From Athens: Lake Vouliagmeni Spa & Temple of Poseidon Tour

Planning your trip to Greece often involves a mix of ancient ruins and stunning seaside scenery. This tour offers a balanced blend of both, taking visitors just outside Athens to explore the famous Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion and enjoy a peaceful visit to Lake Vouliagmeni, renowned for its healing thermal waters. We’ve gathered insights from past travelers, and here’s what you need to know about this well-rounded excursion.

What makes this experience appealing? First, it’s the chance to avoid crowded sightseeing buses by having a private driver. Second, the combination of nature and history offers a memorable day. Third, the tour includes convenient hotel or airport pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward. But, on the flip side, the cost of entrance tickets isn’t included, so you need to budget extra if you want to go inside the archaeological sites or swim at the lake. This tour is best suited for those wanting a flexible, relaxed day with authentic Greek scenery and cultural highlights.

Contents show

Key Points:

Convenient private transportation with a knowledgeable driver
Flexible pace at each stop, with plenty of free time
Includes scenic drives along the Athens Riviera, ideal for beach lovers
Swim in thermal waters and explore the iconic Temple of Poseidon
Cost does not include entrance fees, so budget accordingly
Perfect for travelers craving a mix of relaxation, nature, and history

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Tour Experience

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Athens

What to Expect from the Itinerary

This tour is designed to maximize your time outside Athens without feeling rushed. It starts with hotel or airport pickup in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The driver is an English speaker with deep local knowledge, which means you’ll get more than just a lift—you’ll gain insights into Greek culture and local tips along the way.

The first stop is Lake Vouliagmeni, a unique thermal spa lake just 45 minutes from central Athens. The journey itself is scenic, passing along the Athens Riviera, where you’ll see dozens of beaches and swimming spots. This stretch alone is worth the trip if you’re a beach lover or enjoy seaside views. Once at Lake Vouliagmeni, you get around 1.5 hours to swim and relax in these healing waters. Be aware, the entrance fee is not included, priced at around €16-19 per person, depending on the day of the week. Some reviews mention that the lake is quite small and might be crowded during peak summer days, but the tranquil waters make up for it.

Insights from Real Travelers: Lake Vouliagmeni

One reviewer, Vivian, described the lake as “very small but beautiful,” noting that it might get crowded in summer—something to consider if you prefer peaceful surroundings. The thermal waters are praised for their healing qualities; many visitors find them relaxing and rejuvenating. To make the most of your time, bring your own towel and consider arriving early or later in the day to avoid peak crowds.

Exploring the Temple of Poseidon

After the lake, the journey continues to Cape Sounion, about a 45-minute drive. The highlight here is the Temple of Poseidon, perched atop a cliff overlooking the Aegean Pelagos. The views are truly breathtaking, especially at sunset—though this particular tour doesn’t specify a sunset time, you’ll still enjoy the impressive setting and sweeping vistas. The site offers about 45 minutes of free time for sightseeing and a gentle walk around the ruins.

Past travelers, like Kathrina, mention how guides and stops make the visit more enriching. Thodoris, one of the guides, is noted for his friendliness and willingness to point out various site features, making the experience more personal. The wind up on the hill can be strong, so packing a jacket, especially if visiting in cooler months, is advisable.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Benefits of This Tour

The biggest advantage is the flexibility. You’re not on a crowded bus, and your driver isn’t just a chauffeur—they’re a local guide of sorts, sharing interesting facts and recommendations. The comfortable vehicle and Wi-Fi make the ride more enjoyable, and snacks and bottled water are included, which is a thoughtful touch after a busy morning.

There's plenty more to explore in Athens

Real-Life Tips for Your Day Out

Bring your own towel for the lake, as towels are charged at the entrance.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the ruins.
Bring a jacket or sweater for the windy hilltop at Cape Sounion.
Be prepared for additional costs for entry tickets—budget €16-19 for Lake Vouliagmeni and €10 for the Temple of Poseidon.
If you’re planning to swim, arrive early or late to avoid peak crowds, based on past reviews.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour employs air-conditioned vehicles—either mini-vans, Mercedes-Benz, or Skoda Fabia 2023 models—adding a touch of comfort to your journey. The driver is not licensed to accompany you inside the sights, but their local knowledge compensates by providing context during the drive. Typically, the group is small, which enhances the feeling of a personalized experience.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

The total cost covers transportation, snacks, bottled water, Wi-Fi, and a souvenir gift—adding up to good value considering the convenience. However, entrance fees are extra, so if you plan to visit inside the archaeological sites or swim, you’ll need to budget for those. Compared to organized group tours with fixed schedules, this private-style experience offers more flexibility and personal attention, making it a worthwhile choice especially for those who value comfort and local insights.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a relaxed, well-organized day outside Athens without the hassle of heavy crowds or rigid schedules. It’s ideal for those interested in both history and nature, as well as anyone craving a peaceful swim in thermal waters. It also appeals to visitors who prefer private transportation and appreciate authentic insights from local guides.

The Bottom Line

This tour strikes a good balance between scenic beauty and cultural highlights, making it a wholesome day trip option from Athens. The visit to Lake Vouliagmeni offers a chance to enjoy natural thermal waters in a tranquil setting, while the Temple of Poseidon provides spectacular views and a touch of ancient history. The private driver ensures comfort and flexibility, and the included amenities make the day more enjoyable.

While it’s not cheap—entrance fees are separate—the overall experience justifies the cost if you value convenience, personalized service, and authentic surroundings. It’s especially perfect for those who want to skip the crowds and prefer a more tailored, relaxed exploration.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a scenic, cultural day out that combines the best of Greece’s natural and historical treasures in a comfortable, flexible setting.

FAQs

Are hotel or airport pickups included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your Athens hotel or airport, ensuring a stress-free start and end to your day.

How long is the drive between Athens and the stops?
The drive to Lake Vouliagmeni takes around 45 minutes, and the trip to Cape Sounion is also about 45 minutes, offering scenic views along the way.

How much time do I have at each stop?
You’ll have roughly 1.5 hours to enjoy Lake Vouliagmeni and about 45 minutes for sightseeing at the Temple of Poseidon.

Are entrance tickets included?
No, entrance fees (€10 for the temple, €16-19 for the lake) are paid separately, so budget accordingly.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel if you plan to swim, comfortable walking shoes, a jacket for the windy hilltop, sun protection, and extra cash for entrance fees and meals.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the flexible nature and scenic stops make it suitable for families, provided children can handle a full day outdoors.

Can I request a guided tour inside the archaeological site?
Guided tours inside the Temple of Poseidon are available upon request and depend on availability, but most of the experience is self-guided.

How do I pay for this tour?
You can reserve now and pay later, with full payment due at the time of booking, offering flexibility if plans change.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women?
It’s not recommended, as physical activity and windy conditions at the hilltop could be uncomfortable.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it easy to adapt if your plans change.

This tour offers a well-rounded, relaxed day combining Greece’s natural beauty with a touch of historical grandeur, perfect for those seeking a flexible and authentic experience just outside Athens.