1 - 10 of 10 Posts

k_tsoukalas

Administrator
I just wanted to share that one of the most memorable day trips that I took while staying in the Athens area was The Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion. I didn't really know what to expect but it ended up being memorable. My mother said this was a common excursion on one of the Mediterranean cruises that my parents took, and I wanted to see what the fuss was all about.

So, we hired a taxi there from the hotel and our timing was perfect. It worked out that we got there right at sunset, and the pictures I took while here were some of the most beautiful of the whole trip. Here's a photo of what it looks like:
 

Attachments

  • temple-of-poseidon-cape-sounion.jpg
    temple-of-poseidon-cape-sounion.jpg
    62.4 KB · Views: 1
  • Like
Reactions: TatianaS
Great suggestion! Another thing that we always do when in Athens is spend time at the Acropolis and also changing of the gaurds at the tomb of the unknown soldier

IMG_7046-720x540.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: TatianaS and Jawge
How far is it from downtown Athens? I didn't plan on going but now I want to add it to my itinerary!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jawge
How far is it from downtown Athens? I didn't plan on going but now I want to add it to my itinerary!
From what I remember it is about 20 min cab ride.
 
  • Like
Reactions: blopez34
The Parthenon and Plaka are memorable.
 
Love love love Sounio especially at sunset. The drive is about an hour from downtown Athens but you can take the metro to a closer stop if your taking a cab. I believe you can also do a bus tour from the city center. Also some great beaches near by to take a dip so you can easily make a day of it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TatianaS and Jawge
From what I remember it is about 20 min cab ride.
It depends on traffic and where you are. We stayed outside of Athens and I think it might have been around 40 minutes from our location. Not a bad distance at all!
 
  • Like
Reactions: TatianaS and Jawge
It depends on traffic and where you are. We stayed outside of Athens and I think it might have been around 40 minutes from our location. Not a bad distance at all!
From what I remember it is about 20 min cab ride.
Really? We hired a cab from our hotel in Glyfada to go to Sounion, and I thought it was about 50 minutes. I thought Athens was further, and Mapquest thinks it's 1 hour 7 minutes from Athens.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Jawge
Really? We hired a cab from our hotel in Glyfada to go to Sounion, and I thought it was about 50 minutes. I thought Athens was further, and Mapquest thinks it's 1 hour 7 minutes from Athens.
Really? We hired a cab from our hotel in Glyfada to go to Sounion, and I thought it was about 50 minutes. I thought Athens was further, and Mapquest thinks it's 1 hour 7 minutes from Athens.
It really does depend on traffic and what part of Athens you are in. For example if you have to cut through downtown during peak traffic it will take well over an hour! I would say plan on an hour give or take if you are in the vacinity. Play it safe and go earlier in the day and spend some time at one of the local beaches there!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Joni T.
I just wanted to share that one of the most memorable day trips that I took while staying in the Athens area was The Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion. I didn't really know what to expect but it ended up being memorable. My mother said this was a common excursion on one of the Mediterranean cruises that my parents took, and I wanted to see what the fuss was all about.

So, we hired a taxi there from the hotel and our timing was perfect. It worked out that we got there right at sunset, and the pictures I took while here were some of the most beautiful of the whole trip. Here's a photo of what it looks like:
If you ever have a chance to go back, make a stop at the Monastery of St. Paul the Apostle in Paliokamariza, Lavrion. It's a beautiful monastery and the nun's have an organic farm with olives, fruits and herbs. There are also handmade crafts and other items available in their gift shop.
 

Best Places for Sunset in Athens?

I realized recently that even though I visit Athens about once a year, I’ve never actually paid attention to the sunset there. I don’t have a trip planned at the moment, I’m just gathering ideas for the future, but now I’m curious about the best places in the city to watch the sun go down.

Are there classic spots locals love? I’ve heard of Lycabettus Hill and some rooftop bars, but I’m sure there are lesser-known viewpoints, coastal areas, or even neighborhood corners that offer beautiful light in the evening. I’d also love to know if certain places are better at different times of year or if the atmosphere changes depending on whether you’re in the center or closer to the Athens Riviera.

If you had to recommend your favorite places for a memorable sunset in Athens, where would you send someone who’s finally ready to pay attention?

How walkable is Athens?

I’m thinking about visiting Athens this year and trying to figure out how easy it is to get around on foot. I usually prefer walking when I travel, especially in cities where you can explore neighborhoods naturally without relying too much on transportation.

How walkable is Athens overall? Are the main areas like Plaka, Monastiraki, and the Acropolis close enough to each other to comfortably walk between them, or is it more spread out than it looks?

I’m also wondering where it makes the most sense to stay if I want to rely mostly on walking. Would it still be worth using the metro, or even renting a car, or is that unnecessary for a short trip?

Is the Acropolis Museum Worth It?

I might be planning another trip to Athens and, oddly enough, I've never actually visited the Acropolis Museum. Every time I've been there, I've spent most of my time exploring the Acropolis itself, wandering through Plaka, or fitting in other sites, and somehow the museum has always ended up getting skipped.

This time I'm wondering if I should finally make time for it. I've heard great things, but I'm curious whether it's something that really adds to the experience of visiting the Acropolis or if it's better suited for people who are especially interested in archaeology and history.

For those of you who have been, did you feel it was one of the highlights of Athens? How much time would you recommend setting aside, and is there anything in particular that really stood out to you?

Any must-try dessert spots in Athens?

I might be heading to Athens this summer, and I’ve already started making a mental list of all the food I want to try—but I feel like desserts deserve their own plan.

I know about some of the classics like loukoumades and baklava, but I’d love to hear about specific spots that are really worth going out of the way for. Whether it’s a traditional pastry shop, a place known for one standout dessert, or even something more modern, I’m open to all of it.

Also curious if there are any places that are especially good in the summer, something refreshing, lighter, or just perfect after a long day walking around the city.
Would love any recommendations or favorites you’ve found!

Favorite day trips from Athens?

I was talking to someone recently about Athens and realized that a lot of people use it mostly as a base before heading to the islands, but there seem to be so many good day trips nearby that don’t get discussed as much.

The obvious ones like Delphi, Hydra, Nafplio, Cape Sounion, and Aegina always come up, but I’m curious which places people actually enjoyed the most once they went. Sometimes the smaller or less hyped trips end up being the most memorable.

I’m especially interested in places that are realistically doable in a single day without feeling rushed. Could be history-focused, food-focused, beach towns, mountain villages, or even somewhere mostly known for the scenery and atmosphere.

Would love to hear everyone’s favorite day trips from Athens, especially places that surprised you once you got there.
Share and discuss your Athens photos, questions and experiences!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top