OVERVIEW
Reaching Athens on a very off time? Or you have half a day at your disposal? THIS is what you have to do!!!! Simply described- its a super scenic drive to the archaeological site of Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion for probably the best sunset in Athens.
The excursion would require you to go through the southern coast of Athens. It’s a beautiful coastal drive and has some amazing beaches, a hot spring, and a lot more. This blog mentions everything you need to know about the Vouliagmeni Lake, Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon day tour.
GETTING THERE AND COST
Rent a Car
This is probably the best option if you want to explore everything. Temple of Poseidon is reached by an easy, super scenic drive south from Athens. You can make all the stops and this will be cheap as Athens isn’t as expensive as other European capitals.
You may also take a Chauffeur Driven Car. This will be the most expensive option, obviously! This can cost you anywhere between 150-200 euros for a sedan.
Bus
If you are travelling on a budget you can also use public transport. It is super convenient. The KTEL bus ticket will cost you around 13 USD. The only con is that the bus will take you directly to Cape Sounio and won’t make the stop to Lake Vouliagmeni or any other spots.
Guided Tour
If you wish to take a guided tour of Cape Sounion it will cost you around 45-50 USD. The guided tours generally don’t make a stop at Lake Vouliagmeni or any other spots so please check before you book.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Astir Beach
- Vouliagmeni Lake
- Cape Sounio
- Temple of Poseidon
Itinerary
The spots where you should definitely make a stop is as mentioned above in the highlights. Apart from that, on the coastal drive till Cape Sounion you will passing the towns of Saronida, Anavyssos and Legrena etc. If you are going on your own, you can choose to stop at one of these towns as well. The drive is very beautiful. Don’t forget to look out of the window and admire the pretty Aegean coast.
First stop, Astir Beach(You can also opt for Kavouri Beach)
Astir Beach is one of the best spots in Athens for a summer swim. This pretty beach offers all the desirable facilities like WiFi and sun loungers. Also there are number of cafes, restaurants and ice cream shops here to keep you filled up. The entrance fees is 18 Euros in weekdays and 28 Euros on weekends. For additional information, visit the official website of Astir Beach.
Second stop, Vouliagmeni Lake:
- Vouliagmeni Lake is a hidden gem just on the Athenian Riviera. The waters of this thermal pool are rich in salts and minerals and has a temperature between 22 to 29 degrees all year round. The waters are continuously refilled both by the sea and the underground thermal springs which offers a natural and unique thermal spa experience.
- There is a cafe around the Lake shoreline which provides a great view of the lake. It is free for access. To go further and enter the main lake area you need to pay the entrance which is around 8 Euros on weekdays and 10 on weekends. Goes upto 15 Euros in peak seasonsaround the Lake’s shoreline.
- Sunbeds and umbrellas are included in the entrance cost. Lifeguarding/medical services, Parking, Cabins, Lockers, Showers, Accessibility, Wi – Fi, Kids corner, etc. are available.
Third stop, Cape Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon:
- The beautiful Cape Sounion is home to the Temple of Poseidon. As soon as you arrive, you will be able to see the ruins of this magnificent temple and the breathtaking view of the Aegean sea from it.
- The temple of dates back to the 5th Century B.C. If you want to understand the history better than we recommend taking a guided tour. We recommend coming here at sunset. Personally i felt the sunset from here was one of the best i have ever seen!
- Opening hours of the temple are generally from 9AM to sunset. Entrance fee is 8 Euro for adults. To know more about the history, updated opening hours and more, visit the official website of Cape Sounion.
- There is also a cafe located at the start of the 5 min hike to reach this place. The cafe offers a view of this Temple.
