Road.Travel Road.Travel
    7 Activities

    Driving along the Athens Riviera to Cape Sounio

    Driving along the Athens Riviera to Cape Sounio
    Starts from

    Athens

    Transportation

    By Car

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Activities

    7

    Duration

    12 hours

    Length

    82 mi

    Guide details

    Starts from

    Athens

    Transportation

    By Car

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Duration

    12 hours

    Length

    82 mi

    History and CultureNatural AttractionsGastronomy
    Map preview
    Katerina Xirouchaki

    Katerina Xirouchaki

    Travel Expert

    • Enjoy a relaxing morning swimming in the mineral waters of Vouliagmeni Lake.
    • Take in the views of the Aegean Sea from the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounio.
    • Take an evening stroll along the sandy beach of Kavouri.
    Although Athens is famous for its ancient history and the Acropolis, one of the world's greatest cultural monuments, the road trip to Cape Sounio along the coastal road known as the Athens Riviera is another incredible thing not to be missed. The unique coastline, which typically starts from Piraeus Port and ends at the southernmost tip of Attica where the Temple of Poseidon stands, is home to spectacular sandy beaches, gorgeous landscapes, bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
    During your one-day road trip along the coastline, you will relax in a lake with underwater caves, you will learn where the name of the Aegean Sea comes from while taking in the views from the top of Cape Sounio, you will enjoy the sunset on a sandy beach and you will taste delicious traditional Greek dishes.

    Categories

    Although Athens is famous for its ancient history and the Acropolis, one of the world's greatest cultural monuments, the road trip to Cape Sounio along the coastal road known as the Athens Riviera is another incredible thing not to be missed. The unique coastline, which typically starts from Piraeus Port and ends at the southernmost tip of Attica where the Temple of Poseidon stands, is home to spectacular sandy beaches, gorgeous landscapes, bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
    During your one-day road trip along the coastline, you will relax in a lake with underwater caves, you will learn where the name of the Aegean Sea comes from while taking in the views from the top of Cape Sounio, you will enjoy the sunset on a sandy beach and you will taste delicious traditional Greek dishes.
    Katerina Xirouchaki

    Katerina Xirouchaki

    Travel Expert

    • Enjoy a relaxing morning swimming in the mineral waters of Vouliagmeni Lake.
    • Take in the views of the Aegean Sea from the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounio.
    • Take an evening stroll along the sandy beach of Kavouri.

    Day Itinerary

    7 Activities
    Map preview

    Day 1

    82 mi

    Driving along the Athens Riviera to Cape Sounio

    Spend a day driving the coast of Athens Riviera all the way to Cape Sounio to take in the breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea from the imposing Temple of Poseidon.
    09:00

    Athens

    Start your one-day trip from Athens, the vibrant capital of Greece. Athens is the birthplace of democracy and one of the oldest cities in the world. Athens from above may look like a concrete jungle but wandering around its narrow streets you can feel the soul and the vibes that this city has to offer.
    13.1 mi
    40 min
    Παραλία Λίμνη Βουλιαγμένης
    09:502 hrs

    Παραλία Λίμνη Βουλιαγμένης

    Open Details
    Hidden in the looming rocks, Vouliagmeni Lake is more than just a lake to swim and relax. In the past, it was a cave and after the roof collapsed, the lake as we know it today was created. This explains the lake's name, as Vouliagmeni means sunken in Greek. The exciting part is that, below the lake, there's a labyrinth-like underwater cave that has never been entirely explored.
    Thanks to the warm water coming from the underwater cave, the constantly lukewarm water of the lake will offer you a relaxing swim. Apart from swimming in the lake's mineral water, there are a lot of organised activities you could join, such as gym programmes, snorkelling and massage sessions.
    Operation hours: Every day from 8 am to 8 pm For more information and admission fees click here
    17.6 mi
    30 min
    "Vasilis" - Fish Tavern
    12:301 hr 30 min

    "Vasilis" - Fish Tavern

    Restaurant
    Open Details
    Make a stop on your way to Cape Sounio for lunch at Vasilis Fish Tavern in Palaia Fokea. This is the ideal place to enjoy delicious fresh seafood and fish with an unobstructed sea view in the lovely outdoor seating area right on the beach.
    Opening hours: Every day from 11.30 am to 12.30 am
    10.9 mi
    20 min
    Archaeological Site of Sounion
    14:302 hrs

    Archaeological Site of Sounion

    Landmark
    Open Details
    As you approach the southernmost tip of Attica, you will be amazed by the imposing Temple of Poseidon at every turn on this winding scenic road.
    The temple stands on a strategic point overlooking the Aegean Sea. According to Greek Mythology, King Aegeus was waiting for his son Theseus to return from Crete where he had gone to kill a vicious monster. Theseus had told his father that if he was killed by the monster, the ship would sail back to Athens with black sails. But if Theseus succeeded in his mission, the sails would be white. Theseus did kill the monster but forgot to put on the white sails and sailed back to Athens with the black sails. King Aegeus stood at the top of Cape Sounio waiting for his son's ship and when he saw the black sails he thought that Theseus was dead. That's why he jumped to his death from that tall rock and the Aegean Sea was named after him.
    The architect of the Temple of Poseidon is probably the same as the one who built the Temple of Hephaistus in Thisseion. The frieze on the temple is made of Parian marble and depicts the Centaur battle and the deeds of Theseus, symbolising the huge victory of the Athenians against the Persians.
    While the Temple of Poseidon is the highlight of the archaeological site, the remains of the ancient settlement are not to be missed either. Walk along the ancient street on the slope and see the blocks of houses that line both sides of the street.
    Opening hours: Every day from 09:30 am to 06:30 pm For more information visit the official website.
    27.7 mi
    1 hr
    Kavouri Beach
    17:301 hr

    Kavouri Beach

    Landmark
    Open Details
    On your way back to the city centre, make a short stop on Kavouri Beach for a quick swim or a wonderful evening stroll. The beach is organised with sunbeds and umbrellas. There is a lot of free parking space.
    3.8 mi
    15 min
    To Drami
    18:451 hr 30 min

    To Drami

    Restaurant
    Open Details
    Traditionally, Glyfada is home to some of the best restaurants in Athens and To Drami Restaurant is one of them. Enjoy traditional Greek dishes with a twist in a cosy environment in the heart of Glyfada.
    Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 1 pm to 1 am Friday and Saturday from 1 pm to 2 am
    9.4 mi
    40 min
    21:00

    Athens

    You made it back to Athens after a full day of exploring the landscapes and sites along the Athens Riviera while learning a small part of Ancient Greek history at the same time. Hope you enjoyed your trip!
    Map preview
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