The places to visit near Athens have a unique culture, history and nature. It is the birthplace of all the Western civilization and Undoubtedly one of the most historical cities in Europe. In Athens you can visit hundreds of ancient sites such as the Parthenon, the ancient agora, you can learn about the Greek philosophers or just enjoy the best Mediterranean cuisine ever. The capital of Greece has to offer many great nearby destinations, so it can be your base for amazing day trips.
Athens is not the largest capital in Europe, but there are still so many things to do and see. Sometimes, is a bit confusing to choose how to go, thus a rental scooter is the best solution. Athens is full of attractions that you can visit on your 2 wheels and are actually well worth the journey. A rental scooter will give you the opportunity to make the most out of your trips and will give you the desired flexibility to choose where to go, for how long and where to stop.
Those trips will give you the real sense of Greece and dont forget to experience the Greek traditional life, cuisine and hospitality during your visit. If you want to expand your adventure outside of the capital, you can make an excursion to some unique arcaeological sites or some unique sea side places. On this article you will find information about two of the most popular places to visit near Athens, the temple of Poseidon and lake Vouliagmeni.
Temple of Poseidon – Cape Sounion
Cape Sounio, where you can explore the ancient temple of Poseidon is located on the Southern coast of Atica, just an hour away with your scooter. A day trip to cape Sounion can be added in your itinerary in order to explore this ancient temple, as also to enjoy the most amazing view and sunset over the Aegean Sea. We highly recommend to rent a scooter, as you will be able to stop at many amazing spots such as Varkiza, Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, on your ride along the Athens Riviera! In addiion you will be able to travel at your own pace and swim in nearby beaches.
If just one day is not enough for you you can stay in one of the beachside aprtments and hotels of the area, with an amazing view of the temple and the sea. In Sounion you can find many beaches with great waters, local taverns, restaurants, cafes and many more things to do in the surounding area.
Why you should consider a day trip at cape Sounion?
History: Cape Sounion is considered one of the best places to visit near Athens. The temple of Poseidon is located on the edge of a cliff, right infront of the Aegean sea. This Doric temple was built around 440 B.C. during the Golden Age of Pericles. The temple was dedicated to the Olympian god Poseidon, in order to keep the ships safe from the sea. Inside the temple there was a 6 meters bronze statue of the god Poseidon, that some parts are preserved and located in the Archeological Museum of Athens.
Before the temple was constructed, this area was considered sacred by Herodotus and Homer and there are signs of habitation since 2900 BC. Its strategic location made it a great watchtower, ideal for guarding the passage to Piraeus. Sounion is so unique that even Lord Byron was really fascinated with the area and wrote his name on the stones of the temple in 1810.
Amazing View: Cape Sounion has an amazing panoramic view of the Aegean Sea, ideal to capture it with your camera. Do not forget that the best time to visit the temple is during the sunset.
Mythology: In ancient Greek mythology those cliffs are where King Aegeus was waiting for his son Theseus to come back from Crete where he was sent to kill the Minotaur. Their agreement was to have white sails in his ship if he succeed and black if Minotaur kills his son. Theseus forgot to change the black sails and when Aegeus saw the ship in the distance he got despaired and jumped in the sea to his death. Thus, people of Athens gave to the sea the name of their King and loving father of Theseus and called it Aegean Sea.
Beaches near the temple of Poseidon
Have a refreshing swim at one of the best beaches near Athens. You can visit:
- Sounio Beach that is located under the Temple of Poseidon.
- Legrena Beach one of the most popular beaches in the area south of Sounio.
- Harakas Beach is filled with golden sand and a few pebbles near its shallow waters. It is one of the most popular beaches in Attica.
- Kape beach is non-organized, without any facilities for visitors, thats why it preserves all its natural beauty untouched.
Lake Vouliagmeni
The lake of Vouliagmeni is located right next to the sea in the southern part of Ymittos and is only half an hour away, from the center of Athens. So renting a scooter is ideal for a quick getaway after work, or during the weekend to one of the best places to visit near Athens. The length of the lake is 260 meters and the ideal time to visit, starts from spring, since its waters have a constant temperature almost all year round. The temperature is all year between 21 and 28 degrees Celsius and the main reason is that they come from a depth of about 50 – 100 meters. The waters of the lake are brackish since there is a natural source of fresh water that supplies water to the lake.
Lake Vouliagmeni is a recognized natural conservation monument, protected wetland by the Ramsar convention and is on the Natura 2000 list. Its waters have healing properties due to their content of trace elements and minerals. The lake is connected to the sea through underground caves and arcades and is only 0.5 meters above sea level. Lake Vouliagmeni is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Athens, full of romance that seems to be taken out of a fairy tale or a painting by a famous painter. You can enjoy your bath, try unique cocktails or a selected wine with your dinner.