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I’ve been to Sounio countless times and it’s one of the spots I recommend to visitors and locals for an all-season day trip that delivers.
If you are on the same boat and have recently planned a trip to Athens or are wanting to get out of the city and discover more, then Sounio should be at the top of your list of things to do.
It is a spot that delivers regardless of the season, and is great in the day or as a romantic little sunset spot followed by dinner.
Let’s get started with how to plan and what to expect.
Why Sounio?
Sounio is only about 90 minutes away from the capital, and to get there you’ll have to go through the coastal avenue, crossing through the whole Athenian Riviera.
Whether summer or winter, this drive is both relaxing and scenic. You’ll have countless beaches to choose from if the weather is good, a highlight spot (the temple) to explore and photograph, and lots of options for food and drink.
How to get to Sounio
If you live in Athens and have a car, the fastest option is to drive yourself. If you are in the capital for a long time or planning to see other spots around, then renting a car might also work out for you. I’ll add some details on the provider I recommend and suggest if you want to rent a car and find the cheapest prices fast.
The second option is the KTEL bus, which is the local bus system in Greece. You might want to read the full guide to KTEL first to understand how it works, but for this one, you’ll usually depart from the center (Pedion Areos station) and it will take about 2 hours.
The third and most cost-effective option sometimes is to book a day trip tour. This is especially great for those visiting Athens just for a few days that don’t want to deal with logistics. There are half and full day tours available, as a group, private, and thematic. Lots of options to choose from, but I like this one from Get Your Guide that I’ve used in the past.
I use and compare prices for car rentals, with Discovercars.com. It is a giant rental and comparison site on the market and it has a lot of perks that make sense if you travel often.
Once you head to Discover Cars, you’ll find an easy search engine to filter by location, dates and pick up location.
Tip: Always check a few different pick up locations when booking a rental car.
What to do in Sounio
See the Temple of Poseidon
If you are travelling as a day tour option, some of the logistics will be taken care of for you, such as arrival time, opening hours, and how long to stay.
The Temple of Poseidon (Sounio) is the main attraction of course, an archaeological site right at the end of the peninsula with insane views.
If you want to go deeper into the history of the site, I always recommend booking with a local guide, which is also why a booked tour is ideal.
If you’re into mythology, this spot is a great excuse to revisit the tales of Theseus, the Minotaur, and the Labyrinth. It’s a powerful setting for one of the most tragic father-son stories in ancient Greek lore.
The quick facts of the temple are that it was built in the 5th century BC and is one of the best preserved examples of the period.
The ticket is 20 euro (recent price hikes) in the summer and 10 euro in the winter and there are reduced ticket options for kids, EU citizens, and other groups.
The site closes at sunset usually, which changes depending on the season.
Swim at one of the nearby beaches
If the weather allows, you might want to double this with a swim at one of the nearby beaches. Just under the temple, you’ll find the beach of “Sounio,” and sometimes they offer paddleboarding, kayaking, or other activities you can prebook.
One of the nicest and most well known is KAPE, which is named for the old villa nearby that belongs to the Goulandris family (known for being shipowners and art collectors).
Visit Lake Vouliagmeni
A unique area not far from Sounio that you can combine with your visit is a stop at Lake Vouliagmeni. Here you’ll find a sunken lake fed by sea water and underground thermal springs, meaning consistently warm water year round. The area has undergone lots of development, meaning it’s more of an upscale beach bar experience, with refined wining and dining options for those that choose to stay and make a day of it. You might also just want to pop in for a bit and pay for an entrance ticket to swim there which is around 10 euro for weekdays. Estimate a bit more if you want to rent a lounger or partake in wellness services like massages and treatments.
Book a tour: with transfer to Lake Vouliagmeni and Temple of Poseidon here
Dine at one of the tavernas
The area next to Sounio is famous for the taverns of Ilias and Acrogiali both found near by the beach. There are countless other options nearby though and there is nothing stopping you from going up or down the coast to find your perfect spot.
