Daytrip to Poseidon Temple in Sounio beach – An Odyssey in Greece

I was in Greece a couple of years ago. Even though I have thought about writing about it, I had such a terrible experience that I have postponed it ever since. Although the whole trip was a big fat mess, I will tell you today about the Poseidon Temple in Athens, near Sounio beach.

Photo by Douglas Terry

Where is the Poseidon Temple and how to get to Sounio Beach

The Poseidon Temple is located in Cape Sounio or Sounio Beach, about 70km South from Athens. It’s location is unbeatable. Hovering above the sea, located on the top of a small hill and with amazing views of the Adriatic Sea. It is said that from the Temple you can actually see some nearby islands such as: Kea, Kythnos, Serifos, Aegina and the Peloponnese.

There are three different ways to get to Sounio Beach. The first one is to hire a tour. There are hundreds of operators that offer this option. Usually, this comprises hotel pick up, drive to the temple and back to Athens. Another possibility would be to hire a car and go there on your own. In this case, you will have more independence, but it is not as cheap as the last option. Your last possibility is to go to the temple by public bus. There are a few buses a day leaving Athens and going to Poseidon Temple. The trip takes about 2h and follows a very scenic road along the coastline. Moreover, it is below the 15€ mark, so it is the cheapest option by far.

Photo by Carole Raddato

A little bit of history about the Poseidon Temple

This temple was built in the 5th Century BC , around the same time than the Parthenon. Mithology says that this temple was built there because it was the spot from which Aegeus, king of Athens, felt to the sea and died. The story tells that after Theseus (son of Aegeus) went to Crete to kill the Minotaur, he forgot to change his black sail into white. Then, when the king saw it he thought that his son had died and felt into the sea.

Another story says that the temple was built there as an observation point to see any possible enemies arriving. At the same time, its white marble was supposed to be the first thing sailors would see when coming back home from the war. You could say it was their own home beacon. And I cannot imagine how magnificent the temple must have been all white and shiny back in the days.

Photo by Bertrand

Entrance fees and best time to go

So, let’s say that you decide to do like me and go there by bus. Once there, you will have to climb a small hill from where you can see Sounio beach and then, you can see the Poseidon Temple in all its greatness. You can walk to the right and head towards the temple, or go left and enjoy the views. The entrance fee is less than 10€ (don’t exactly recall the number) and from there is just a walk up to the ruins. There’s also a small Cafe where you can have a drink and enjoy the location.

About when is the best time to go… I can tell you when it is not. The temperature there is lower than in Athens, so be ready for it and if you are going in winter or spring, carry a good coat. It will also be quite windy, it is just a rock above the sea (think about shoes too). Finally, regarding when during the day it is better to get there…. the answer would be at sunset without a doubt. There will be no public buses going or coming back so late during the day, and that is why the tours are so popular. In any case, and in my honest opinion, if you drive, it will be much better to rent a car, specially if you are not traveling solo.

Photo by lightups

My experience: another reason to dislike Athens

My whole trip to Athens was a big mess. I was there for 7 days and there were 5 days of strikes. And by strikes I mean that no buses or metros were working. That most supermarket and restaurants were closed and that there was nothing to do. The entrance to many places was unavailable and that was the case of this Temple. When I bought the ticket, I ask the girl selling them if the bus was going to Sounio Beach, to the Poseidon Temple.

Yes, yes, she said.

And then she and a few bus drivers left the bus to laugh a little while looking funny at us. The bus was mostly full and it departed with 40 minutes of delay. Then, the bus ride took another 2h. Because the driver went late, once he dropped us by the temple, he picked up the people waiting and then just left to go back to the city. All of us went then to look for the entrance to the temple when they told us that it was closed. Because they were on a strike. Moreover, the restaurant by the ruins had run out of food and only chip snacks were available. Finally, just to add some more perfection to the situation, the next bus was coming in three hours. It was starting to rain and we were at 4ºC. In mid May.

This experience was terrible and, to be honest, one of the reasons why I hated Athens as much as I did. I was expecting so much from this city that I left with a complete sense of disappointment… If you have gone there, I really hope you had better luck than me.