THE ENDLESS BLUE - SOUNIO

Trip to Sounio and Lavrio.

According to myth, on the rock of Sounio Aegeus, king of Athens, was waiting for his son Theseus to return from Crete, where he had gone to face Minotaur. Theseus, being drunk while celebrating the extermination of Minotaur, forgot to raise the white sails that he had promised his father and left the black ones he had when he had sailed from Athens. When Aegeus saw the black sails, fell from Sounio, giving its name to the sea that is spread in front of it, the current Aegean Sea.

Sounio is the furthest spot south end of the mainland of Attica and a place loaded with awe that the open sea causes. Access from Athens is easy. If you take Vouliagmeni Avenue from downtown, you will be led to the coastal avenue (Souniou). From there, passing by many municipalities (Voula, Varkiza, Vari) and quaint places across the coast line, you arrive at Sounio with the aid of road signs.

At Sounio, there is the Temple of Poseidon, probably built by Ictinus around 448-440 B.C. Sophocles praises in “Antigone” the sunrise view when one stands on the top of the peninsula (65 m. above sea level), a fact that proves that the ancient Greeks chose very carefully their worship locations. The sanctuary is indeed of unparalleled beauty and a visit is recommended. Continuing north along the coast for about six km., you will find Lavrio, a small town (of 11.000 residents), but with big history through the centuries.

In ancient time, a big part of the Athenian prosperity owed to the mineral riches and its silver mines. The name “Lavrio” (also called Laurium) derives from the word “lavra” that means gallery and it probably refers to the mine galleries. In the 19th Century, interest for the exploitation of the mines of Lavrio was rekindled and two mining companies were established, a Greek and a French. This development gave Lavrio unexpected primacy in various fields, because it was there that the telephone, the train and the voltaic lamps were used for the first time in Greece. In the café “I orea Ellas (Beautiful Greece)” – due to the absence of a Stock Exchange – the first stock market transaction in Athens was completed.

The main attraction sites of Lavrio are, the Archaeological Museum (tel. +30 22920 22817) and the Mineralogical Museum (tel. +30 22920 26270, open Tuesday-Sunday 08.30-15.00), the Industrial Park and the Central Market. Many neoclassical buildings maintained or not, testify its bygone prosperity.

Distance from Athens:
- Sounio (coastal): 60 km
- Lavrio (coastal) : 66 km
- Lavrio (inland): 52 km

Shopping

ART BOOKSTORE KOAN
Art book store with many aesthetic choices from the areas of cinematography, photography, painting and a whole lot more. ... more
TUBE
Beautiful boutique in Exarcheia, with unique style. Bags, dresses and accessories at good prices.... more
TRANTA
Hand made leather goods of Greek origin like, high quality / exclusive handbags and belts, are sold here. ... more

Entertainment

ODEON STARCITY
Odeon’s second multiplex, located next to the Lydra Marriott Hotel has most of its 10 theaters operating from the early... more
THISEION
Beautiful cinema with view of Acropolis. Summer Venue.... more
RIVIERA
The Riviera movie house is practically legendary in the area of Exarchia. Visit it during the summer months and enjoy... more

Nightlife

THE PONTIKI
This classic spot in Kypseli - with traditional food and abundant drink - offers live music all the nights it... more
THE ATHENS CONCERT HALL (MEGARON)
Established in 1991, the Megaron is deemed as one of the most comprehensive culture centers in Europe. ... more
HOXTON
Hoxton is the name and the alternative scene is their game. The rather full yet large garage space plays songs... more

Wellness

SWAHA YOGA CENTER
Swaha Yoga Center encourages self-expressive, creative, playful, disciplined and non-dogmatic approach to Yoga. Their teachings in Hatha and Vinyasa yoga... more
BLACK & WHITE
This is one of two nearby multi-ethnic facilities that specializes in extensions, pony tails, braiding, Rasta and waves. Moreover, this... more
THE UNITED LODGE OF THEOSOPHISTS
The Lodge is part of Theosophical Movement established in New York, on November 17, 1875. It is a group exclusively... more