Photo: Berthold Werner · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia CommonsLandmark· Attica mainland (Sounion)· Greece — Cyclades
Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion
37° 39.0′ N · 24° 1.5′ E
A marble Doric temple to the sea god, built in 444–440 BC on a cliff about 60 m above the Aegean. It is the landmark every sailor rounding Attica steers by, and 15 of its original 34 slender columns still stand.
Practical
Built on the base of an earlier temple destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC, inside a fortress the Athenians walled in 413 BC. The fortress included a shipshed for two warships, and remains are still visible in the bay below. Lord Byron's name is carved into the base of one column. The Temple of Athena Sounias lies about 300 m NE. From the anchorage, land at the beach jetty and walk up. It is also reachable by bus from Athens. Opening hours and ticket prices were not verified, so check on site. A charter base guide recommends going first thing in the morning or at sunset to avoid crowds.
Best for
The iconic Attica sight, best at sunset
Nearby
- Cape Sounion Sunset Viewpoint0.1 NM away
- Meltemi Season — Attica Departures0.1 NM away
- Sounion Beach & Dinghy Jetty0.2 NM away
- Sounion East Anchorage (below the temple)0.2 NM away
- Sounion Rocky Shore Snorkel (Cape Sounion)0.2 NM away
- Temple of Athena Sounias0.2 NM away
- Sounion Beach Tavernas (Ilias & Akrogiali)0.3 NM away
- Sounion Anchorage (Ormos Sounion)0.4 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).