While we were vacationing in Athens we decided to join a guided half day tour with Key Tours to Cape Sounion where we could experience the Temple of Poseidon at sunset. Normally, I do not opt for tours, as I prefer exploring on my own, however our time in Greece was limited and we were traveling with a child, thus we thought this was the easiest way to visit a part of the capitol that could not be missed.
From the moment we began our tour until the very end, Key Tours was outstanding. Both the bus driver and tour guide could not have been better! Our tour guide had gone to University to study Greek history and had such an interesting perspective on everything that we were seeing.
We began with an hour long drive along “the Athenian Riviera”. During this incredibly scenic ride we enjoyed views of the Saronic Gulf while passing through some of Athens’ most beautiful suburbs, including Hellinikon Olympic complex, Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza.
Arriving at the Cape Sounion, your breath will immediately be taken away when you witness the Temple of Poseidon for the first time. In fact, I was so moved, I teared up thinking about being in such a historical place of grandeur. There are also magnificent panoramic views of the Aegean Sea (on a clear day you can see at least seven islands).
The Temple of Poseidon was built during the 5th Century B.C. Cape Sounion has long played an important part in Greek mythology and history, and the first recorded mention of it occurs in the Odyssey, as the last safe landing before Poseidon scattered the returning Greek navy. As god of the sea, Poseidon was very important for ancient Greeks, and the scale of the temple reflects that.
On a side note, one of its columns has a graffiti left by none other than Lord Byron in the early 1800’s.
And for those traveling with children, Joaquín had an incredible time wandering around. There is even an outdoor café on site with clean bathrooms, wifi, and ice cream. We were able to FaceTime the grandparents and it was a moment none of us will ever forget.
Of course, the best part was watching the sun begin to slowly touch the sea, which signified it was time to return to our hotel. I highly recommend this tour if you should find yourself in Athens, Greece!
