of-a-kind experience. Imagine the ruins of a 2500-year-old temple atop a cliff, overlooking the sea where the sun dips into, coloring the sky in pretty hues of golden yellow, pink, red, and blue! Though words can paint a picture, they cannot justify the incredible sunset that awaits you.

Like any other Greek temple, the Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion are rich with interesting legends and myths. Opt for guided tours to learn more about them from expert guides/archeologists and enjoy a culturally immersive experience.

Wear comfortable shoes as it is a bit of a climb to the temple on uneven terrain. Bring your hats, scarves, sunscreen, shades, and water bottles. Carry your ID card (especially if you have opted for reduced-price tickets) and a camera to capture the beautiful temple, sea, and sunset!

Venture beyond the temple to the various trails down the cliff. It is rather calming and serene to spend quiet moments of reflection in front of the mighty sea here. Head to the town of Lavrio or Sounio and nearby beaches, where you can sunbathe or swim and also find tavernas serving amazing seafood and alcohol.

Though buses are available from Athens to the Temple of Poseidon, we recommend guided tours with transfers or car rentals/taxis. The last bus back to Athens is quite early and you might miss the sunset, which is a bummer. Also, if you choose to drive, the scenic coastal road along the Athens Riviera has many hidden beaches and spots that deserve exploration.

About Temple of Poseidon

A sacred bastion overlooking the Aegean Sea since 440 BC, the Temple of Poseidon is excellently preserved. Visit this cliff temple to delve into the fascinating mythical, cultural, and even military history of ancient Greeks while enjoying awe-inspiring sunset views.


AddressCape Sounio, Sounio 195 00, Greece
Year opened440
Founded byPericles
Visitors per year200000
Expected wait time - Standard30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

King Aegeus, father of Theseus is believed to have plunged to his death from the cliff here. After killing the minotaur, Thesaus' ship returned with black sails, which implied he was killed, (which was not the case). A heartbroken King couldn’t take it and jumped from the cliff to his death. The Athenians named the Aegean Sea after this mighty King and loving father.

The Temple was built to honor Poseidon, the god of the sea. In fact, inside the temple stood a 20-foot bronze statue of Poseidon, surviving in parts and preserved in the Archeological Museum of Athens. Being a seafaring nation, Athens had incredible faith in Poseidon and built the temple right near the sea and appeased him with offerings to keep them safe while at sea.

In 1884, German archeologist Wilhelm Dorpfeld discovered that the current temple stood on top of an archaic temple of similar dimensions. It is believed that this archaic temple was razed to the ground by Persians in 480 BC while still under construction. In 479 BC, when the Greeks defeated the Persians, they placed the captured Persian warships at Sounion, as a trophy for Poseidon.

Homer’s masterpiece, 'The Odyssey', mentions that Menelaus of Sparta on returning from Troy, stopped at the temple to bury his helmsman. Herodotus’ and Homer’s accounts affirm that the temple’s site was holy ground. The poet Lord Byron’s signature is engraved on one of the columns and he immortalized the temple in his poem, 'The Isles of Greece', with the lines “Sunium’s marbled steep”.

Pericles rebuilt the Temple of Poseidon around 440 BC with 34 columns, of which only 16 stand today. It is believed that the architect Iktinos (unconfirmed), is the same person who designed the Temple of Hephaestus and the Parthenon. Athenians were quite attached to this Temple, as it was the first and last sight of home for seagoing mariners.

Why visit Temple of Poseidon?

Historical significance

The Temple of Poseidon was not merely a worship place. It was also a beacon for sailors and a great vantage point for surveillance of enemy ships entering the sea lanes. The 2500-year-old history of this magnificent temple of white marble is reason enough to visit the carefully preserved ruins.

Splendid sea and sunset views

The sun dipping into the horizon while washing the sea, sky, and temple in a sublime golden glow is the greatest allure of visiting the ruins during sunset. The sea views with the breeze caressing your body are bound to calm you. Not to mention, a date with your loved one in nature’s majestic setting is as romantic as romantic can be!

Mythology comes alive

Gods like Poseidon, demigods like Theseus, and mortals like King Aegeus and Menelaus, all have their fair share of legends surrounding the Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion. Recreate these stories in your mind with the right backdrop and understand the rich mythical, cultural, and religious heritage of the ancient Greeks.

Architectural mastery

A close look at the temple ruins clearly displays the ancient Greeks' level of craftsmanship and engineering skills. The Doric fluted columns made of white marble are 20 feet tall. The finds from within the site show intricate carvings, a testament to the artistic brilliance of the Greeks.

Beach bliss & seafood

Being a coastal temple means nearby beaches and seafood. Club your visit to the temple with a beach day in Legrena, Sounio, or Lavrio. Gaze up and try to spot the astounding temple views! Fresh seafood prepared traditionally in the local tavernas will keep your tummy content. 

Plan your visit

Main entrance

 There is just one main entrance to the Temple of Poseidon. Entry is ticketed.

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What our guests say

Berendina D

Couple
Last week

+1 more

It was a really great experience. We especially liked that you could set your own pace and therefore take a closer look at certain things.

Combo: Temple of Poseidon Sunset Half-Day Trip + Acropolis & Parthenon Tickets

Benjamin C

United Kingdom
Group
Last week

+7 more

The most memorable part of my visit was seeing the Parthenon up close and taking in the amazing views over Athens. It was surreal to think how much history was behind it all.

Combo: Temple of Poseidon Sunset Half-Day Trip + Acropolis & Parthenon Tickets

Alessandro T

Italy
Couple
Sep 2026
Very good organization and guide. Excellent sunset frame. Very good communication through WhatsApp messages and dedicated pickup points. I advise the same experience

Guided Tour of Temple of Poseidon & Cape Sounion from Athens

Maria O

Ireland
Group
Sep 2026
Well organised, Effie was a lovely, friendly guide. The transfer was very comfortable with audio guide explaining the history of the areas as you travel along the coast. Temple entrance tickets provided on the transfer. Beautiful views of the riviera on the way there and back. The Temple and surroundings are stunning, especially at sunset. Well worth the trip!

Guided Tour of Temple of Poseidon & Cape Sounion from Athens

Neri E

Italy
Couple
Jul 2026
A beautiful excursion—in my opinion, an absolute must-do! The Athens coastline is enchanting, and the Temple of Poseidon is spectacular at sunset. The duration was just right to fully enjoy the place. I’m not giving 5 stars solely because of the scheduling: pickup/departure was scheduled for 4:30 p.m., but we actually left at 5:00 p.m. The tour was supposed to last a total of 5 hours, with a return at 9:30 p.m., but because we didn’t leave until 9:00 p.m. and there was so much traffic, we arrived in Athens at 10:45 p.m. after a trip that took almost 2 hours!

Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon Guided Sunset Tour

Thomas M

United Kingdom
Solo
Jun 2026

+1 more

Great tour, all taken care of for you. The guide was instructive, the route scenic, the location picturesque. Only the archeological site isn't as rich as other museums in Athens, but seeing the temple is the most important !

Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon Guided Sunset Tour

Kalyn R

United States
Couple
Jun 2026
Our driver Cristiano was professional, personable, and very knowledgeable. We had a lovely time and would book with him for other adventures in the future.

From Athens: Temple of Poseidon & Lake Vouliagmeni Swimming Small-Group Day Trip

Ellen V

Netherlands
Solo
Yesterday
The beautiful location of Sounion, and the route along the coast: The Mountains, The seaviews and the great temple of Poseidon

Combo: Temple of Poseidon Sunset Tour from Athens + 2-Day Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

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