Tickets Athens

Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Tickets

4.5(27K Ratings)

Headout is a brand trusted by millions of guests worldwide offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.

Temple of Poseidon & Cape Sounio






From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Fiona Sime
CA

Fiona

Canada
Jul 2025
review-image
review-image
Sotiris was an amazing tour guide. He was very kind, fun and knowledgeable and Georgios (spelling?) was an excellent driver. Poseidon's Temple was a vey cool site with amazing views. Definitely recommend!
Adina DR Sterling
US

Adina

United States
Jul 2025
review-image
review-image
review-image

+2 more

Very well-planned trip with a kind and interesting tour guide. The ride down was beautiful and the Temple of Poseidon was terrific. We stayed until just after sunset which was perfect!
Abhijit Mishra
GB

Abhijit

United Kingdom
Jul 2025
review-image
review-image
review-image

+1 more

The ride was through a breathtaking picturesque beachfront road once we got outside of Athens metropolitan area, which came as a pleasant surprise! The tour guide 'Thanos' was very friendly and helpful who explained stories from Greek mythology and made the trip memorable!
Nicole ziobrowski
US

Nicole

United States
Jul 2025
review-image
review-image
review-image

+3 more

I loved how knowledgeable the staff were and giving us facts I probably wouldn't have known without. While driving to destinations they gave us facts around Athens as well. Along with the bus driver they kept us on schedule and made sure everyone was always accounted for. I did the earliest trip and it was still a little crowded but that is to be expected. We also had some time to wander around alone and take pictures. I liked having the option of including entry and skipping that long line.
Sylvia Zdravkova Vassileva
BG

Sylvia

Bulgaria
Sep 2024
The tour was great and the view is definitely worth it! Christina had a lot of different stories about Greek culture and mythology which set the mood really well.

Top things to do in Athens

Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon | History & sunsets

Located less than two hours from Athens and perched on a cliff above the Aegean, the 5th-century BCE Temple of Poseidon served as a sacred site and a coastal marker for ancient sailors near Athens. Dating back over 2,500 years, the Temple of Poseidon has stood at Cape Sounion as a spiritual hub and a vantage point for the most magnificent sunsets in Greece.

Discover everything you need to know about planning your visit, the best Temple of Poseidon tickets, how to get to Cape Sounion, and tips for choosing the best experience.

Why visit the Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon?

Why visit the Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon?
Why visit the Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon?
Why visit the Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon?
Why visit the Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon?
1/4

Effortless access from Athens

Cape Sounion is just about a two-hour journey from Athens, making it the perfect destination for a day trip. Whether you take a bus, drive down by car, or opt for a tour, you can easily explore the wonders of this archaeological site in a day and make it back to Athens in time for dinner.

Read more

In-depth guided tours

Tours of Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon are led by expert English-speaking guides. There’s a lot of ancient history and Greek mythology associated with Cape Sounion, and a guided tour will enrich your experience with in-depth information about its rich past.

Read more

Convenient round-trip transfers

Sunset tours of Cape Sounion offer seamless round-trip transfers from Athens in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles. You can sit back and enjoy the experience without having to worry about planning your transportation or navigating unfamiliar routes.

Unparalleled ruins, sunsets, and views

Cape Sounion is known for Greece’s most spectacular sunsets. The Temple of Poseidon’s tall columns lit up against the oranges, pinks, and purples of the evening sky and the vibrant blue Aegean Sea is an unforgettable sight. The journey to the site is as picturesque as the destination. The drive along the Athenian Riviera offers scenic views of the Saronic Gulf on one side and the picturesque Greek countryside on the other.

