Archaeological Site of Sounion
Archaeological Site of Sounion things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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SAVE this itinerary 👇 for your future Greece trip! 🇬🇷 🔆 Day 1 - Athens Arrive in the capital city of Greece and spend the night there at leisure. 🔆 Day 2 & 3 - Thessaloniki Checkout of your hotel and take a train to Thessaloniki. The next day, take a day trip to Meteora and be awestruck by the impressive, massive rock formations there. 🔆 Day 4, 5 & 6 - Santorini Board your flight to Santorini and settle in. The following day, go on an archaeological bus tour to Akrotiri excavations & Red beach. The next day, take the Caldera half-day tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia). 🔆 Day 7 & 8 - Mykonos Take a ferry to Mykonos from Santorini and check-in to your hotel. By the evening, go on a sunset cruise (with drinks). The following day, set out to explore the beautiful town of Mykonos. 🔆 Day 9 & 10 - Athens Get transferred to Athens by ferry and settle in, in your room. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. The next evening, go on a sunset tour to visit Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. #UnwrapGreece with #Pickyourtrail #letspyt #visitathens #thessaloniki #santoriniisland #mykonosgreece #greecesummer #greecestagram #greeceislands #greece_travel #greecelover #visitgreece #greece_lovers #greecevacation #greece_is_awesome #greecetrip #greecetravelgr1_ #travelgreece #exploretheoutdoors #goexplorewander #europedestinations #europesummer
pickyourtrail
1.3K55
Be enchanted by the timeless beauty and captivating allure of Sounion, a place where history meets the breathtaking expanse of the Aegean Sea. My recent visit to this picturesque haven left an indelible mark on my soul, and I can't help but sing praises for the awe-inspiring experience that is Cape Sounion. The crown jewel of this enchanting destination is undoubtedly the Temple of Poseidon, perched majestically atop the cliffs. As the sun begins its descent, casting a warm, golden glow across the ancient stones, you can't help but be transported to a bygone era. The sheer grandeur of the temple against the backdrop of the azure sea is a spectacle that words struggle to capture. Sunset at Sounion is nothing short of a divine masterpiece. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky transforms into a canvas of hues that range from fiery oranges to soft purples. It's a moment that transcends time, a communion of nature and history that leaves you breathless. The atmosphere at Sounion is a harmonious blend of serenity and historical resonance. The sea breeze carries whispers of tales from ancient Greece, and you can almost feel the energy of centuries past. The well-preserved ruins and the sea view create a sense of connection to the rich tapestry of human history that unfolded on these very grounds. For the romantics, Sounion is an unparalleled haven. Whether you're strolling along the ancient pathways, hand in hand with a loved one, or perched on the cliffs, gazing at the endless sea, there's an undeniable romanticism that permeates every corner of this historic site. Sounion is not just a tourist destination; it's a cherished cultural gem that invites you to immerse yourself in the splendor of Greece's past. Sounion is not just a journey to a historic site; it's a pilgrimage to the soul of ancient Greece. The Temple of Poseidon, the mesmerizing sunsets, and the palpable sense of history make Sounion a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a profound connection with the roots of Western civilization. Prepare to be enchanted, for Sounion is a treasure trove of wonders waiting to be discovered.
Whitety
10
Although the columns at the Temple of Poseidon appear to be gleaming white from a distance in the full sun, when you get closer you can see that they are made of gray-veined marble, quarried from the Agrileza valley 2 km (1 mile) north of the cape, and have 16 flutings rather than the usual 20. Climb the rocky path and beyond the scanty remains of an ancient propylon (gateway), you enter the temple compound. On your left is the temenos (precinct) of Poseidon; on your right, a stoa (arcade) and rooms. The temple itself (now roped off) was commissioned by Pericles, the leader of Greece's golden age. It was probably designed by Ictinus, the same architect who helped design the Temple of Hephaistos in the ancient Agora of Athens, and was built between 444 and 440 BC. The people here were considered Athenian citizens, the sanctuary was Athenian, and Poseidon occupied a position second only to Athena herself. The badly preserved frieze on the temple's east side is thought to have depicted the fight between the two gods to become patron of Athens. The temple was built on the site of an earlier cult to Poseidon. Two colossal statues of youths, carved more than a century before the temple's construction (perhaps votives to the god), were discovered in early excavations. Both now reside at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. The 15 Doric columns that remain stand sentinel over the Aegean, visible from miles away. Lord Byron had a penchant for carving his name on ancient monuments, and you can see it and other graffiti on the right corner pillar of the portico. The view from the summit is breathtaking. In the slanting light of the late-afternoon sun, the landmasses to the west stand out in sharp profile: the bulk of Aegina backed by the mountains of the Peloponnese. To the east, on a clear day, one can spot the Cycladic islands of Kea, Kythnos, and Serifos. On the land side, the slopes of the acropolis retain traces of the fortification walls.