Some of my other go to favorites locations are Taverna Syrtaki and Marida Seafood Restaurant. If you’re willing to drive a bit further towards Lavrio, you’ll find more options like Steki tou Mina and Sakkas, one of the old school fish taverns.
Since you made it there, you might as well know that this is a hotspot area for scuba divers, and you might get to learn about the history of Makronisos (the island opposite Lavrio that was used as a political prison and is only reachable via private boat).
Where to stay in Sounio
Another thing to keep in mind is that this area is home to the holiday houses of the Greek elite, so you’ll find no shortage of places offering top-tier luxury, views, and amenities.
A well-known high-end option is Cape Sounio Grecotel Resort, which delivers all the comfort and service you’d expect from a luxury escape. For something a bit more mid-range, check out Aegeon Beach Hotel — it’s right on the water and has more of a beach club vibe. Great for couples or groups who want easy access to the sea and a chance to try some water sports while they’re at it.
FAQ
What time should I start my day trip to Sounio?
I’d recommend starting early in the morning, especially in the summer. This gives you more flexibility with stops along the coast, avoids the midday heat, and gives you the option to stay for sunset without feeling rushed.
Where should I eat on the way or once I get there?
There are tons of great food spots both on the way and in Sounio. You can stop in Varkiza, Anavyssos, or Legrena for seaside tavernas, or eat near the temple at places like Ilias or Acrogiali. If you’re not sure when you’ll be hungry, pack some snacks just in case.
Should I book anything in advance?
In summer, yes. If you want to visit Lake Vouliagmeni, join a tour, book a table at a popular taverna, or rent equipment like SUP or kayaks, it’s best to reserve ahead — especially on weekends or holidays.
Can I swim near Sounio?
Absolutely. There are several beaches around the temple, and if the weather’s good, you should definitely bring your swimsuit. KAPE and Legrena are great options, or you can swim just below the temple itself.
Is it worth staying overnight in Sounio?
If you want to make it a more relaxed experience, yes. Staying overnight means you can enjoy a long sunset dinner without rushing back, and avoid traffic (which in summer can get intense). There are both luxury and mid-range hotel options nearby.
Is there heavy traffic on the way back to Athens?
In summer, yes — especially on Sundays and after sunset. That’s why many locals either leave earlier in the afternoon or later in the evening. If you can stretch the trip into an overnight stay, it’s even better.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting Greece
- Emergency: Dial 112 for all emergencies. For police, dial 100. For ambulance 166. For fire dial 199.
- Language: English is widely spoken in most tourist areas. Common phrases to learn are “Kalimera” (Good morning), “Yia” (Hello and Bye – informal), and “Efharisto” (Thank you).
- Water: Tap water is safe in Athens, mainland Greece and a small number of islands. Always ask beforehand.
- Driving: Right-hand side, international driving permit recommended. Book your rental car with Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com for the most options on hotels, apartments and hostels. Free cancellation in a lot of places and no need to pre-pay. Great for their rewards points system.
- Islands: There are a lot of islands, spread out around the country. Start with a map or ferry service to get an idea of travel times. Ferry Scanner is the best for ferry bookings to the Greek islands.
- Activities: From cultural sights to day trips, food tours and city guides, use Get Your Guide.
- Public Transport: For Athens, use the Athens Metro. If you are not renting a car, use Trains (Hellenic Train) or KTEL (Public Buses) services.
- Domestic Airlines: The main airlines for air travel are Aegean Airlines and Sky Express. I recommend Aegean Airlines and its rewards program.
- Taxi: Always use a taxi app, instead of flagging down a taxi from the road. Use FREE Now (formerly BEAT).
- Culture: A siesta nap is still common in less touristy areas. This also means businesses will close between 2 PM – 5 PM. Except for hospitality businesses, everything is closed on Sundays.
