Italy and Greece Day 13: Cape Sounion

July 14, 2024

From the Central Hotel Terrace Bar in Athens …

It’s Sunday and we’ve been at this for almost two weeks! There is a certain routine to this kind of touring … breakfast at the hotel, morning sightseeing stops, lunch on your own or with the group, afternoon sightseeing or free-time, dinner with the group, and an evening glass of wine or two. And even though my days at home are also kind of repetitive, I do kind of enjoy my home routine. But being able to step away from the comforts of the home routine every so often is really good for me. I enjoy getting away, spending time with my fellow travelers, and seeing people and places out in the world.

We’re on the bus around 8:30a heading south on the Leof. Athinon Sounio highway passing the many coves and beaches on the way to Cape Sounion. It’s hot early at 88F/31C and the beachgoers are already cooling in the sea.

On the way to Cape Sounion
Thimari, Greece • 37°41’14.16″ N 23°56’16.36″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 62 mm • ISO 800 • 1/500 sec at f/6.0
A quiet beach on the way to Cape Sounion
Thimari, Greece • 37°41’3.70″ N 23°56’19.03″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 130 mm • ISO 640 • 1/500 sec at f/7.1
Beach club near Cape Sounion
Cape Sounion, Greece • 37°39’3.21″ N 24°1’31.23″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 58 mm • ISO 100 • 1/500 sec at f/5.6

Home to the Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion stands on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. The Temple of Poseidon is a beautiful example of classical Greek architecture. In ancient times the site served as a strategic lookout for protecting Athens from maritime invasions.

The Temple of Poseidon
Cape Sounion, Greece • 37°39’2.45″ N 24°1’30.35″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 160 • 1/500 sec at f/10
The Temple of Poseidon
Cape Sounion, Greece • 37°39’2.45″ N 24°1’30.35″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 155 mm • ISO 200 • 1/500 sec at f/10
Cape Sounion overlooking the Aegean Sea
Cape Sounion, Greece • 37°39’2.45″ N 24°1’30.35″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 66 mm • ISO 250 • 1/500 sec at f/10
Listening to local guide Maria
Cape Sounion, Greece • 37°39’3.21″ N 24°1’31.23″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 32 mm • ISO 64 • 1/640 sec at f/5.6

By 1p we are back in Athens. Michelle, Mallory, and I enjoy lunch at Liondi Traditional Greek Restaurant in the Plaka. Dolmadakia stuffed grape leaves. Saganaki fried cheese. And traditional kebab, but we forgot to take a picture.

Dolmadakia stuffed grape leaves (📷 Michelle)
Athens, Greece • 37°58’6.03″ N 23°43’45.64″ E
iPhone 11 back dual wide camera 4.25mm f/1.8 • ISO 125 • 1/120 sec at f/1.8
Saganaki fried cheese (📷 Michelle)
Athens, Greece • 37°58’6.03″ N 23°43’45.64″ E
iPhone 11 back dual wide camera 4.25mm f/1.8 • ISO 100 • 1/120 sec at f/1.8

Then Sophie sends a text. Mallory’s sister Jordan just arrived from Boston Logan. It’s a surprise for Mallory when Sophie brings Jordan to the restaurant. Everyone cheers when the sisters unite. Jordan is here to join us for the cruise portion of the trip.

Jordan and Mallory (📷 Sophie)
Athens, Greece • 37°58’6.03″ N 23°43’45.64″ E
Yamas!! (📷 Sophie)
Athens, Greece • 37°58’5.65″ N 23°43’45.81″ E
iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 6.86mm f/1.78 • ISO 64 • 1/150 sec at f/1.8

After dinner I head up to the Terrace Bar of the Central Park with Michelle, Greg, Sophie for cocktails and a stunning sunset over Athens.

Sunset over Athens
Athens, Greece • 37°58’28.57″ N 23°43’52.11″ E
iPhone 12 mini back dual wide camera 4.2mm f/1.6 • ISO 32 • 1/1600 sec at f/1.6

Tomorrow we board the Celestyal Discovery for our 5-day Aegean Island cruise!

2 Comments on “Italy and Greece Day 13: Cape Sounion

  1. What a fun surprise! What was the occasion? Sunset photo is amazing!!

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