Dimitris Ladas
00
Visited in March 2024 We drove down from Athens one evening to see the Temple of Poseidon and it was a highlight of our trip in Greece. The drive down is gorgeous with azure waters along the road as you drive this beautiful road. The first hill we popped over when we got close gave us our first reveal and it was majestic and awe inspiring. When we got to the site we have good parking because we go there a little earlier than sunset which is when a lot of tour busses pull up to get the setting sun on this southern tip which is a must see for tourists so it was busy around that time. Arriving a little earlier gave us an opportunity to take some great pictures and enjoy the space. There was a tourist trap restaurant there at the site and we did not expect much. WOW were we wrong, it was fantastic. We slovaki, gyro and a salad. It was quick, delicious and the staff was very friendly. BRAVO! The Temple of Poseidon is an ancient Greek temple on Cape Sounion, Greece, dedicated to the god Poseidon. There is evidence of the establishment of sanctuaries on the cape from as early as the 11th century BC. Sounion's most prominent temples, the Temple of Athena and the Temple of Poseidon, are however not believed to have been built until about 700 BC, and their kouroi (freestanding Greek statues of young men) date from about one hundred years later. The material and size of the offerings at the Temple of Poseidon indicate that it was likely frequented by members of the elite and the aristocratic class. The Greeks considered Poseidon to be the "master of the sea". Given the importance to Athens of trade by sea and the significance of its navy in its creation and survival during the fifth century, Poseidon was of a particular relevance and value to the Athenians.
Kirk Belmont
00
What was the best sunset of my life 20 years ago has turned into a tourist trap and a terrible experience overall. Went there on a weekday in late September, so not even in peak season. There was nowhere to park, there was an entrance fee of 10 euro (before it was free) and still it was super overcrowded. We tried to stay away from the crowd and go close to the sea (there were at least 70-80 other people with this idea too, as there were few hundred around the temple) but a guy came and started shouting and whistling, saying everyone should move back up as this area is closed. Needless to say there was nothing to separate one area from the other so there’s no way of knowing where you are supposed to be and which “area” is closed. He just pushed people behind an imaginary line and everyone was so confused where exactly and how much further up they should be. Appalling service, considering Greece is usually great. So throughout the whole 30 minutes of sunset you need to listen ti a guy shouting and whistling at random people. Absolutely kills any romance or deep thought you might have. If that’s not already killed by sharing this moment with 200-300 or more people.
Lyubomir Dinekov (EW_Heimdall)
00
This was one of my favourite sites. There was no wait to get the tickets and it was quiet to begin with. The temple of Poseidon was amazing but seeing the whole archaeological site was breathtaking. It was a lovely walk discovering the ancient ruins. I can't remember well but the ticket was something like 5€. The site of the temple of Athena closes at 4:30 and the rest of the site closes later. There is a parking lot nearby as well as toilets and a restaurant/café. It is a bit of a drive from Athens with tolls. It may be worth getting an audio guide or reading more about it before visiting as there are just some info spots. Overall, I highly recommend it.
Iva Reis
10
Nearby Attractions Of Archaeological Site of Sounion
Temple of Poseidon
Temple of Athena Sounias
Temple of Poseidon
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Temple of Athena Sounias
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Nearby Restaurants Of Archaeological Site of Sounion
Ilias
Naos Cafe - Restaurant
Acrogiali
The Veranda Restaurant - Aegeon Hotel Sounio
Παραδοσιακή Ψαροταβέρνα Poseidon
Ilias
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Naos Cafe - Restaurant
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Acrogiali
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The Veranda Restaurant - Aegeon Hotel Sounio
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Lavreotiki 195 00, Greece
Map
Phone
+30 2292 039363
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Website
odysseus.culture.gr
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Overview
4.8
(6.9K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
scenic
Description
Cape Sounion is the promontory at the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula, 8 kilometres south of the town of Lavrio, and 69.5 km southeast of Athens in the Athens Riviera. It is part of Lavreotiki municipality, East Attica, Greece.
attractions: Temple of Poseidon, Temple of Athena Sounias, restaurants: Ilias, Naos Cafe - Restaurant, Acrogiali, The Veranda Restaurant - Aegeon Hotel Sounio, Παραδοσιακή Ψαροταβέρνα Poseidon
