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Cape Sounion tour
Leave Athens for a wonderful drive along the scenic coastal road which affords a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf. Passing through some of Athens most beautiful suburbs (elegant areas of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza) we arrive at Cape Sounio where you will visit the 5th century B.C. temple of Poseidon with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the world (on a clear day you can see at least seven islands). The Doric columns of local marble have 16 flutings instead of the usual 34. The precipice is a sheer 197- foot drop to the sea. Ancient Greeks believed that Sounio was the house of Poseidon, the God of the Sea.
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Time
for a swim (if desired) in the crystal
blue water of the Aegean Sea or
dine by the seaside in a small picturesque
harbor under the temple of Poseidon.
From Sounion to Lavrion (6 miles
away) the road winds its way along
the east coast of Cape Sounion.
The landscape is more verdant than
on the western side, villas and
hotels are dispersed among the pine
and olive trees above little beaches
nestling in the creeks. At Lavrion
in ancient times there was an abundance
of silver mines.
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These mines helped finance the development of Athens. In the mountain at Lavrion many ancient mining installations have been preserved and there are marble quarries in the area of Agrileza, which supplied the material for the temple of Poseidon. The upgraded port of Lavrion enables visitors to get to the islands by boats much faster, as the distance from Lavrion, at the tip of the Attica peninsula, is considerably shorter than the trip from Piraeus. |
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Today the Greeks still come and
pay homage to the divine nature
of the Cape. Words cannot describe
it. You have to see it ... and don't
miss one of the most breathtaking
panoramic sunset views in the world
while having a drink or a variety
of sea food, somewhere by the sea.
On weekends when there is a lot
of traffic five hours is not really
enough if you want to swim and have
a relaxing lunch ,therefore I recommend
8 hours, if you have the time...All
the information & photos on this
website is updated continuously.
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Daily: Approx. ( 5 to 8 hours)
Site is closed on Holidays : January 1st. March 25th, May 1st, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. On Good Friday, the sites are open 12.00 - 17.00.
