Discover the amazing sunset of Cape Sounio
About an hour drive along the costal road from Athens, in the southernmost tip of the “Athens Riviera” you will encounter the rugged cliffs of Cape Sounio (or Souni). Perched on its tip is the spectacular, white marbled, Doric columned temple of Poseidon. It was one of the most important sanctuaries of antiquity.
This is where Athenians and tourists from all over the world flock to catch one of the most enchanting sunsets in Attica. And for good reason: The gleaming white marbled columns, as if reaching for the sky, contrast with the most amazing view of the crystal blue waters and Saronic Gulf islands of the Aegean sea.
History:
The temple was built during the “golden age of Pericles” around 440 BC on the ruins of a previous temple dating back to the Archaic period. It was destroyed by the Persian troops of Xerxes when they invaded Greece in 480 BC. What stands today are 15 of the total 34 columns. The architect remains unknown but it is said that it was the same person who built the temple of Hephaestus located at the Thisseion of Athens.
On the site you can also see the Temple of Athena, built around the same time but not much left standing with the exception of the foundation of the edifice.
One can also see remnants of the fortress that was built by the Athenians during the Peloponnesian War against the Spartans around 412 BC.
Lord Byron – Known as a great lover of Greece, you can find his name carved into the base of the columns of the Temple of Poseidon. It is not known for certain that Byron himself inscribed this but we do know for sure he mentioned Sounio in his poem “Isles of Greece”:
Place me on Sunium’s marbled steep,
Where nothing, save the waves and I,
May hear our mutual murmurs sweep
Sounio in Greek Mythology:
This location is full of mythical stories around it. One of them is of King Aegeus who leaped into the sea after he mistakenly thought his son Theseus was killed by the Minotaur of Crete. It is said that is how the Aegean Sea got its name.
A second myth from the “Odyssey” mentioned that King Menelaus buried his helmsman here upon returning from his journey from Troy.
You can make your visit to Sounio a leisurely day or overnight trip. Enjoy the amazing 70 kilometer drive along the Saronic coast. Just make sure you are at the top of the hill before sunset. It’s usually after 9 pm in the summer months. Overnight in one of the welcoming hotels of the Athens Riviera, and take a morning dip in the beach at the foot of the Temple. You can then catch a bite for lunch in the local fish tavern before returning to Athens.
Where to stay:
Grecotel Cape Sounion ***** The myth of the Aegean Sea surrounds the Resort which in itself sits on an archaeological site with two private beaches and its bungalows and villas hidden in the pine hills. British Vogue’s pick to stay in Athens, August 2021.
https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/cape-sounio.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Aegeon Beach Hotel**** Breathtaking views of the Aegean sea and the Temple of Poseidon. Built to blend with the natural environment with sober lines and earth colors. Its the ideal place for those who wish to combine luxurious living with a peaceful and quiet stay far from the turmoil of the city.
https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/aegeonbeachhotel.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Helen’s Sounion Apartments – Each unit at Helen’s Sounio Apartments opens to a balcony with sea, mountain and garden views. Each apartment features a fully equipped kitchen and spacious dining areas
For more inspiration:
This one shows the sunset at Sounio:
Gina
I love to share my passion of Greece and to promote Hellenism all over the world through it's culture, history, cuisine and magnificent destinations.
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