Cape Sounion Tour

Cape Sounion Tour

We start our Cape Sounion tour driving along the coastal road passing by the Athenian Riviera, passing by beautiful suburbs like Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza. During the half-day tour, you will have a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf. Arriving at Cape Sounion will live up to your expectations.

Cape Sounion Tour- History

Cape Sounion played a strategic role in ancient Athens as silver was found in an area called Lavrion. With these huge silver amounts, they made the second money of Europe and started to construct the defensive walls of Athens, the water supply, the temple of Zeus, etc.

Thousands of slaves worked in these mines, and in the 5th century, they founded a larger area of silver. During the Persian wars, Themistocles convinced his citizens to give their share to make ships and become a naval superpower of that time. That decision was crucial to win the Persians at Salamis. During the Cape Sounion tour, you will hear many details related to.

After Themistocles was exiled from the city, Pericles started his construction program of the Acropolis, the temple of Hephaistos, and the temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. According to mythology, Goddess Athena was the winner of the competition against Poseidon who was the god of the sea. A temple was built to honor him and express his significance. To avoid antagonism between the two gods, a small temple of Athena was built at Sounio close to the temple of Poseidon. After some decades for unknown reasons, it was demolished and transferred to the Agora of Athens.

Legends to hear during the Cape Sounion tour

Another mythological story related to that area is King Aegeas of Athens, who committed suicide as he was waiting for his son Theseus to return from the island of Crete. After that incident, the sea was named to remember him. The story comes like this. The Son of King Minoas, Androgeo came to Athens to participate in sports games, he won all the games and finished first, but the second athlete who was an Athenian was jealous, so he punched so strongly that the Cretan prince died.

After the loss of his son, King Minoas sent his army to capture Athens. The punishment for the Athenians was to be sent every 9 years, seven young boys and seven girls as a sacrifice to the Minotaur. Theseus went to Crete and killed the Minotaur inside the Labyrinth

where this beast was living with the help of Ariadne, she was the daughter of the King and she fell in love with him. She gave him a thread to find the way out of the Labyrinth. After killing the Minotaur, Theseus, and Ariadne during the night left in secret from the island together. But, King Minoas asked Poseidon to help him to return his daughter. Theseus came back to Athens but he forgot to put the white panes as a mark that he was alive.

We will see the Temple of Poseidon overlooking the Aegean Sea, with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Greece. In the evening time, the sunset is gorgeous and attracts many visitors. it was voted in 2000 by CNN as one of the best in the World.

What a tour to the Temple of Poseidon in Sunio offers you?

A tour to the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio offers a unique opportunity to delve into the historical significance, architectural marvels, scenic beauty, and mythology surrounding this ancient Greek temple. As you explore the ruins, you will be transported back in time, experiencing the grandeur of the Golden Age of Athens and the reverence bestowed upon the mighty god Poseidon.

The historical significance of the Temple of Poseidon cannot be overstated. It served as a beacon of hope and protection for sailors venturing into the treacherous waters of the Aegean Sea. The architectural features of the temple, with its Doric columns and grand entrance, showcase the skill and craftsmanship of ancient Greek architects.

Visit Cape Sounio - Tours from Athens

After visiting the Temple of Poseidon, located on the edge of the Saronic peninsula, you will have time to walk leisurely on the rocky promontory of Sounion, you can also have your drink and enjoy the view from the cafe-restaurant. Returning from the Cape Sounion tour we will make a short stop at Vouliagmeni Lake, a natural spa from ancient times.