Know before you book your Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon tickets

  • Plan your visit to Cape Sounion without worrying about transportation. All Temple of Poseidon tours include round-trip transfers in AC vehicles from Athens, just 70 km away, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours 
  • All Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon tickets include guided sunset tours, which means you get to explore the site with an expert guide and also catch the spectacular sunset views
  • Combo tickets offer access to multiple attractions with a one-time purchase and are great value for money. Save big by pairing your Temple of Poseidon tour with a visit to one of Athens’ top landmarks or a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour of the city. Check out Combo: Temple of Poseidon Sunset Half-Day Trip + 2-Day Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour for this!
  • In Athens on a short visit? The Combo: Acropolis + Acropolis Museum + Temple of Poseidon Guided Tour with Entry Tickets and Combo: Temple of Poseidon Sunset Half-Day Trip + Acropolis & Parthenon Tickets are ideal for you. Make the most of your time with a full-day comprehensive tour of three of Greece’s top historical landmarks. You’ll also enjoy perks like hotel pick-up and drop-off, audio headsets, and a delicious lunch. 
  • All tours, private rentals, and public transportation to Cape Sounion will drop you off at the entrance at the bottom of the hill. To reach the headland, you have to take a pathway up the hill, which can be steep and uneven in places. Wheelchair users and visitors with mobility issues might not be able to access it entirely. If mobility is a concern, please keep this in mind before booking your tour.

Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon tickets explained

Temple of Poseidon & Cape Sounio Tickets

Guided sunset tours

Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Round-trip transfers: Yes

Guide: Expert English-speaking archaeologist guide

Entry to the Temple of Poseidon: No

  • Explore Cape Sounion and enjoy sunset views of the Aegean Sea with this budget-friendly tour.
  • Learn in detail about Cape Sounion and its archaeological marvels with an expert English-speaking archaeologist guide.

Recommended tour(s):

  • From Athens: Temple of Poseidon & Cape Sounion Sunset Tour
Temple of Poseidon & Cape Sounio Tickets

Guided sunset tours with entry tickets

Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Round-trip transfers: Yes, with hotel pick-up and drop-off

Guide: Expert English-speaking guide

Entry to the Temple of Poseidon: Yes

  • These tickets include access to the Temple of Poseidon, allowing you to marvel at its ancient Doric columns and intricate marble architecture. 
  • You’ll be accompanied by an expert English-speaking guide, who will bring the monument’s history, religious significance, and mythology to life.  

Recommended tour(s):

  • From Athens: Temple of Poseidon & Cape Sounion Sunset Tour with Entry Tickets
  • Combo: Acropolis + Acropolis Museum + Temple of Poseidon Guided Tour with Entry Tickets
Temple of Poseidon & Cape Sounio Tickets

Combo deals

Cape Sounion tour duration: 5 to 10 hours

Round-trip transfers: Yes

Guide: Expert English-speaking guide, audio guide

Entry to the Temple of Poseidon: Depends on the ticket purchased

  • Explore two (or more!) iconic landmarks in Athens with one ticket. Get an informative guided tour of Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, along with tours of the Acropolis, Parthenon, or Acropolis Museum.
  • Alternatively, club your Cape Sounion visit with a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour of Athens and explore the city at your own pace. 

Recommended tours:

What to see at Cape Sounion

Temple of Poseidon & Cape Sounio Tickets

Temple of Poseidon

Have you ever wondered about the mysteries of Poseidon, the god who commanded the seas and faith of ancient mariners? At Cape Sounion, his legacy towers in marble and myth at the Temple of Poseidon. This sanctuary was a beacon of hope for sailors, a place to seek divine favor before braving uncharted waters of the Aegean Sea. This Mediterranean hub of trade, exploration, and mythology underscores the Temple of Poseidon’s deep maritime significance.

Temple of Poseidon
Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

Temple of Athena Sounion

The Temple of Athena Sounion was located on a small hill adjacent to Poseidon’s sanctuary. Destroyed in the 1st century AD, its remaining foundations and standing columns today offer some of the best views of the Aegean Sea. The presence of the temple reveals the deep connection between the goddess of wisdom and warfare and the role Cape Sounion played in Athens’ maritime defenses.

Temple of Athena Sounion
Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon

Sunset views from Cape Sounion

The headland of Cape Sounion is nearly 60 metres high, providing sweeping views of the Aegean Sea and stellar photo opportunities. It’s a unique vantage point to watch the sunset. The temple’s gleaming white marble columns stand out dramatically against the red and pink hues of the sky and the blue waters of the Aegean Sea, creating an unforgettably stunning sight.

Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

Sounio Beach

Cape Sounion is more than just about ancient Greek history. Head to the adjacent Sounio Beach to unwind after exploring the archaeological sights. A barefoot stroll on the coarse sand is a great spot to pamper your feet, while its crystal-clear shallow waters are perfect for snorkeling and exploring marine life. Best of all, you’re treated to glorious views of the sea and the Temple of Poseidon up on the hill.

Your visual guide to the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

Sights on the way to Cape Sounion

Your drive to Cape Sounion will take you through some of the prettiest spots on the Athens Riviera. Here are some of the best sites you can explore along the way.

Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

Temple of Olympian Zeus

If you begin your drive to Cape Sounion from the Athens city center, you won’t miss the colossal Corinthian columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods, it was the largest temple in Greece.

Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

Glyfada Beach

For visitors looking for a more vibrant and energetic seaside experience, the lively Glyfada Beach just south of Athens is the perfect spot. From watersports and beach bars to upscale restaurants and trendy shops, Glyfada offers it all.

Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

Lake Vouliagmeni

Stop at Lake Vouliagmeni, a natural thermal lake fed by underground springs. Its mineral-rich waters stay around 22–29°C year-round and contain potassium, calcium, and sodium, known for therapeutic skin and joint benefits.

Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

Kavouri Beach

Surrounded by lush pine trees and rugged caves, Kavouri Beach offers a secluded escape near Cape Sounion. Its small sea coves are perfect for snorkeling.

Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

Limanakia Beach

Limanakia is a series of hidden inlets and small coves with tiny beaches, perfect for swimming and scuba diving. It is set in a beautifully rugged landscape, with rocky paths traversing the craggy terrain. The gorgeous views of the blue-green sea and surrounding cliffs make the journey well worth the effort.

Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

Archaeological site of Thorikos

The archaeological site of Thorikos is one of the world’s oldest mining areas as well as one of the most ancient theater complexes. It played an integral role in the commerce and culture of ancient Sounion.

Plan your visit to the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion

Opening hours - Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Tickets

Open: 9:30am to 6.30pm or 7pm

Last admission: 20 to 30 minutes before sunset

Closed on: January 1, March 25, May 7, Easter Sunday, and December 25 and 26

Reduced hours: Good Friday( 12 noon to 5pm), Holy Saturday (8:30am to 3:30pm)

Duration of visit: 40 minutes to 1 hour

More about Temple of Poseidon timings

Address: Cape Sounio, Sounion 195000, Greece
Find on maps

  • By bus: Via KTEL buses from Mavromateon Terminal, Athens
  • Nearest stop: Athens-Sounio Bus Stop
  • Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours
  • By car: Via the Coastal Route (Posidonos and Athinion Souniou road) or the Highway Route (A6/E94 and EO91)
  • Distance: 70 km
  • Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours
  • Nearest parking: Available outside the Temple of Poseidon entrance
  • Round-trip transfers from Athens: Pickup from 3 central locations (Omonoia Square, Syntagma/Old Parliament, and Plaka old city/Melina Merkouri Monument)
  • Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours each way 
  • ByHop-on Hop-off bus:
  • Nearest stop: Sounion
  • Route: Blue Route (Sights of Athens), Temple of Poseidon Route (Big Bus)
Best ways to get to Cape Sounion
Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion with panoramic sea view, Athens, Greece.
  • April, May, September, and October, the spring and autumn seasons, are the best months to visit Cape Sounion. The sunny skies and gentle breezes allow you to spend more time exploring the Temple of Poseidon ruins without risking heatstroke. 
  • Weekdays see a lesser footfall of visitors than weekends. It’s best to arrive at the site by afternoon and stay until after 5:30pm to catch stunning sunset views over the Aegean Sea.
Temple of Poseidon & Cape Sounio Tickets

There is one entrance to the archaeological site of Cape Sounion, located at the base of the cliff. Once inside, you can take the path up the hill leading to the temple ruins. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to get to the top.

