Athenian Riviera: The Greek Secret Worth Staying For
Athenian Riviera with Cath
Cath explored the Athenian Riviera firsthand and shares what makes this coastal area truly worth the stay.
Destination:
Athenian Riviera, Greece
Best time to travel:
May or September
Trip Style:
Couples, Honeymooners, Families
Ancient, sun-bleached and quietly magnificent. Cape Sounio, off the beaten track without sacrificing a thing
An hour south of Athens at the tip of the Attica Peninsula, the Temple of Poseidon has watched over the Aegean since 440 BC. Below it, the sea is impossibly blue. Above it, one of the most dramatically positioned resorts in Greece.
Who Is Cape Sounio Best For?
Couples, honeymooners and families who want genuine luxury alongside real history. The pace here is slow and beautiful, and for those who appreciate that, it delivers completely.
Is It More Than a Day Trip?
Absolutely. Most visitors see the temple and head back to Athens, missing everything that makes this place special. Two nights is the minimum, three to five is ideal.
When Should You Visit?
May and September. Warm, swimmable and unhurried, before the intensity of peak summer arrives.
Where We Stayed
Cape Sounio, a Grecotel
Perched on the clifftop opposite the Temple of Poseidon with the Aegean stretching below. The Cave Room is a wonderful entry point full of character and exceptional value. For complete privacy, the One-Bedroom Pool Villa with its own pool is worth every moment. Talk to our team and we will find the right fit for you.
Our Room
One Bedroom Pool Villa. Private, spacious and with views that make it genuinely difficult to leave.
The Vibe
Luxurious without formality. Guests arrive and slow down. The light and silence here do the work before anything else does.
The Standout Moment
Sunset over the Temple of Poseidon from the resort terrace. One of the finest things Cath has witnessed in years of travel.
Dining
What to Order
Fresh grilled octopus and an authentic Greek salad, simple, local and perfect eaten outside with the sea in front of you.
Best Spot for a Drink
The terrace overlooking the temple. Arrive before the sun starts dropping and stay as long as possible.
Dietary Requirements
All requirements catered for; we simply advise the resort ahead of arrival.
Experiences
The Temple of Poseidon
Built around 440 BC on the outermost edge of the cliff with sea on three sides. Staying at the resort means visiting at dawn or dusk, on your own terms. It’s a completely different experience to any day tour from Athens.
Top Tip
The Port of Lavrio sits minutes from the resort and operates regular ferries to Kea and Kythnos year round, with summer services extending to Paros, Naxos, Milos and Ios. Cape Sounio is a brilliantly positioned starting point for a broader Greek Islands itinerary.
Getting Around
A hire car is the best way to explore the peninsula freely. Athens Airport is around 45 minutes away or a private transfer and guided tours are also on offer.
Money Matters
Cards widely accepted. Tipping appreciated but not expected. Australian passport holders should confirm current Schengen entry requirements before travel.
Cath's Final Word
"Sunset at the temple, the quiet of the Aegean, just feeling completely away from it all. Sounio is one of those places that everyone should experience at least once”
If you would like to know more about Greece
Email - Emma Whiting Travel → or call 03 9481 1077
