If your kids are fascinated by mythology—or you love a good sea view—a visit to Poseidon’s Temple at Cape Sounion is a must. Perched high on a cliff above the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, this temple dedicated to the god of the sea offers breathtaking views and a connection to ancient myths.
For our boys, it was Poseidon who captured their imaginations. As fans of the Percy Jackson books, they were especially drawn to the mighty sea god. It was their enthusiasm for Greek mythology and their eagerness to stand where Poseidon was once worshipped that led us to hit the road that day.
In the end, Poseidon’s temple was our favourite temple in Greece, not just for the legend, but for the landscape and peaceful atmosphere.
Driving to Cape Sounion
Located about 70 kilometres (an hour to an hour and a half) from Athens, the temple is easily reached by car. You have two main routes: the inland road, which is slightly faster but includes tolls, or the coastal road, which we highly recommend. The coastal drive is breathtaking, offering sweeping views of the Aegean Sea, charming seaside towns, and the occasional sandy beach that invites you to stop for a swim. It’s the perfect scenic build-up to your visit.
If you don’t want to drive, you can book a guided bus tour. Just keep in mind that many only allow about 30 minutes at the site and often leave before sunset, missing the most magical moment of the day.
Poseidon’s Temple
As you approach the temple, the gleaming white marble columns come into view, standing tall against the blue sea and sky. The temple dates back to around 440 BC and once served as a landmark for sailors navigating the waters. Only 16 of the original 34 columns remain.
Walk around the temple to enjoy views from all angles, then follow the short hiking paths that lead around the site. It’s not a huge complex, but the setting makes it special. You won’t need long to explore—unless you linger for the sunset (which you should).
Bringing Mythology to Life
To build excitement before our trip, we introduced our kids to the Percy Jackson series. These fast-paced books follow a boy who learns he’s the son of Poseidon and embarks on quests inspired by real Greek myths. The stories helped our boys connect with the ancient sites during our time in Greece.
Worldschooling Tip
As part of our homeschooling, the boys researched a god and temple of their choice and acted as tour guides when we arrived. Jackson chose Poseidon, of course, and proudly shared facts about the god of the sea and his role in mythology.
That said, he was initially a bit disappointed. He’d imagined a sparkling turquoise palace made of sea glass, complete with seashells and seaweed. Instead, the temple—like most we saw in Greece—was a series of stone columns in a rectangular shape. As we visited more sites, we realized that the personality of each god wasn’t necessarily reflected in the architecture, but likely in the statues and décor that once filled the temples, now relocated to museums.
Watching the Sunset
If you can, time your visit to arrive about 30 minutes before sunset. As the sun dips behind the surrounding hills, the sky explodes with colour—deep oranges, soft yellows, and fiery pinks that contrast beautifully with the turquoise sea. The white marble glows gold in the fading light, and it’s easy to see why the spot inspired myths.
This quiet moment—far from the crowds of Athens—was one of the highlights of our time in Greece.
Don’t Miss the View at Night
After sunset, the site closes (just as the sun disappears behind the hills), but you can still admire the illuminated temple from the roadside. We went to a nearby restaurant, Psarou Fish Tavern for dinner, then returned to see the glow of the floodlights cast across the marble against the dark sky.
Note: Psarou Fish Tavern offered the delicious seafood. Try the calamari prawn coconut curry.
Preserving the Past
Poseidon’s Temple was our first archaeological site in Greece, and we quickly realized how differently ruins are treated here compared to other places we had travelled. Rope barriers keep visitors from getting too close—a result of past vandalism, like initials carved into the stones. It felt distant at times, especially in comparison to our experiences in Egypt, where walking among and touching ruins is a common practice. Still, the preservation efforts are understandable and help ensure these sites last.
Family-Friendly Beaches Nearby
Make a full day of it by stopping at one of the beaches near Sounion.Pack a picnic or grab lunch at a seaside cafe, enjoy the water, then head up to the temple in the late afternoon as the temperature cools.
Here are two options:
Sounion Beach is located right below the Temple of Poseidon. You can swim in the shadow of ancient history. The beach is pebbly but has calm waters and a few nearby cafés.
Legrena Beach: This long, sandy beach has shallow entry into the water, making it ideal for kids. Bring your own snacks or water—there are limited facilities directly on the beach. ~5 minutes west of the temple by car
Asimakis Beach (Anavissos) features shallow water and a more organized setup, with sunbeds, umbrellas, and beachfront cafes, making it an ideal stop for families. ~20 minutes north of Sounion
Kape Beach (also known as KAVO KAPE) boasts stunning turquoise waters, but it is less developed, which means fewer crowds, but also fewer amenities. The descent to the beach involves stairs and rocky paths, which may not be ideal for very young children or strollers. ~10 minutes from the temple
Tips for Visiting Poseidon’s Temple
• Time it right: Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset to enjoy the temple in both daylight and golden hour.
• Beat the heat: Even in the evening, it can be hot. Bring water or stop at the café at the entrance.
• Watch the clock: The temple closes as soon as the sun sets behind the mountain—don’t be late!
• Skip the bus tours: They often leave before sunset and give you limited time at the site.
• City buses are also available; however, check the schedule to determine when the last bus leaves.
• Let the kids lead: Let them act as your guide. It’s a great way to engage them in the history and mythology.
A Temple Worth the Detour
Of all the temples we visited in Greece, Poseidon’s Temple stood out—not just for its mythological importance, but for its unforgettable setting. Towering over the sea, lit by the setting sun, it’s a place where history feels close and the myths come alive. For families with kids who love stories, legends, and a bit of adventure, this is one detour from Athens you won’t want to miss.
Ready to Explore Greece?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
- 3-Day Itinerary in Athens with Kids
- From Greece to Italy by Ferry: What It’s Really Like
- Navigating Greek Island Ferries: Know Before You Go
- Fun Things to Do in Naxos with Kids
