Athens: Sounio Poseidon Temple and Athenian Riviera Day Trip

Exploring the ancient wonders and coastal beauty of Athens’ Athenian Riviera is a captivating day trip that takes visitors on a scenic journey. The Temple of Poseidon, a 5th-century BC marvel, stands tall atop the rugged cliffs of Sounio, offering breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Beyond the temple, this excursion unveils the region’s tranquil charm, from a refreshing swim at a hidden beach to the serene Vouliagmeni Lake. With knowledgeable local guides to uncover the area’s history and highlights, this day trip promises an enchanting escape from the city’s bustle. What secrets await along this picturesque stretch of the Athenian Riviera?

Key Points

• This day trip from Athens explores the Sounio peninsula and Athenian Riviera, including the Temple of Poseidon and a scenic drive along the coastline.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, air-conditioned transport, an English-speaking guide, and various activities like visiting a local bakery and swimming at a hidden beach (summer only).
• The itinerary highlights a 45-minute scenic drive, a stop at Vouliagmeni Lake, a visit to the Temple of Poseidon, and a summer option for a swim and lunch at a local tavern.
• The tour is priced at $77.24 per person, with a maximum of 6 participants, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Customers have rated the tour highly, praising the excellent guides, authentic experiences, and great value, with positive feedback on the local insights and comfortable transportation.

Tour Overview

This day trip from Athens offers visitors a chance to explore the picturesque Sounio peninsula and the Athenian Riviera. Priced from $77.24 per person, the 6-hour tour is limited to 6 participants and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking guide.

Highlights include a scenic drive along the Athens Riviera, a stop at the stunning Vouliagmeni Lake, local bakery treats, and a visit to the ancient Temple of Poseidon.

In summer, the tour also includes a swim at a hidden beach and lunch at a local tavern. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this day trip provides a well-rounded experience of Athens’ coastal treasures.

Itinerary Highlights

The itinerary for this day trip to Sounio and the Athenian Riviera begins with a scenic drive along the Athens coastline, taking about 45 minutes. Upon arrival, visitors will enjoy a 15-minute stop at the stunning Vouliagmeni Lake before indulging in local Greek snacks at a nearby bakery for 30 minutes. The highlight of the tour is the visit to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio, where guests can explore the ancient ruins for an hour. During summer, the itinerary includes a refreshing swim at a hidden beach, followed by a 1-hour lunch at a local tavern before returning to Athens.

Activity	Duration
Scenic drive	45 minutes
Vouliagmeni Lake	15 minutes
Local bakery	30 minutes
Temple of Poseidon	1 hour
Swimming (summer)	1 hour
Lunch	1 hour

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Athens, providing convenient transportation.

Travelers will enjoy air-conditioned vehicles throughout the day. An English-speaking guide accompanies the group, offering expert commentary and insights into the historical and cultural significance of the sites visited.

The tour also includes:

• Greek coffee and a traditional bougatsa pastry, allowing participants to sample local delicacies.
• Entry to the Cape Sounio archaeological site, where the Temple of Poseidon stands.
• Admission fees are covered, with pricing varying seasonally (10 EUR in summer, 5 EUR in winter).

Important Information

To make the most of the day trip, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat are essential, as you’ll be walking around historical sites.

Don’t forget your swimwear, towel, and sunscreen if you plan to take a dip in the hidden beach during the summer. The tour lasts around 6 hours, with the start time varying based on the sunset.

While a swim stop is included in the summer, it’s important to note that this activity is weather-dependent. Lastly, be prepared to pay the entry fee of 10 EUR per person to access the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio (5 EUR in the winter).

Customer Ratings

Consistently, travelers have praised this day trip with an impressive 5/5 overall rating based on 63 reviews.

Common praise highlights the excellent guides, authentic experiences, and great value for money. Reviewers particularly enjoyed the additional touches that enhanced the tour, such as:

• Guides like Fotis providing local insights and recommendations for food, making the trip memorable and enjoyable.
• Comfortable transportation allowing for a stress-free journey.
• The opportunity to experience the hidden gems of the Athenian Riviera, including a refreshing swim at a secluded beach during the summer.

With such overwhelmingly positive feedback, this day trip to Sounio and the Athenian Riviera is sure to exceed expectations.

Scenic Drive

The scenic journey along the Athens Riviera whisks travelers away from the bustling city, offering a picturesque 45-minute drive along the coastline.

Hugging the sapphire Aegean Sea, the route showcases the region’s stunning natural beauty, with dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and charming seaside towns dotting the landscape.

Guests can catch glimpses of the beautiful Vouliagmeni Lake, a natural wonder renowned for its thermal springs and tranquil ambiance.

This leisurely drive sets the stage for the day’s adventures, providing a serene transition from the urban center to the more secluded and breathtaking destinations along the Athenian Riviera.

Poseidon Temple

After the serene coastal drive, the tour group arrives at the iconic Temple of Poseidon, situated atop the dramatic cliffs of Cape Sounio.

The ancient Greek temple, dating back to the 5th century BC, offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins and learn about the temple’s rich history and significance in Greek mythology.

The tour includes:

• Guided tour of the archaeological site, providing insights into the temple’s architecture and cultural importance
• Ample time for photographs, allowing visitors to capture the stunning scenery and dramatic setting
• Opportunity to wander the grounds and soak in the serene atmosphere of this historic landmark.

Hidden Beach

After exploring the ancient Temple of Poseidon, the tour group heads to a hidden beach along the Athenian Riviera.

This secluded spot offers a chance to cool off in the crystal-clear waters during the warmer months. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and take in the breathtaking coastal scenery.

The guide provides advice on the best spots for swimming and helps guests find a comfortable place to relax. Guests are encouraged to bring their swimwear, towels, and sunscreen to make the most of this refreshing stop.

The hidden beach offers a peaceful respite from the bustling city, allowing travelers to enjoy the natural beauty of the Athenian Riviera.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. Customers can work with the tour provider to modify the schedule, activities, or duration based on their preferences and interests. This allows for a more personalized experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, casual attire is recommended. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a swimsuit and beach gear if swimming during the summer months, and pack sun protection like sunglasses and a hat.

Can Vegetarian/Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated?

The tour can accommodate vegetarian and other dietary requirements. Guests should notify the tour operator in advance so the guide can ensure appropriate meal options are provided during the day trip.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is generally suitable for children. The itinerary includes kid-friendly activities like swimming and local snacks. However, the duration of the trip and some sites may not be ideal for very young children. It’s best to check with the tour operator for specific age recommendations.

Do We Get Free Time to Explore on Our Own?

Yes, the tour includes free time for participants to explore on their own. The itinerary allows for stops at Vouliagmeni Lake and a hidden beach where travelers can swim and relax at their leisure.

Recap

This captivating day trip offers a scenic escape from the bustling city of Athens. Explore the iconic Temple of Poseidon, enjoy a refreshing swim at a hidden beach, and experience the tranquil beauty of Vouliagmeni Lake, all while guided by knowledgeable locals. Whether you’re seeking history, nature, or relaxation, this tour provides a well-rounded experience along the stunning Athenian Riviera.