Coasteering Sounio: Cliff Jumps, Rappel & Sea Caves

Our coasteering trip follows a 4 km stretch of rocky coast at Cape Sounio, the southern tip of Attica below the Temple of Poseidon, about 45 minutes from central Athens. You jump from cliffs between 1 and 14 metres, rappel down rock into the sea, swim through sea caves and scramble along the shore with certified guides. It costs €80, runs from 5 people and lasts around four hours.

What is coasteering at Cape Sounio?

Coasteering means travelling along a rocky coastline at the edge of the sea, using whatever the coast offers: you climb over rocks, jump into deep water, swim across inlets and scramble back out. At Sounio the limestone cliffs drop straight into clear, deep water, which makes the cape one of the best places near Athens to try it.

This trip combines cliff jumping, rappelling, sea cave swimming, snorkelling and short climbs. No jump is compulsory. There are walking routes around every jump, so you can choose exactly how much you do.

Where does the trip go?

The route covers about 4 km of coastline at Cape Sounio, close to the Temple of Poseidon, the marble temple that has stood on the headland since the 5th century BC. Along the way you pass sea caves, natural rock pools with turquoise water and cliffs of different heights. The guides adapt the line to the sea conditions on the day, keeping to the safest and calmest side of the cape.

The temple itself is not part of the trip. It sits a short drive from the coast and makes a good visit before or after, especially at sunset.

What happens on the day?

You meet the guides at Sounio, get your safety equipment and listen to a briefing on jumping technique, moving on rock and staying together in the water. The group then sets off along the shore.

The first jumps are around 1 metre, so everyone can get used to the feeling. From there the cliffs get higher step by step, and the guides check the water depth at each spot and teach you how to land. The biggest jump on the route is 14 metres, and it is entirely optional. Between jumps you scramble across rocky shelves, rappel down a cliff on a rope straight into the sea, swim into sea caves and float in sheltered pools. Snorkelling breaks let you look at the rocks and fish below. The day ends back on land, and the guides share the photos and video they took along the way.

Depending on group size, the trip takes three to five hours, around four hours for most groups.

What is included?

• Guides: expert certified guides who lead the route and check every jump.
• Equipment: complete safety equipment and technical gear for the rappel.
• Safety: group first aid kit.
• Photos: photos and video of your trip.
• Taxes: VAT and all taxes.

Transport from Athens is not included but can be arranged at extra cost. Entry to the Temple of Poseidon is separate.

Is it right for me?

You need to be a confident basic swimmer, comfortable in deep open water, with a moderate level of fitness for scrambling over rocks and swimming between sections. You do not need any cliff jumping or climbing experience, because the guides teach you as you go. If you are nervous about heights, stay on the 1 to 3 metre jumps and use the walking routes for the rest. It suits active travellers, friends, and teams looking for a day that is a little out of the ordinary.

Good to know before you book

• Minimum group size is 5. Contact us if you are fewer and we will try to match you with others.
• All jumps are optional, including the 14 metre cliff.
• The route includes a rappel down a sea cliff, which the guides set up and supervise.

When is the best time to go?

May to September brings the warmest water and the most comfortable swimming. Spring and autumn are quieter, with pleasant conditions and fewer people on the coast. Sounio is exposed to wind, so the guides watch the forecast closely and pick the sheltered side of the cape on the day.

How to get there from central Athens

Cape Sounio is about 45 minutes to an hour by car from central Athens, either along the coast road through Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza or inland through the Mesogeia. KTEL buses run from central Athens to Sounio. If you prefer not to drive, ask us to arrange transport when you book, at extra cost. We send the exact meeting point and time after booking.

What to bring

• Swimwear worn under your clothes.
• Sports shoes that can get wet and grip on rock.
• A towel and warm, dry clothes for afterwards.
• Water and a snack.