Temple of Poseidon: Day Trips and Tours from Athens

The Temple of Poseidon, situated at the tip of Cape Sounion, is one of the most important historical sites in Athens. The temple was built in the fifth century BC as a monument to Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea.

In addition to a rich taste of ancient Greek history, the Temple of Poseidon offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Book your Temple of Poseidon day trip from Athens and discover the historic wonders of this magnificent ancient site.

Here's everything you need to know about visiting the Temple of Poseidon, one of the most popular destinations for day trips from Athens.

Getting to the Temple of Poseidon from Athens

The Temple of Poseidon is located in Cape Sounion, around 70 kilometers southeast of Athens

• By car: The fastest route to Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon follows Attiki Odos/A6 and Leof Lavriou. Travel time ranges from 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
• By bus: You can catch the bus from the KTEL Attikis bus station at Pedion Areos. There are three buses per day and the trip takes around two hours from Athens to Cape Sounion. The ticket costs around €7 each way.
• Guided tour to the Temple of Poseidon: Guided day tours are a popular way to visit the Temple of Poseidon, as you can enjoy a scenic drive and save money and time without having to wait for public transport. Many guided day tours to the Temple of Poseidon include pickup and drop-off options in Athens.

Temple of Poseidon ticket prices

Summer (April to October)

• Adults: €10
• EU seniors (65+) & non-EU visitors aged 6 to 25: €5

Winter (November to March)

• Adults: €5
• EU seniors (65+) & non-EU visitors aged 6 to 25: €5

The following visitors can enter for free every day of the year:

• All children up to age 5
• EU visitors up to the age of 25
• Disabled visitors plus a companion

Temple of Poseidon free admission days

General admission is free on the following days:

• March 6 (in memory of Melina Mercouri)
• April 18 (International Monuments Day)
• May 18 (International Museums Day)
• Last weekend of September (European Heritage Days)
• October 28 (National holiday)

Itinerary of typical Temple of Poseidon day tours from Athens

A day trip to the Temple of Poseidon begins in Athens, where you will meet your tour guide at a designated pickup location and begin the journey to Cape Sounion.

Upon arrival, the guide will lead you on an in-depth tour of the Temple of Poseidon. Here you will discover the temple’s role in ancient Greek history and mythology, while enjoying stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

The next stop might be Poseidon Beach or Lake Vouliagmeni for a refreshing swim and some time to sunbathe. After soaking in the sun and enjoying the rich Aegean waters, take time for a relaxing lunch in an authentic Greek tavern.

The day trip will end back in Athens at the designated drop-off point.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Temple of Poseidon?

Sunset tours to the Temple of Poseidon plus Cape Sounion from Athens

Sunset day trips are among the most popular ways to visit the Temple of Poseidon. Spend the day immersed in Cape Sounion’s rich history and stunning atmosphere.

As you journey through the temple’s ancient columns and walk over its marble floor, you’ll hear stories of Ancient Greece and Greek mythology — all while standing in the heart of the scene. Indulge in gorgeous seaside views fit for Poseidon himself, as you enjoy a complimentary glass of wine!

Our pick: Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon group tour

• Includes: Hotel pickup and drop-off, tour escort, choice of morning or sunset visit
• Price: €56 (morning) or €66 (sunset)
• Duration: 4 hours

Adventure tours to the Temple of Poseidon from Athens

For the adventurous traveler, there are many guided day tours based around outdoor exploration. These tours include kayaking, swimming and snorkeling experiences. Learn about Greek mythology and history at the iconic Temple of Poseidon, in the same waters that the ancient Greeks swam and sailed in!

Our pick: Kayak Tour to the Temple of Poseidon

• Includes: Roundtrip transportation, BCU certified guide, kayaking equipment, lunch
• Price: From €140 (without pick-up) and €190 (with pick-up), depending on group size
• Duration: 8 hours

Private tours to the Temple of Poseidon from Athens

To make the most of your Temple of Poseidon day trip, book a private full-day tour. These excursions are generally chauffeured and offer greater flexibility than group tours, as well as pickup and drop-off options in Athens.

In addition to in-depth tours of the Temple of Poseidon and other historical sites, full-day private tours include a Greek meal and an opportunity to swim in the Aegean Sea.

Our pick: Cape Sounio and Temple of Poseidon Private Day Trip

• Includes: Roundtrip transportation, private guide, Greek coffee and snack
• Price: €348 for group of 4 travelers
• Duration: 6 hours

Prices of Temple of Poseidon tours from Athens

Sunset tours to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon cost from around €40 to €50 per person.

Day trips to Cape Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon with additional activities, such as kayaking or snorkeling, typically cost in the region of €150 to €200 per person.

Private tours are generally more expensive and prices range from €100 to €200 per person, depending on group size and itinerary.

Highlights of Temple of Poseidon day trips from Athens

The Temple of Poseidon

Perched at the southeastern tip of Cape Sounion, the Temple of Poseidon offers unrivaled views of the Aegean Sea and nearby islands of Patroklos and Makronisos.

From 60 meters above the water, you’ll experience the grandeur of the temple — just as the ancients did as long ago as the fifth century B.C. The temple is a marvel of ancient Greek architecture, composed of 6-meter-tall Doric-style columns made of Agrilezan marble.

Of the 38 original columns, 16 remain standing, though a few have been reconstructed. For an added historical bonus, keep an eye out for graffiti on one of the columns said to have been written by Lord Byron.

Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is best known for the Temple of Poseidon, but it has a mythological significance of its own. According to Greek Mythology, a distraught King Aegeus jumped to his death from one of the cape’s cliffs when he wrongly believed his son Theaseus was dead.

The cape also played an essential role for the Athenian Empire, as its position gave the empire strategic control over the Aegean Sea. For this reason, Pericles ordered the construction of the Temple of Poseidon in the year 444 B.C.

Aegean Sea

Book a tour that includes swimming and enjoy a revitalizing dip in the shimmering waters of the Aegean Sea! Snorkeling and kayaking tours also offer an unforgettable way to experience all that the area has to offer.

Lake Vouliagmeni

Another hotspot for swimming, Lake Vouliagmeni is a picturesque lake tucked inside a circle of cliffs and fed by underground currents. This is also a great place to stop for lunch after your excursion to the Temple of Poseidon.

Temple of Poseidon opening hours and days

The Temple of Poseidon is open during the following hours:

• Daily: 9:30 AM to sunset
• Good Friday: noon to 5 PM
• Holy Saturday: 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Last entries are 20 minutes before sunset.

The Temple of Poseidon is open year-round, except for the following days:

• January 1
• March 25
• May 1
• Easter Sunday
• December 25
• December 26

Best time to visit Temple of Poseidon

Most people visit the Temple of Poseidon during summer, as it is a popular place for day tours from Athens. If you want to avoid large crowds, late spring or late summer may be the best time to visit.

While the Temple of Poseidon offers breathtaking views all day long, the sunset over the Aegean Sea is particularly worth sticking around for.

Travel tips

• If you are traveling by bus, be sure to check out the attractive coastal scenery on the trip down to Cape Sounion.
• If you visit the Temple of Poseidon on a sunny day, wear sunscreen and a hat as the temple is in an exposed location.
• If your tour features a swimming option, don’t forget your swimsuit!