Temple of Poseidon, Sounio: Hours, Address, Temple of Poseidon Reviews: 4.5/5
Temple of Poseidon
Temple of Poseidon
4.5
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Best nearby
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17 within 3 miles
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Attractions
8 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,434 reviews
Excellent
1,753
Very good
546
Average
96
Poor
22
Terrible
17
B1714D
Belgrade, Serbia14,084 contributions
Temple of Poseidon is a remarkable site set on a southernmost tip of Attica peninsula. The Temple dates back to 5c BC and considering the age is pretty well preserved imo.
It's a Doric style Temple strategically built on top of the cliff of Cape Sounion overlooking the sea, dedicated of course to Sea God Poseidon.
I advise visiting this site as a whole day excursion from Athens, preferably with your own or rented car. The trip from the Greek capital is very picturesque with many places to stop along the way, and many nice beaches to cool yourself set in beautiful bays.
At the site there's free parking and entry fee is 10 Euros.
By the entrance is a cafe with inflated prices catering for bus tours coming to visit the site, so I recommend descending 5 min down with a car at a nice beach, where's also a taverna and a bar. As an added bonus you swim at that beach with great views of the Temple.
It's a Doric style Temple strategically built on top of the cliff of Cape Sounion overlooking the sea, dedicated of course to Sea God Poseidon.
I advise visiting this site as a whole day excursion from Athens, preferably with your own or rented car. The trip from the Greek capital is very picturesque with many places to stop along the way, and many nice beaches to cool yourself set in beautiful bays.
At the site there's free parking and entry fee is 10 Euros.
By the entrance is a cafe with inflated prices catering for bus tours coming to visit the site, so I recommend descending 5 min down with a car at a nice beach, where's also a taverna and a bar. As an added bonus you swim at that beach with great views of the Temple.
Written September 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nic F
Colchester, Essex45 contributions
Couples
We were in Athens for 5 days so this was on our list to visit. It was amazing watching the sunset from here, the only regret we had was not taking a bottle of champagne with us to drink while watching the sunset!
We used Kostas to drive us and he was amazing- Kostas Taxi city tours & and excursions in Athens
This was fantastic Kostas was an amazing driver and guide. He stopped on route a couple of times for some fantastic photo opportunities and we sat and watched the sunset over the sea with the Temple of Poseidon behind us it was beautiful. I would suggest you take a bottle of something sparkly and really enjoy the sunset!
Kostas then stopped at a lovely Greek Tavern on the beach where we had a lovely meal and then he dropped as back into Athens. One of our favorite trips. trip was around 6 hours.
We used Kostas to drive us and he was amazing- Kostas Taxi city tours & and excursions in Athens
This was fantastic Kostas was an amazing driver and guide. He stopped on route a couple of times for some fantastic photo opportunities and we sat and watched the sunset over the sea with the Temple of Poseidon behind us it was beautiful. I would suggest you take a bottle of something sparkly and really enjoy the sunset!
Kostas then stopped at a lovely Greek Tavern on the beach where we had a lovely meal and then he dropped as back into Athens. One of our favorite trips. trip was around 6 hours.
Written May 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peter B
Cincinnati, OH310 contributions
A number of companies run daily tours for around 40 euros. You can go in the day, or afternoon which is timed for you to watch the sun set. Its great light for photos of the ruins.
There is a snack bar near the parking lot.
Pickup to drop off is about five hours, with around two hours on-site.
Bring something to read on the bus. Its a dull ride back after dark.
There is a snack bar near the parking lot.
Pickup to drop off is about five hours, with around two hours on-site.
Bring something to read on the bus. Its a dull ride back after dark.
Written October 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HinMunich
Munich, Germany70 contributions
Family
Having visited an hour before sunset and paying full price, we were then blocked from viewing one side of the temple, the side from which one can view the sunset due to a film crew having cordoned off the whole area. Guards (reportedly working for the Ministry of Culture but refusing to show any corresponding ID) blocked visitors who had especially made the trip for the sunset. Telling people it would be only five minutes, time crept by...on telling people to write to the Ministry of Culture for a refund, disgruntled visitors were left waiting in vain.
On going back to the ticket office and asking the cashier for a partial refund for the partial viewing, we were fobbed off with instructions to write to the Ministry. On asking why we were not told of the film crew blocking access when buying full price tickets only fifteen minutes before, the cashier made varying and feeble excuses denying any responsibility for not informing visitors as to the lack of access.
The site is beautiful but we left feeling hoodwinked, steamrolled and knowingly scammed. Not the best of impressions with which to leave tourists in what has been a hard time for the Greek tourist industry.
On going back to the ticket office and asking the cashier for a partial refund for the partial viewing, we were fobbed off with instructions to write to the Ministry. On asking why we were not told of the film crew blocking access when buying full price tickets only fifteen minutes before, the cashier made varying and feeble excuses denying any responsibility for not informing visitors as to the lack of access.
