Are you planning to visit Athens? Enjoy it to discover the Cap Sounion!
Just 67 km from Athens, in the southern region of Attica, Cap Sounion remains a must-see destination. What makes him so known? Its incredible history, its fauna and flora, but also its breathtaking landscapes. Would you like to visit Cape Sounion from Athens? Then follow the guide! We tell you everything there is to know for a successful visit.
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History of Cap Sounion
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Strategic point above the Aegean, it is also known as the "Cape of the Columns". According to legend, Homer called him "sacred rock." He then housed two sanctuaries, one dedicated to Athena and the other to Poséidon. It is written in the Iliade and the Odyssey that Ulysses would have buried in these places one of his most faithful sailors.
But that’s not all. Indeed, in Greek mythology, the Aegean king would have thrown himself from the top of a cliff at Cap Sounion. His son Thésée would have promised him to change the black sails of his boat by white sails if he were to defeat the Minotaur. But in the excitement of return, Thésée forgot his promise.
Aegean, seeing then approaching the boat with his black sails, thought his son had died in the battle. He then ended his life and left for trace only the current name of the sea.
Our tips to visit Cap Sounion
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Best times
Spring and summer remain the best seasons to enjoy the sea and its coves. In addition, sunsets on the temple of Poseidon are incredible at this time of year. Both by the beauty of the place and the clear horizon that allows you to live this moment intensely.
How long to visit Cap Sounion?
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It is preferable to for a full day to visit Cap Sounion. This will allow you to swim, enjoy the places to picnic or eat at the restaurant on noon. In the late afternoon, after the big heats, the visit of the temple is highly recommended.
Finally, you can enjoy the sunset before returning to your hotel.
To take in his backpack
During a visit to Cap Sounion, don’t forget about take water and a hat with you! The visit to the temple can be difficult if you don’t. Indeed, the places are arid, you will only find few shade points and the sun hit hard during the afternoon.
But be reassured: the wind blows strong, so the feeling of heat will be light.
What to do and what to see in Cap Sounion?
Although known for its temple, this place also aspires to tranquility and nature. One. Dolce stuffing Greek! What would your ideal day look like when visiting Cape Sounion? Here are some ideas:
Bath on the beach of Legrena
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Little wild cove hidden, it remains accessible by a dirt road. To find it, head southwest of the city of Legrena, on Panagias Eleousas. Once on site, you can then enjoy swimming in its turquoise waters and admire the breathtaking landscape that stretches in front of you.
However, prefer in the morning to visit it in order to avoid heavy heat.
Lunch at the Marida tavern
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A hundred meters from Legrena beach, come and taste the Greek specialities in Marida. Shady terrace, only 10 minutes from the temple of Poséidon, even vegetarian and gluten-free dishes will be offered. Located on Cap Sounion, this tavern offers mainly fish-based and crustacean dishes. You can taste local dishes during your visit to Cap Sounion.
Listed the best restaurant in Cape Town, its reputation is largely worth a visit! Finally, its rates remain accessible as the dishes are understood between 15 € and 30 € .
Contemplation of the cabkar loserix
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Olaf Oliviero Riemer
With its zebra wings, the cabal loserix loves to lay the rocks along the coast. It is present in Europe only in Eastern Europe Greece , in Turkey and Bulgaria .
A great opportunity to discover this beautiful volatile!
The archaeological site
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You understood it, the temple of Poseidon and the ruins of the temple of Athena are the unmissable monuments of Cap Sounion! In addition, the panoramic view of the islands of Makronissos and Kéa adds to the charm of the places.
But what do we say in mythology? Poseidon, Zeus' brother, was the god of the sea. At the time, the Greek sailors thought that the storms were a sign of the anger of Poseidon. Therefore, the population offered animals for sacrifice to the sea to soothe its anger. This ritual made it a sacred place.
The legend says that the gods of the Olympus decided to elect the person who would protect the city. Athena then created the olive tree as a symbol of peace, while Poseidon broke a rock, using its famous trident, from which a source of water came. Athena being elected, the latter, jealous, decided to take revenge. Zeus had to make him the promise of a temple to his honor to appease it.
It is then that a temple was built in its name 500 meters from that of Athena, on the banks of Cap Sounion.
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How much does a ticket cost to the archaeological site of Cap Sounion?
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Although the ruins of Athena temple are free , entrance for the visit of temple of Poséidon costs 10 € 1 April to 31 October. It is nevertheless reduced to height 5 € November 1 to March 31.
Independent tour
We recommend it Sounion guide , written by Celine Plakourellis, archaeologist. It will allow you to understand this extraordinary place which is the “Cape of the Columns”. Thanks to many illustrations, you can project yourself in the world of ancient Greece. In addition, it is a guide that also adapts to children.
Guided tour
No guide is present on site. On the other hand, it is possible to be guided by a professional during a group tour . In this case you can find guided tours of half a day. Prices vary between 40 € and 220 € , according to the chosen formula.
How to book a ticket online for the archaeological site?
No online reservation is possible, without group reservation. We advise you to take your tickets on site from the opening hour.
Schedule
The places are open from 9:30 in the morning and until sunset so appreciated by visitors. On the other hand, the ruins of the temple of Athena are constantly accessible, 24/24 . Attention, the entrance of the temple of Posedon is not possible the following days: 1 January , 25 March , Easter Sunday , 1 May and 25 and 26 December .
How to get to the Cap de Sounion from Athens?
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Cape Sounion is located 67 kilometres southeast of Athens. So you can access it by bus, taxi or car. It's up to you to choose according to your wishes and budget. Know that there are also group excursions from the capital.
By bus
From Athens, on Egiptou Square, take public transport with the orange KTEL bus. Departures exist every hour or half hour depending on the season. It takes about 2 hours. The return ticket costs 12,60 € and buys directly on the bus (bank card not accepted).
This means of transport is suitable, since you can visit the Cap Sounion on foot. Count about two hours of walking to the Cape along and off.
If you want to take advantage of your trip to visit the coast, a "multiple stop" tourist bus, the "Sights of Athens" , you will discover the capital, the south coast of Attica and the temple of Posedon. A ticket for 2 days costs 45 € .
By car
From the city centre of Athens, count 1h30 road and the roadside. Indeed, this will allow you to admire beautiful sea horizons. On site, parking is possible in the immediate vicinity of the temple of Poséidon.
To rent a car, we advise you to consult comparison sites, such as Rentalcars . Very practical, they allow to compare the offers of different agencies.
Private taxi or car with driver
You don’t want to drive? Go for a cab! You will find different booking sites allowing you to choose a private taxi at the best price. Rates vary around 50 € to 80 € up to 4 people per journey.
It is also possible to take a driver for the day. From the hotel you can visit, if you wish, the centre of Athens, take a break along the Athenian Riviera and even go to the temple of Poséidon. Everything is tailor-made, it is you who decide to stop and time.
A privilege to be offered with a French driver if you want to have information about the region. Where to find him? On websites such as Welcome Ride. Count 280 € day for a car up to 4 people. Perfect if you're in a group!
Where to stay near Cap Sounion?
If you want to stay close to Cap Sounion, know that you will find many hotels and Airbnb . You can find many villas with swimming pools and apartments for your stay. Prices vary between 70 € and 200 € On average night.
Of course, you can find more expensive luxury accommodations, but also much more spacious and offering incredible services. To find the best prices, do not hesitate to use a Compare hotels .
For all these reasons, we can only advise you to take a full day to visit this place full of stories, with unforgettable landscapes.
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