Temple of Poseidon

The ultimate mythology bike tour!  Cycle from the Temple of Athena to the Temple of Poseidon, the god of the sea.  Start at the Acropolis and end at the tip of Attika peninsula, hugging the coastal road with its stunning sea views.

The stupendous Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion sits on a promontory overlooking the Aegean Sea with 360 degree views.   Built in 440 BC, the mighty temple has mesmerized many with its magnificence, including the British poet Lord Byron who carved his signature in one of the marble columns circa 1810 (see photo in left side slider).  Strategically situated, Cape Sounion enabled Athenians to control the sea passage to Piraeus port, as well as Lavrio whose silver mines were responsible for Athens emerging superpower status in the 5th century BC.

The Temple of Poseidon Excursion is a full day event.  Start the ride either at the Acropolis in central Athens or start the ride from Vari on the coast via a 45 minute vehicle transfer.  The Temple of Poseidon grounds are small with no museum on the site, only a cafe with scenic views, a souvenir shop and restrooms.   Lunch at local fish taverna in Lavrio.

TOUR ITINERARY

Option to start from Acropolis at 9:00 a.m.  Return by vehicle.  Tour drop-off at Syntagma Square at Ermou Street at 18:00.   See map for Acropolis and drop-off point.

Option to start from Vari with vehicle pick-up at 9:00 a.m at Syntagma Square at Ermou Street and drop-off at 18:00, same place.   See map for Syntagma Square location.

• If starting from Acropolis, you cycle on a service road down to the coast and hugging Poseidon Avenue past Flisvos Marina, Paleo Faliro, Alimos Beach, Glyfada, Vari, Lagonissi.   Pit stop in Anavisos for Greek coffee and snacks.   Final leg to Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon.
• If starting from Vari, cycle the coastal highway passing beach after beautiful beach with the sea always to your right.  Pit stop in Anavisos for Greek coffee and snacks.   Final leg to Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon.
• Explore the Temple of Poseidon with its incredible panorama.
• Lunch at a seaside fresh fish taverna.  Option to bike to Lavrio for lunch in front of a marina or eat at a Sounio taverna below the Temple and swim in the sea.
• Vehicle transfer back to Athens

RIDE INFO

For riders starting from the Acropolis, it is 68 kilometers (42 miles) to the Temple of Poseidon — takes about 3 1/2 hours.  For riders starting from Vari, it is 42 km (26 miles) to the Temple of Poseidon — takes about 2 hours.   From the Temple to Lavrio is an additional 10 km (6.20 miles), 1/2 hour.

The entire route is asphalt, no dirt.   The first portion of the ride to the pit stop at Anavisos town is basically all flat.  There is traffic but the road tends to have a wide shoulder.  Also, this is a favorite route of local cyclists, so drivers are very conscious of the two wheeled traffic.  From Anavisos to Sounion, there are four slight climbs, the highest at 100 meters (328 feet).    This second leg has very little traffic; you feel it’s just you and your bike and the ever present sea.

Vari to Temple of Poseidon (clicks open)

Athens to Temple of Poseidon to Lavrio  (clicks open)

TOUR INCLUSIONS

• Bike guide, English speaking.   French, German, Russian speakers available on request.
• Vehicle support.   Company vehicle trails riders at a discrete distance.  Vehicle carries spare bike parts, floor pump, your day pack, first aid kit, water and snacks.   You can hop in if you want a rest.   Driver is also a bike mechanic.
• Hybrid bikes with thick tires and flat handlebars.   Includes helmet, water bottle and handlebar pouch which fits your wallet, cellphone and camera.
• Delicious lunch at seaside fish taverna (meat, vegan and vegetarian options).
• Entry fee to Temple of Poseidon
• Transfers in company vehicle to Vari ride start point and end-point at Syntagma Square.

TEMPLE OF POSEIDON MYTHOLOGY 

King Minos of Crete created a labyrinth to hold the Minotaur, a half-man, half-bull monster.  The king forced Athenians to send 7 boys and 7 girls to Crete as tribute to the Minotaur who ate them.  Theseus volunteered to go and slay the beast.  After killing the Minotaur, Theseus successfully navigated his way out of the complex maze following a ball of yarn he had cleverly unrolled when he wound his way into the labyrinth.  His father, King Aegeus of Athens, told Theseus that if he survived he must hoist a white sail upon his return.  Theseus forgot and the ship came sailing towards Athens with a black sail.  Despairing that the Minotaur devoured his son, King Aegeus leapt to his death from the cliff where the Temple of Poseidon now stands, giving his name to the Aegean Sea.

Can you see the Temple of Poseidon on a cliff in the distant background?