The site is beautiful but we left feeling hoodwinked, steamrolled and knowingly scammed. Not the best of impressions with which to leave tourists in what has been a hard time for the Greek tourist industry.
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris B
Kidderminster, UK258 contributions
Really enjoyed the coach trip to the Temple as got to see some beautiful coastline and some gorgeous seaside towns. Upon first seeing the temple you can understand why the location was chosen by the Ancient Greeks as a place to worship the God of the Ocean. The temple itself is very well preserved and a really good example to explore. To look around it doesn't take long but it is well worth the trip out to see it. The views over the Aegean are stunning as well and whilst our visit was a little chilly i can imagine that sunset in the warmer months must be incredible. The gift shop, cafe and toilet facilities are all well kept, reasonably priced and suitably located as you walk to the car park. This is a must see if you're staying in the area.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vacationer798860
Baltimore, MD6 contributions
Family
Kostantinos of Let’s Get Tours was our guide for a trip to Cape Sounio - Temple of Poseidon with a brief stop at Lake Vouliagmeni. Kostantinos had good humor and impressive knowledge of the areas which made the trip fun as well as being a learning experience. All of the guides from this company are courteous and in addition to their expert knowledge provided is with different ideas of areas to visit within Athens as well as other areas in Greece. Highly recommended.
Written June 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
VTJedi
Virginia2,938 contributions
We were driving from Nafplio to the Athens Airport as we were due to fly out to the islands, but I decided to wake up an hour early so we'd have more time to take a detour south to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio.
It was amazing.
It was one of the more expensive ancient sites to enter, and we only had about 25 minutes to wander around before needing to head back to the airport, but we arrived at 9:30am when they opened and we had the place to ourselves!
It can get very windy, but the views are incredible.
I am not sure that a long bus ride from Athens would be worth it as a day trip here as there isn't really much of anything else to see or do, but if you have a rental car and the flexibility to visit, then I would do so.
Had we had more time, we would have explored more of the other ruins but maybe an hour here max is needed.
The water really is that blue! Fun tip, if you fly back from any of the islands you may very well see Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon out the window if you sit on the left side of the aircraft.
It was amazing.
It was one of the more expensive ancient sites to enter, and we only had about 25 minutes to wander around before needing to head back to the airport, but we arrived at 9:30am when they opened and we had the place to ourselves!
It can get very windy, but the views are incredible.
I am not sure that a long bus ride from Athens would be worth it as a day trip here as there isn't really much of anything else to see or do, but if you have a rental car and the flexibility to visit, then I would do so.
Had we had more time, we would have explored more of the other ruins but maybe an hour here max is needed.
The water really is that blue! Fun tip, if you fly back from any of the islands you may very well see Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon out the window if you sit on the left side of the aircraft.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CanuckAlberta
Alberta454 contributions
Visited in the evening to try to catch the sunset over the ruins, was very cool. Beautiful views in every direction, a unique place and less busy than many of the other attractions. It is a bit of a drive, it took us about 80 minutes from the Acropolis to the T of P one way but very picturesque coastline along the way.
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
daverc2000
Formby, UK139 contributions
Family
We visited on a Saturday but it was still very quiet. 10 euros per adult to enter and I think people under 25 are free (our 2 daughters were 13 and 14). More than enough parking when you arrive. There is a restaurant/bar at the top that we didnt use and also a souvenir shop. A little lower down the hill there is also a small more cultural shop. We were told to take ID for the kids to ensure they got in free, we forgot and though our 14 year old is nearly 6 foot the staff were fine re her being free however the following day friends of ours where charged for their 15 year old. Stunning views at the top and tho it isn't huge you could spend a good half hour up there, longer if you ate of course
Written August 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jordanellie41
Bolton, UK840 contributions
You can reach the temple by catching the Sounio bound bus from the main bus station in the centre of Athens. The journey takes two hours but it's well worth it. Sit yourself on the right hand side of the bus going as if runs right along the coastline with some spectacular views and scenery. The temple itself is majestic and the views over the coast are awesome as it stands at the cliff edge. The temple has many columns still in tact and you can get spectacular photos all round as it's not usually that busy. Not to be missed!
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ashley g
1 contribution
Did you buy tickets at the site or ahead of time? I am in USA and plan to visit in mid-October. I was wondering if I should purchase ahead of time?
Elissa
Los Angeles, CA515 contributions
My guide bought our tickets there at the ticket booth. I'm not sure if you can get them in advance.
Do I need to pay for the visit?
niksk001
Philadelphia, PA795 contributions
Yes, but not a lot.
montyBelfast
belfast44 contributions
hi ya, we are heading here in September and daughter wants to visit the Temple. Can you tell me more about the hop on, hop off bus you mentioned ? cost or where you can pick bus up etc ? many thanks Clifford
Thomas M
Marysville, OH154 contributions
CitySightseeing is one company offering hop on/off tours. It stops at all the major sights/tourist districts. The Temple of Poseidon as others have indicated is a good distance outside Athens and not on a Hop On/Off loop. There may be a direct shuttle line available via/(in association with) CitySightseeing. (I saw something on board the bus about a large shuttle there after we had already visited). May I suggest you reach out to your hotel concierge or cruise operator as they may have the most current/seasonal information. For the various route maps, seasonal rates, etc. please Google “Citysightseeing Athens.”
