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.
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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.
The Temple of Poseidon is located in Cape Sounion, around 70 kilometers southeast of Athens
The following visitors can enter for free every day of the year:
General admission is free on the following days:
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
The Temple of Poseidon is open during the following hours:
Last entries are 20 minutes before sunset.
The Temple of Poseidon is open year-round, except for the following days:
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.