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

Nightlife

MOMMY
Another popular watering hole in Athens in the chic Kolonaki district. The most pleasing aspect of the bar is that... more
IPPOPOTAMOS
A pretty bar on a side-street of Skoufa, ideal for an evening out in the city center. Let loose to... more
BALTHAZAR
This bar restaurant is preferred by many cosmopolitan Athenians to enjoy a contemporary dinner with cocktails and dancing. The neoclassical... more

Shopping

KOUKOUTSI
A shop that sells graphic t-shirts by designers from all over the world, in addition to handmade articles. ... more
TRANTA
Hand made leather goods of Greek origin like, high quality / exclusive handbags and belts, are sold here. ... more
HERAKLEIDON MUSEUM SHOP
In this Art Museum shop, you will find a diversity of works of modern art (mainly by M.C. Escher) ranging... more

Gastronomy

PREMIERE (Athenaeum Intercontinental)
French hints but also many Mediterranean elements in the kitchen of Sotiris Evaggelou. Try the risotto with leeks and... more
ST' ASTRA (Hotel Park)
Under the care of Herve Pronzato and the view of the big park, a modern cuisine of a high grade... more
ALIARMAN
Equally great love in the good music (jazz, soul, pop), the cozy atmosphere and the international cuisine, in a bar... more

Entertainment

RIVIERA
The Riviera movie house is practically legendary in the area of Exarchia. Visit it during the summer months and enjoy... more
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