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Are you visiting Athens, Greece, and interested in doing a half-day tour of the Temple of Poseidon? If so, you are in luck! I recently did this tour and had a wonderful time that I will share with you. In this article, I will tell you how to go from Athens to the Temple of Poseidon!
Athens to Temple of Poseidon Tour
I went with Getaways Greece, and they were excellent! The tour included everything- the pickup from the hotel, a trip to Lake Vouliagmeni, a tour to the Temple of Poseidon, and lots of fun Greek Mythology games!
Where is the Temple of Poseidon?
The Temple of Poseidon, constructed around the 5th century BC, is located at the southernmost point of Attica at Cape Sounion. Attica, for those that aren’t familiar, is the region of Greece that includes Athens.
From central Athens, the Temple of Poseidon is 2 hours via car, traffic depending.
The archaeological site can also be reached via the KTEL bus or an organized tour. I highly recommend an organized tour, such as the tour from Getaways Greece.
When is the best time to visit Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon?
The temple is open year-round, just limited daily times from November through March. Opening times in summer (April 1 till October 31) are 9:00 am until sunset, and in winter (November 1 until March 31), 9:30 am until sunset.
The cost to enter in summer is 10 euros and is reduced to 5 euros in winter.
This tour with Getaways Greece is also held twice daily. A tour in the morning with pick up of around 9 am or sunset tours that pick you up in the afternoon for half-day trips.
If your weather permits, I would encourage you to go at sunset! The Temple of Poseidon has a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea that is more magical at sunset. On a clear day, enjoy the view of the nearby Greek island of Kea.
TIP: If you visit Athens from November through March, note that all archaeological sites are FREE on the 1st Sunday of every month! This includes the Acropolis!
Greek God Poseidon Is The Ruler Of?
Poseidon, in ancient Greek mythology, was the God of the Sea. The ruler of water, earthquakes, and horses. The meaning behind the name Poseidon is “husband/lord of the earth.” Poseidon was one of the Twelve Olympians in this ancient Greek religion.
Known as an unruly god, much like the seas, he was to rule. Poseidon was also famously known throughout the stories of Homer’s The Iliad and the Odyssey as a disruptor of human affairs.
The best half-day tour from Athens to the Temple Of Poseidon
I had the best time on my half-day tour of Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. The tour is perfect for solo travelers like me or small groups. Our guide, Garyfallo, which means carnation in Greek, was fantastic! A great tour guide is one of the best things about joining an organized tour.
I loved learning more about ancient Greece on the wonderful drive to the ancient site.
On this tour I learned my own name, Melissa, is a Greek word. It means “honeybee.”
❤︎ The cost of the tour was $58 and is subject to change.
You start the half-day tour by being picked up at one of the many Athens hotels on the list from Getaways Greece. Then begin your journey in an air-conditioned mini-bus along the Athens Riviera. While you enjoy the scenic coastal road through the most beautiful suburbs of Athens, your guide will give a brief history lesson about the area and fun facts about Greek Mythology.
*If you are visiting from June through September, this tour has an extra stop at Sounio Beach, where you can enjoy a quick swim in the Aegean Sea. Sadly, I visited in November and didn’t get to stop here.
Unfortunately, this stop is not included in the winter months, but the tour is still worth it regardless of the time of year you visit.
Stop 1 – Lake Vouliagemi
Your first stop will be just off the Athenian Riviera to Lake Vouliagmeni. This special small lake is nearly a secret in Greece, as many local Athenians don’t even know it’s there. What makes this lake so special is the thermal waters and vegetation that create a geological phenomenon.
You can swim at this lake for a small fee, but on this tour, you will simply stop and take some photos. Your guide will go into more detail about the lake and its unique history.
After your stop, you will continue your scenic drive along the Saronic Gulf to Cape Sounion.
Stop 2 – View of Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon
Here your tour guide will give you more history of the temple and show you pictures of what it would have looked like in its full glory. This is a quick stop, no more than 10 minutes. From here, you will continue to the temple.
Stop 3 – The Temple of Poseidon
Finally, it is time to go and explore the Temple of Poseidon. Here your tour guide will leave you with some free time to explore the temple on your own. The guided tour price does not include the entrance fee to the archeological site, so bring cash for entry.
You will have around 45 minutes to explore this incredible temple and the on-site gift shop. There is a full-service restaurant and restrooms available. Enjoy a coffee or cocktail while gazing out at the Aegean sea.
While exploring the temple, look for where British poet Lord Byron famously carved his name onto one of the doric columns of white marble. This is not something the Greeks are very happy with, but something of significance to make a note of.
After you explore the temple it will be time to return to Athens. I had the perfect day on this half-day tour with Getaways Greece!
NOTE: I was not paid to write this post of Best Half-Day Tour: Athens To Temple Of Poseidon
What do you need to bring on this tour?
Regardless of the time of year, wear sunscreen when you visit Greece! In the summer months, you will definitely want to wear a hat to protect your head and face from the strong sun.
The tour will provide bottles of water, but having a small snack is on you. Once you arrive at the temple, you can purchase food and beverages from the snack shop and restaurant.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and don’t forget your swimsuit in the summer! Atop the temple, it is very windy on most days, regardless of the season. Keep this in mind if you are planning to wear a skirt or dress.
Packing list for Day Tour
Alternative ways to visit the Temple of Poseidon
The easiest way to visit the temple is via organized day tours. But there are alternatives if you wish to travel here on your own.
The next best option would be to get a rental car and drive there alone. The travel time with little to no traffic is 2 hours. There is a parking lot available at the Poseidon temple.
If you go on your own you can go at your own pace, stopping at the nearby beach for a quick swim.
Car rental options HERE.
There is also a public transportation option to visit the temple. The best way by public bus is from the Athens neighborhood of Pedion Areos. Located close to the National Archaeological Museum, is the bus stop to take you to Cape Sounion.
I have linked the timetable here. Bring cash for your bus ticket. The starting point is at the corner of Alexandras Avenue & Patision Str. in Pedion Areos, Athens City Center.
Private Tour Options, Including Athens Highlights
For the perfect day trip all to yourself, check all the alternative options below:
- Highlights of Athens and Temple of Poseidon Tour
- Private Biblical Tour of Ancient Corinth & Isthmus Canal from Athens & Corinth
- Delphi full-day private tour from Athens
Greece is a magical place with endless activities and places to explore! I would love to hear about your experiences below in the comments.
Best Day Trips to Ancient Sites in Greece
Need more day trip travel suggestions? There are several easy day trips you can make from Athens city center! I rounded a few of the best day trips from Athens and wrote a detailed article for you.
Another idea for your Greece trip is to visit the island of Crete! It is not suitable for a day trip, but a great next stop on your Greek adventure.
FAQ’s
No. There is an entrance fee for The Temple of Poseidon. The fee is 10 euros in the summer and 5 euros in the winter.
However, all archaeological sites are free to enter on specific days of the year. From November 1 until March 31 sites are free on the first Sunday of the month.
The best time to visit is at sunset during the summer months. The Doric temple will light up with an incredible glow from the sun at sunset.
Yes, there is a bus that will run daily from central Athens to the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion.
Yes! It is very safe to visit the Temple of Poseidon alone as well as the surrounding areas. Greece is a safe country for solo travelers.
Hope you enjoy the best half-day trip from Athens to the Temple of Poseidon!
