Temple of Poseidon, Sounion
Sounion, Greece
A 5th-century BC marble temple on the cliff at the southern tip of Attica, about 70 km from central Athens along the coast road. Sunset is popular but crowded; arrive early to find parking.
The Temple of Poseidon at Sounion stands on Cape Sounion at the southern tip of Attica in Greece, on the highest point of the cape above the sea, about an hour's drive from Athens. It was built around 444 to 440 BC under Pericles, on the remains of an earlier temple destroyed by the Persians. According to Wikipedia, the temple has 6 by 13 columns; 6 by 12 were originally planned. The material is mainly coarse-grained marble from the Agrileza quarries.
The remains of the Sanctuary of Athena lie on the neighbouring hill. Lord Byron was among the visitors who admired the sunset from the cape. According to the heritage authority, the site is open daily until sunset, with last admission 20 minutes before closing; if you plan to see the sunset, check current times in advance (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Sounion, Greece
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 37.6502, 24.0245
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and December. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Greece: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping BacchusCampsite4 km from Temple of Poseidon, SounionDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Ξένιαστο μελίσσιCampsite5 km from Temple of Poseidon, Sounion
- Free CampingCampsite12 km from Temple of Poseidon, Sounion
- Camping KeaCampsite23 km from Temple of Poseidon, Sounion
All campsites in Greece · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Temple of Poseidon, Sounion?
Temple of Poseidon, Sounion is in Sounion, Greece, at GPS 37.6502, 24.0245. It is about 45 km from Athens.
Can you camp near Temple of Poseidon, Sounion?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Bacchus, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 4 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Temple of Poseidon, Sounion?
Temple of Poseidon, Sounion is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Sounion and the Argolid: Corinth, Mycenae and Epidaurus and Attica’s coast: Lake Vouliagmeni, Sounion, Brauron and Marathon.
What is there to see near Temple of Poseidon, Sounion?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lake Vouliagmeni (27 km), Brauron (Vravrona) Sanctuary of Artemis (31 km), Panathenaic Stadium (43 km) and Temple of Olympian Zeus (44 km).
When is the best time to visit Temple of Poseidon, Sounion?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)