Α taste of Modern Athens and the sea surrounding it is the focus of our story, starting at the coastal part of the city that holds its best-kept secrets. At the end of Syngrou Avenue lies the expansive Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center complex, a modern monument dedicated to culture. Both the National Opera and the new National Library are housed in this architectural marvel, which offers breathtaking views of the Faliron Bay and Piraeus.
Further south, the Riviera continues through Glyfada, the prestigious suburb with its famous shopping district and marina and up to Vouliagmeni, the upscale area known for the Laimos (neck) with its expensive resorts and sandy beaches covered in pine trees. Just off Laimos lies Lake Vouliagmeni, a unique natural lagoon featuring both saltwater and freshwater from underground springs.
Legend has it that the lake extends for several miles underground and its near-constant water temperature of 24 degrees Celsius all year round make for an excellent spa experience right next to the sea!
Famously, the 5th Century B.C. is also known as the Golden Age of Athens. An era of unprecedented cultural, financial and military supremacy of the city-state of Athens thanks in no small part to Pericles, the ruler of the city.
Pericles foresaw the importance of Cape Sounio. The mines of Lavrion provided valuable access to large quantities of silver, while the Cape itself served as an important strategic watchtower of the sea surrounding Athens.
To honour and appease the God of the Sea, Poseidon, Athens constructed a Temple dedicated to him, perched atop a 60-metre rock at the tip of the cape, offering panoramic views of the entire Saronic Gulf.
Today, Sounion is one of the most upscale towns of Attica, featuring a plethora of restaurants, cafes and hotels on its sandy beaches directly underneath the archaeological site. The view from the top remains unchanged for the most part, with the sunsets there being a particular high point – certainly the best that Athens has to offer!
Info
- Vouliagmeni Lake
Opening Hours: 7:30 – 20:00 (Last Entry at 19:30, Restaurants and Bars open until 2:00 am)
Admission Fee: 12 Euros (Mon-Fri), 15 Euros (Weekends)
- Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion
Opening Hours: 9:00 – Sunset
Admission Fee: 8 Euros (Reduced Fee applicable for special categories)
Suggestion: After soaking in the sunset, enjoy fresh fish at one of the numerous best-rated restaurants right at the beach beneath the Temple.
What is included:
- All pickups and dropoffs: we will take you from and where you need to go
- A high-quality car with an English-speaking professionally trained driver
- Complementary wi-fi onboard
- Water and refreshments
- Fuel and tolls
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
What isn’t included:
- Admission fees for archaeological sites, museums and monuments
- Official tour guide (however you can request one you complete your booking)
- Meals or other beverages
- Tips and gratuities