Temple of Poseidon & Cape Sounio Tickets
  • The path from the entrance to the top of the hill is a bit steep and has steps and ramps in certain sections. Wheelchair users might need assistance to navigate the route. A viewing platform up the path is easier to access, from where you get good views of the temple.
  • Visitors who use walking aids but are not wheelchair-bound can navigate the path with the help of handrails and armrests. There are also benches at frequent intervals to pause for breaks along the path.
  • Visitors with infants or toddlers can bring their strollers to the top of the hill.
Temple of Poseidon & Cape Sounio Tickets
  • Visitor center: You can visit the visitor information center at the bottom of the hill, near the entrance gate, for details about comfortable transfers, bus routes, opening hours, and other information.
  • Restrooms: There are washroom facilities for visitors at the information center or at the cafe at the bottom of the hill. 
  • Shopping: You will find a souvenir shop at the bottom of the hill, near the visitor center, where you can buy accessories and souvenirs.
Temple of Poseidon & Cape Sounio - Rules
  • If you plan to travel to Cape Sounion from Athens on public KTEL buses, arrive at the departure point (Mavromateon Terminal) at least half an hour before so you don’t miss the bus. 
  • When you arrive at Cape Sounion, use the restrooms before taking the path up to the Temple of Poseidon. It takes about 30-45 minutes to climb up, and there are no restrooms on top of the hill.
  • Avoid bringing suitcases or large backpacks as there are no cloakrooms or storage facilities at the Temple of Poseidon to keep your belongings. 
  • While exploring, stay on the designated pathways that have been marked to protect the temple ruins and ensure visitors’ safety. 
  • It can get windy at the top of the hill, so it’s best to carry a scarf or a light jacket even in the summer.
  • Check the weather forecast for the day you plan to visit. Fog or rain will obstruct the views from Cape Sounion.
Eat - Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Tickets
  • Naos Cafe: Situated at the bottom of the Temple of Poseidon’s hill, Naos Cafe offers a selection of light snacks and beverages. Expect filling pita sandwiches, souvlaki, and fresh salads drizzled with olive oil. 
  • The Veranda Restaurant: The Veranda Restaurant offers a delectable range of seafood. Look out for their shrimp saganaki baked with cheese and tomatoes, and moussaka, a layered eggplant dish. 
  • Ilias: The Ilias is a family-run tavern known for classic seafood preparations with authentic Greek flavors. Their spicy calamari (fried squid), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and pastitsio (a layered pasta dish with meat and bechamel sauce) are house favorites. 
  • Cape Sounio Restaurant: The upscale Cape Sounio Restaurant offers a fine dining experience with gorgeous views of the Aegean Sea. Their locally caught fish, grilled or baked, with a lemon-olive oil dressing is a must-try.

Frequently asked questions about Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon tickets

Should I buy Temple of Poseidon tickets in advance?

Yes, it’s best to book your Temple of Poseidon tickets online at least a week before your visit, especially during the peak tourist season (May to September). Booking in advance ensures your entry, particularly for the popular sunset tours.

What’s included in a Temple of Poseidon ticket?

Temple of Poseidon tickets typically include access to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, a guided tour or an audio guide, and round-trip transfers from Athens.

Do all Temple of Poseidon tickets include a guided tour?

Most tours of the Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion include a knowledgeable guide with whom you can explore the site in depth. You can opt for an audio guide if you want to explore at your own pace.

How long should I plan to spend at Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon?

Visitors typically spend 1-2 hours exploring Cape Sounion. This includes time to walk around the Temple of Poseidon, enjoy the sunset views from the cape, take photographs, and learn about the site’s history.

Is photography allowed at the site?

Yes, photography is one of the highlights of a visit to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. The site is known for its stunning sunsets and sweeping views of the Aegean, so keep your phone or camera handy to capture the sights.

Tickets Athens
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
AFFIRM
Headout is a brand trusted by millions of guests worldwide offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.