At a distance of about 70km from Athens, one may find Sounio Cape, the southernmost part of the Attica peninsula.
The “sacred cape of Athenians”, as Homer named it, where the Athenians were celebrating a big feast every 4 years, comprised a nautical base, but also a commercial station. The first temple in the area started to be built in the beginning of the 5th century BC, but was destroyed before even finished, by the Persians in 480 BC. On the highest point of the Sounion archaeological site, the impressing Doric Temple dedicated to the God of sea, Poseidon, lies. From there and at a height of about 60 m, you may enjoy a unique and limitless sunset over the Aegean Sea.
According to the Greek mythology, the Aegean Sea took its name from King Aegeas, who was standing on the sacred rock waiting for the return of his son, Theseus, coming from Crete. When we saw black sails on the ship, because his son had forgotten to change, he thought Theseus was dead and beaten by Minotaurus, and, hence, Aegeas fell off the rock.
No more historical details about this site here, as you can find everything you need to know on the official website of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. I will only mention that the entire archaeological site and particularly the Temple is unbelievably beautiful, being prominent even from far away, on top of the cliff.
On our visit during the familiarization trip of the Region of Attica a bit before the sunset, we were guided around the archaeological site. From the edge of the cliff we enjoyed the sun disappearing far on the horizon, painting the sea, the ancient Temple of Poseidon and the whole surrounding scenery with a golden color, magically resembling a Greek island. We were also very lucky, as the weather was our ally to enjoy this amazing views to the Aegean Sea and the blue sky! Losing sight of the sun from the side of the sea and welcoming the moon over the Temple, we left the site, as the place closes down after the sunset. The ride towards Athens going through the Athenian Riviera, as western Attica is called, was also picturesque, with the mountainous dry scenery of the peninsula ending up in the Saronic Gulf.
So, is the best sunset of Attica that one at the Sounion Cape? Well, I will let you find out yourselves!
The stunning views to the Aegean Sea and the temple, before entering the archaeological site
Walking around the temple you can have idyllic views of the place
The back side of the temple
The surrounding landscape
TIP: When leaving the archaeological site, do not return via the same path! Continue walking around the Temple towards the eastern part, from where you will come along a beautiful small bay with a sandy beach. Overlooking the sea, you can enjoy views to the Poseidon Temple with the Aegean Sea in the background.
The ticket costs €8 and the working hours are from 09:00 in summer (09:30 in winter) until the sunset. More details here.