Julie L
8 contributions
We are interested in booking this tour on Monday, July 22. We have a read we should visit at sunset. What time would you recommend for starting this tour?
Thomas M
Marysville, OH154 contributions
I am jealous! We went mid-afternoon and the lighting was overhead and perfect for our photos— but sunset with could be fantastic! (Quick search on the internet shows July 22, 2019 sunset around 8:45pm). Site is one hour away from Athens. Most half day group tours are approximately 4 hours (2 for return/round-trip transport, 2 at site). You may wish to book the latest tour available, or arrange a taxi or custom tour if you can’t find a time-slot which would get you there for dusk. Ps: the site closes at 8:30pm but you could enjoy “twilight” food or drink at the restaurant overlooking the Cape near the Temple entrance. (The pillar tops of the Temple may be partly visible from the restaurant—although there is a hill mound between the restaurant and site which otherwise obstructs the view). Hope this helps! Enjoy yourself whenever you visit!
Non_Ordinary
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia6 contributions
What time is the last bus back to Athens and is the pick up at the same place with the drop off?
Natalie A
46 contributions
Pick up is the same place as the drop off. The time schedule can change depending on the season. Make sure to check the schedules! The last bus was a little after sunset in January. But the hotel manager did warn us not to come back after dark due to the protests being in the area of the KTEL bus stops near Parliament.
Mony A
1 contribution
Hola, quería saber si hay alguna playa para estar antes de visitar el templo. Gracias!!
Christian P
Vienna, Austria178 contributions
Hola MonyA93. Yes, there is a nice sand beach and swimming area in the bay, bordered with buoys. In addition, there is a lovely taverna directly on the beach with very good Greek food (we visited while ancouring over night in then bay). Enjoy your stay!
Bianca_Marques
Indaiatuba, SP14 contributions
Quero visitar o Templo de Poseidon, mas gostaria de saber se próximo existe alguma praia com infraestrutura para que eu possa passar o resto do dia. Qualquer dica desse ponto turístico será extremamente válida! Muito obrigada!
Henrique S
London, UK323 contributions
Olá, existem praias sim, mas no caminho. A praia mais perto é um pouco distante para ir caminhado a partir do Templo. Eu fui de ônibus, saindo de Atenas e no caminho passei por várias praias ótimas, não desci mas vi tinham certa estrutura. O ônibus demora cerca de 2... 2,5 horas mas é uma viagem muito bonita e bem barata, acredito que algo entorno de 5 euros. Espero que tenha ajudado.
Jen F
Wallasey, UK262 contributions
Hi what time can you enter the Temple until and is there a last entry time? Planning on going tomorrow evening to watch the sunset. Thanks
Danielle C
Tacoma, WA556 contributions
It generally closes after sunset. Sunset is the best time to visit!
Waspy101
Cambridge, UK15 contributions
Hello, I am trying to plan a trip to the temple for my family and was wondering whether it was straight forward to get there by public transport from Glyfada, or whether car hire would be better?
Varette G
8 contributions
If you take the bus you will not be able to see the sunset, renting a car can be a pain, you can do like us, call giorgio taxii (check them on trp advisor) : pick-up in Athen, 2 hours trip to the beach a nice reataurant and then the sunset. Their drivers are great, cars are clean and service impeccable and not expensive: l
Frequently Asked Questions about Temple of Poseidon
- Temple of Poseidon is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- We recommend booking Temple of Poseidon tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 182 Temple of Poseidon tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Temple of Poseidon:
- Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Half-Day Trip from Athens (From $48.80)
- Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Half-Day Small-Group Tour from Athens (From $57.28)
- Cape Sounio Private Tour From Athens with Greek Traditional Food (From $98.65)
- Sunset at the Cape Sounion Half Day Tour (From $47.74)
- Cape Sounio Afternoon Tour (From $58.34)
- Hotels near Temple of Poseidon:
- (0.27 mi) Aegeon Beach Hotel
- (0.73 mi) Cape Sounio, Grecotel Exclusive Resort
- (0.10 mi) Sounio, Villa Santorini
- (0.50 mi) Poseidon Beach Villas
- (7.36 mi) Bonaventure Villa
- Restaurants near Temple of Poseidon:
- (0.10 mi) Trexantiri
- (0.34 mi) Elias Fish Restaurant
- (0.32 mi) Akrogiali
- (0.33 mi) Akrogiali
- (1.60 mi) Marida seafood restaurant
- Attractions near Temple of Poseidon:
- (0.00 mi) Exceptional Journey DMC
- (0.25 mi) Sounio Beach
- (7.58 mi) Aqualized Dive Adventures
- (4.85 mi) Planet Blue Diving Center
- (7.61 mi) Athens Divers Club