The coast rode to Sounio is one of the most beautiful in Attica, while the breathtaking beauty and exquisite location of the temple, at the southeastern edge of Cape Sounio, impresses anyone who visits it. Apart from the temple, in Sounio you can enjoy wonderful natural landscapes and one of the most beautiful sunsets of your life.
The temple of Poseidon is a magical place but the route until there is even better! An impressive seaside route full of unique landscapes and coast roads. Through the way you ‘ll could spend some time on any nearby beach for coffee, food or even a dip in the Aegean Sea before visiting the impressive temple.
The charm of the landscape is so irresistible that even the well-known poet and philhellene Lord Byron did not manage to resist and signed his name on one of the columns of the temple. From this privileged point you can enjoy a panoramic view of the coastline and the neighboring islands or even the mountains of the Peloponnese, if the weather permits. Visit it at sunset, when the colors of nature adorn the temple and create a unique truly erotic atmosphere.
Sounio from Athens is about 70 km away and it takes about an hour and a half to travel the distance. The road, although comfortable and wide, does not allow high speeds to develop, because in many places it has turns.
Sounio is located at the southernmost tip at the far end of the prefecture of Attica. It rises almost vertically from the sea at a height of 60 meters. It is known because of its important geographical position but also because of the ruins of the ancient temple of Poseidon that are found in it. In recent years, the wider area, due to its environmental value, was declared a national park.
We suggest:
- For coffee: Stop for coffee in Varkiza or Mavro Lithari
- For food: Wonderful fish taverns in Saronida
- For water sports: CAPE Sounion
- To swim: The beauty of this route is that you can literally stop at any point you like for a swim!
- Places worth visiting in the route: Lake Vouliagmeni
Ancient temple of Poseidon
The first written reference to Sounion is made by Homer, who called it “Sounion sanctuary”.
In the archaic period, the sanctuary of Sounio was developed, something that is proved by the colossal Kouroi that had been erected there. Only three of them were found and today are a part of the National Archaeological Museum. The construction of the temple of Poseidon dates to the early 5th century. As with many other monuments throughout Greece, historical events about the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion are combined with pieces of mythology.
Legend has it that king Aegean waited at that cape Sounion for his son to return from his mission to kill the Minotaur in Crete. As he was returning the sails to his ship, they were black and the Aegean wrongly assumed that his son died, when in fact he had forgotten to change the sails to white, which would mean his victory, so the Aegean committed suicide by falling into the void.
In memory of that event, his name was given to the Aegean Sea.