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

EFTYCHIA
Original handmade ceramics in a variety of colors are found here. If you are lucky, you might see the artist... more
TUBE
Beautiful boutique in Exarcheia, with unique style. Bags, dresses and accessories at good prices.... more
NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM SHOP
There is a gift shop, and a cafe in the sculpture garden where you can buy a copy or a... more

Wellness

MF DAY SPA (Mary Filippaiou, Τ.Ε.Ι. Graduate)
The therapies here are too vast to mention. Just simply enjoy! Working Hours: Mon. - Fri.: 10:00 - 21:00, Sat.:... 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
ATHENS YOGA STUDIO
Classes: Yoga 1, Yoga 1+ plus, Yoga 2, Yoga 2-Power Flow, Anti-stress Yoga Therapy, Meditation, Moving Meditation, Morning Yoga, Prenatal... more

Nightlife

HALF NOTE JAZZ CLUB
Possibly the most well known jazz club in Athens. The venue hosts many of the genres best international names as... more
BALTHAZAR
This bar restaurant is preferred by many cosmopolitan Athenians to enjoy a contemporary dinner with cocktails and dancing. The neoclassical... more
O KAVVOURAS
Unforgettable Rebetika night is what „O Kavvouras“ offers every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Closed during the summer months.... more

Gastronomy

I PITA TOU PAPPOU
Chain of grill houses, that serve (among other things) the rumored biggest souvlaki in town.... more
MANIMANI
With roots from the region of Mani in the ingredients and its recipes, it does not hold it “maniatiko” (holds... more
DIONYSOS ZONARS
A landmark venue, globally well known as the restaurant under Acropolis. ... more