The road from Athens to Cape Sounion is one of the most scenic drives in the Mediterranean. Hugging the coastline of the Saronic Gulf, it passes through the elegant suburbs of the Athenian Riviera before arriving at the ancient Temple of Poseidon, perched on a clifftop seventy metres above the Aegean Sea.
This private tour combines coastal beauty, ancient history and some of the finest dining along the Athens coastline. It is available as a half-day excursion or a leisurely full-day journey, and is particularly memorable when timed for sunset at the temple.
The Coastal Route
Departing from central Athens, your chauffeur follows the coastal avenue south through Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza. Each town along the route offers its own character: designer boutiques in Glyfada, the thermal lake and luxury resorts of Vouliagmeni, and the quieter coves of Varkiza and Lagonissi.
Stops can be made at any point along the route. A coffee overlooking Vouliagmeni Bay. A swim at a secluded beach. A stroll through a seaside village. The journey is as much a part of the experience as the destination.
The Temple of Poseidon
Built in 440 BC, the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion has stood watch over the Aegean for nearly two and a half millennia. Its Doric columns frame one of the most dramatic panoramas in Greece, with views extending to the islands of Kea, Kythnos and, on clear days, the Peloponnese.
The site is best visited in the late afternoon when the crowds thin and the light softens. As the sun sets behind the columns, the temple becomes something more than archaeology. It becomes an experience that stays with you.
Dining Along the Riviera
The Athenian Riviera is home to some of the finest restaurants in the Athens region. Whether you prefer fresh seafood at a waterfront taverna, refined Mediterranean cuisine at a coastal fine-dining establishment, or a casual lunch with panoramic sea views, your chauffeur can recommend and deliver you to exactly the right setting.
For clients who wish, we can arrange a reservation in advance at a preferred restaurant or suggest options based on your culinary preferences.
Sunset Departures
The most requested version of this tour departs Athens in the mid-afternoon, arriving at Cape Sounion approximately one hour before sunset. This timing allows you to explore the archaeological site in comfort before settling in for what many consider the finest sunset in mainland Greece.
Your chauffeur will have the vehicle positioned for a seamless departure after the sun has set, ensuring a relaxed return to Athens along the illuminated coastal road.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
The drive takes approximately one hour along the scenic coastal road of the Athenian Riviera, passing through Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza. The return journey follows the same route or an inland alternative.
The most popular option is a late afternoon departure from Athens, arriving at the Temple of Poseidon approximately one hour before sunset. This allows time to explore the site and then experience the sunset over the Aegean Sea.
Yes. The tour is entirely flexible. Popular stops include Vouliagmeni Lake, coastal restaurants, beach clubs and scenic viewpoints along the route.
The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion is one of the most dramatically positioned ancient sites in Greece, perched on a clifftop seventy metres above the sea with panoramic views across the Aegean. It is particularly impressive at sunset.
