01 May Family trip to Sounion: a journey by private van
If you are in Athens for a few days, choose a morning to head south — you will be surprised by the beauty and tranquillity you will find just an hour away from the city. Sounion is one of those places that locals visit again and again, especially when they want to relax, breathe in the sea air, and share a little mythology with their children.
The route that sets the tone
The road from Athens to Cape Sounion follows the coastline for most of the way, and that’s where the magic begins. Starting around 9 a.m., when the city is still asleep and the kids are full of energy, you will pass small coves, fishing boats, and beach cafes slowly opening their umbrellas. You don’t need much — maybe a backpack with water, towels, and something light to eat. If the windows are down, you’ll probably smell the pine trees mixed with the salty air.
A quick stop at Vouliagmeni
The road from Athens to Cape Sounion follows the coastline for most of the way, and that’s where the magic begins. Starting around 9 a.m., when the city is still asleep and the kids are full of energy, you will pass small coves, fishing boats, and beach cafes slowly opening their umbrellas. You don’t need much — maybe a backpack with water, towels, and something light to eat. If the windows are down, you’ll probably smell the pine trees mixed with the salty air.
Following the coast towards Sounion
The route continues through Lagonisi and Anavyssos, villages that seem to be in the summer all year round. You will pass beach huts and quiet houses and may even see a group of teenagers dragging their paddleboards onto the shore. There is a calmness to the way time passes here — slower, gentler.
As you approach Cape Sounion, the Temple of Poseidon begins to appear through the trees. If you’re lucky and the sky is clear, you’ll see it shining white against the blue of the Aegean Sea. This is usually the moment when someone in the van says, “Wow,” even if they aren’t expecting much.
Exploring the temple — and its history
Once you reach the top, everything seems open. The Temple of Poseidon stands proudly on the edge of the cliff, its marble columns faded but still strong. Built between 444 and 440 BC during the Golden Age of Pericles, it was both sacred and a beacon for sailors returning home.
Archaeological finds show that the site was a place of worship at least since the 11th century BC and was rebuilt after the destruction of the older temple by the Persians in 480 BC. This place is steeped in mythology and history.
According to legend, it was from this spot that King Aegeus watched the horizon, waiting for his son Theseus to return from Crete. When he mistakenly believed that his son had died, he jumped into the sea that now bears his name, the Aegean. As you wander among the columns, you may notice the name “Byron” carved into the stone. In 1810, Lord Byron visited Sounion, charmed by the view, and decided to leave his mark. The mark is not vandalism but the poetry of history carved in marble.
Time to relax by the sea
After exploring the site, most families will enjoy taking a dip or just spending some time on the beach. Just below the temple is a quiet and relaxed beach. The sand isn’t perfect — expect to find a few small pebbles — but the water is shallow, and children usually love playing in the water while their parents find shade under the tamarisk trees.
If you haven’t brought a swimsuit, there’s no need to worry. You can simply sit by the water with a coffee from the nearby kiosk and listen to the soothing sounds of the sea. There’s often a gentle breeze, and on clear days, you can catch a glimpse of the island of Kea in the distance.
Lunch with a view
There are several tavernas located near the beach, as well as a short drive away, offering simple yet delicious food. Consider grilled fish, Greek salad, fried zucchini, and local wine — nothing too fancy, just fresh ingredients. One of our favourites is more famous for its stunning views than its menu, and we particularly enjoy it because the children have space to run around while we relax and savour our meal.
The return trip — and one last look
On the way back, the light begins to change. If you leave late in the afternoon, you’ll probably catch the sunset’s beautiful colours shifting along the coastline. It’s quieter then — the beaches are emptier, the road less busy. It’s a good time to look out the window, listen to some quiet music, or just doze off as the van heads north again.
