Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon: Bus, Tickets and Sunset Tips
The marble temple on the tip of Attica is the easiest half-day trip from Athens. Here is how to get there without a tour, what the ticket costs and how to handle the sunset crowd.
The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion is about 70 km south of central Athens. The KTEL Attikis coastal bus from Pedion tou Areos takes around two hours; a car takes 70 to 90 minutes. As of November 2026, the site ticket is €20 (reduced €10) and the site opens daily from 09:30 until sunset.
The temple was built in the 5th century BC on a cliff above the meeting point of the Saronic and Aegean seas. Much of its Doric colonnade still stands. Lord Byron carved his name on one of them, which you can spot if you look for the small crowd pointing at the stone.
How do you get to Cape Sounion by bus?
Orange KTEL Attikis buses run from central Athens to Sounion. The coastal route follows the shore through Glyfada, Varkiza, Lagonisi and Anavyssos, which is the reason many people take it rather than a tour.
- Go to the KTEL Attikis stop at Pedion tou Areos park, on the Mavromateon Street side, a short walk from Victoria metro station.
- Check the current timetable on the KTEL Attikis website or at the kiosk. Departures thin out in winter, and there are only a few buses a day on the coastal route.
- Pay on board or at the stop. Recent reports put the one-way fare at under €10 as of 2026, but the operator sets it, so carry cash and check.
- Get off at the last stop, Sounio, which is at the entrance to the site.
- Note the time of the last bus back before you go in. In winter it can leave soon after sunset.
There is also an inland route through the Mesogeia villages, which is a little faster but less scenic. Both buses can be slow in summer weekend traffic.
What about driving or a taxi?
Driving gives you more freedom to stop at beaches on the way. Take Poseidonos Avenue (the coast road) south from Faliro and Glyfada, then follow signs for Sounio. The parking area by the site fills up before sunset in summer. Leave by car right after sunset if you can, as the coast road back to Athens gets slow.
A taxi from central Athens to Sounion is possible but expensive for a return trip with waiting time. Agree the price before you set off; our guide to taxis in Athens, fares and apps explains how meters and fixed fares work.
How much is the ticket and when is the site open?
The Ministry of Culture sets the ticket price and hours. As of November 2026:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Full ticket | €20 |
| Reduced ticket | €10, for eligible groups with ID |
| Hours | Daily 09:30 to sunset, summer and winter; last admission 20 minutes before closing |
| Free-entry days | 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, last weekend of September, 28 October, and the first and third Sunday of each month from November to March |
| Closed | 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Orthodox Easter Sunday, 25 and 26 December |
EU citizens up to 25 and children from outside the EU up to 18 enter free on showing ID, under the same state rules that apply at other Ministry of Culture sites. E-tickets are sold on hhticket.gr, the official ticketing site for state monuments.
How busy is Sounion at sunset?
Very busy from May to October. Tour buses arrive in the hour before sunset, and the path around the temple becomes crowded. The site closes at sunset, so you watch the sun go down from inside the fence and then walk out with everyone else.
- Arrive two hours before sunset to walk around the temple while the light is still soft and the crowd is smaller.
- Stand on the western side of the hill for the classic view of the sun dropping into the sea behind the columns.
- Watch from outside. The café-restaurant below the site and the beach in Sounion bay both have views of the temple without a ticket.
In December the sun sets around 17:10, so the site closes early and the crowds are much thinner.
Are there beaches nearby?
Yes. The small beach in the bay below the temple has tavernas and is easy to reach on foot from the bus stop. On the drive or bus ride, Legrena, Anavyssos and Saronida all have beaches by the road. Our guide to the Athens Riviera beaches compares the organized and free ones between Faliro and Sounion.
Shade is limited on most of these beaches. Bring water and a hat between June and September.
What should you know about a winter visit?
Winter is a good time to go if you check the weather first. The cape is exposed, and the wind can be strong and cold even on a sunny day. Hours are shorter because closing follows sunset, and buses run less often.
Many beach tavernas close or open only at weekends between November and March. Pack a snack and a warm layer. Strong winds can also make the paths around the temple slippery after rain.
Bottom line
If you go by bus, take a departure that gets you to Sounion about two hours before sunset, buy your site ticket online in advance and check the last bus time at the stop when you arrive. In winter, a free first or third Sunday makes the trip almost entirely a bus fare.
FAQ
How long does the bus from Athens to Sounion take?
Around two hours on the KTEL Attikis coastal route, depending on traffic. Summer weekend traffic on the coast road can add time.
Is Cape Sounion worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if the weather is calm. The site is quieter and the sunset is earlier, but wind on the cape can be strong and some tavernas are closed.
Can you see the sunset from inside the Temple of Poseidon site?
Yes. The site closes at sunset, so you can watch the sun go down from the hill and then leave. Expect large crowds at that time from spring to autumn.
Is the Sounion ticket included in the Acropolis combined ticket?
No. Sounion has its own ticket. Check hhticket.gr for current combined offers before you assume otherwise.
