One of the most breathtaking sites of Greece, on Cape Sounion, standing some 60m/200 feet above the sea at the edge of a cliff rests the ancient Temple of Poseidon. An hour’s drive from central Athens, the temple, the site itself and the route leading to it are worth every minute of the drive. On the way there hugging the Saronic coast you will enjoy the endless views of the brilliant blue sea and off shore islets. Sunsets from the temple are world renown for their beauty.
Built on the windswept bluff rising above the Aegean Sea as a temple, boundary marker and garrison to protect the silver mines of nearby Lavrion construction began shortly after the middle of the 5th century B.C. during the same period that saw the beginning of work on the great monuments on the Athenian acropolis and by the same architect as the that of the Hephaisteon/Thesseon within the Athenian Agora.
The Temple still dominates the surrounding countryside from its site on the highest point of the region. Quite close is the sanctuary of the goddess Athena and there is much to see and do in the area including stop for a swim and to dine on fresh seafood.