Poseidon Temple Sidecar Tour: Is it Worth it? (Review)
Visiting the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion is a popular day trip when you are in Athens, and doing it in a sidecar? Well, that’s almost something completely different! When you think about taking this half-day adventure, that is, heading down the coast in a vintage sidecar to see some historical spots, the initial reaction could very well be, “Sounds incredible, yet maybe a little bit touristy?”. Getting past that initial question really means checking out what this tour gives you and seeing if the experience actually matches up with the hype. The goal? That’s just finding out if the Poseidon Temple sidecar tour is something you should add to your Greece vacation.
What’s the Sidecar Tour to Poseidon Temple All About?
So, the tour is all about taking you from Athens to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion in, very very stylishly, a vintage sidecar. Just imagine this: instead of being on a crowded tour bus or renting a boring car, you’re cruising along the Athenian Riviera with the breeze in your face, more or less, sitting right next to your personal driver, that’s a tour guide on a cool motorcycle. Cool! Right?
The journey to Cape Sounion itself is just one reason to do it. You will be going along the coast and seeing places such as Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza. These are areas with nice beaches and lovely scenery. These views are usually a quick peek if you are driving on your own, but on a sidecar, there’s often the chance to really take it all in and maybe grab a quick photo or two. Basically, it gives you something extra over the destination; the drive really becomes part of the fun!
The main thing that makes it special could just be the sidecar experience. It’s rather unique to sit in one of these things. You feel more out in the open than in a regular vehicle, and the views are usually much better. It tends to feel like you’re more engaged with the trip, and it turns regular sightseeing into something truly memorable.
Hitting the Road: Our Real Experience
Right, so here’s what happened when we went. When we showed up, there was, you know, the vintage motorcycle with the sidecar waiting, actually gleaming in the morning light. The driver, we will call him Nikos, greeted us with, “Kalimera!” He looked just like someone straight out of central casting from a travel commercial: warm, smiley, with, maybe just a hint of that cool, rugged thing going on. After a fast briefing on safety (helmet fitting and all that), we were off! You feel really exposed at the beginning, sitting in a sidecar is, after all, not something you do often.
Leaving Athens felt pretty interesting because you leave that urban vibe right away and enter the coastal road. Nikos was really amazing at telling stories and sprinkling information regarding the area we were cruising through. In fact, he was more than just a driver. That is, he pointed out neat little spots we’d have missed if we were in a car, just little gems, really.
We ended up making a quick stop at Kavouri Beach for just, you know, a quick gelato. You almost feel the sea breeze and sun are the things you will not forget. Then there was a spontaneous stop at Lake Vouliagmeni. Nikos told us stories regarding its mineral-rich waters and all the legends connected to it. He gave us just the right amount of historical data without making things feel too much like school, something we appreciated so much.
It’s quite interesting to hear the motorcycle engine working and to really feel the turns as you glide along the curves of the road. People walking around usually turn to stare and smile; they often give you a wave! You cannot just help but wave back. Almost immediately, you sense like you are doing something very few tourists get to experience. So, the ride is, surprisingly, a huge element of the whole excursion.
Reaching Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
Right, after about a couple hours of driving through this wonderful coastal road, you see Cape Sounion emerge right in front of you. It’s almost impossible to forget! It appears above the sea like some kind of ancient sentinel. Nikos found us the ideal spot for pictures when we got there. In other words, he really knew the area. It’s helpful because the place often becomes packed with people all attempting to get the same shot.
Then there is the Temple itself, it’s a marvel. Nikos really tells some incredible tales regarding Poseidon, ancient rituals, and the site’s relevance to mariners in ancient times. The history became very captivating when he explained it. The Temple, really standing against the deep blue of the sea and sky, offers some incredible photographic opportunities. During our visit, there was a very helpful breeze, making the experience quite comfortable, something to remember when going during hotter parts of the day.
Having some time to walk around gives you, in a way, a chance to reflect on the history. So, looking out at the Aegean Sea is, well, like almost staring back in time. The whole experience provides a special kind of peace; linking today’s world to the past is an interesting feeling. In this sense, it’s so much more than a place to visit; that is, it becomes an experience that sticks with you. That feeling is what you might have come here searching for. That is, you could probably come and spend several hours there!
What’s Good, and What Could Be a Little Bit Better
No trip is completely perfect, yet, the Poseidon Temple sidecar tour is pretty amazing! Let’s view what stood out and the little things to remember:
The Good Stuff:
- The Ride: The feel of traveling in a vintage sidecar itself adds some incredible appeal that transforms a basic sightseeing trip into an awesome and truly unique memory. You feel almost as if you were on a Hollywood movie.
- Personal Tour Guide: Nikos, that is, our driver was great. He had knowledge, and he cared so much about offering us that insider viewpoint, in other words, something you can’t get on big bus trips. It feels like the experience became way more intimate.
- Spectacular Scenery: The Athenian Riviera offers gorgeous coastal views. In other words, there were many chances to take photos.
- Time Well Spent: It almost never feels rushed. Stops felt just right, providing us with plenty of time to take things in without hurrying.
Things to Take Note Of:
- Sun Protection: When it’s super sunny out there, you might want more protection against the sun; that is, a hat or a stronger sunscreen might be needed given that you’re completely out in the open.
- Weather Conditions: It’s also smart to check the weather prediction for the day; it might not be as fun if the conditions aren’t great, more or less, if it’s too cold or it’s raining!
- Physical Comfort: Just be mindful. When you have back problems, that is, sitting in a sidecar for hours might cause slight discomfort.
Is this Trip Worth Your Time and Money?
So, should you take the plunge and spend a day riding around in a sidecar going to the Temple of Poseidon? If you are someone looking for that unique memory over the usual tourist experience, then yes, I think it’s pretty worthy of it. It’s a mix of scenery, that ancient history, and that special feeling of doing something completely cool and just a bit different.
That personal attention provided by your tour guide is great. You get to ask things and change things up when you go on a small group tour such as this one, that is, you won’t have as much of it on those larger group outings. That is not just something that is thrown in either; you become a part of everything.
You should consider certain elements such as the weather and your comfort levels while taking any kind of lengthy ride. But that sidecar trip offers something beyond just viewing the temple. So, if you want your Greece trip to really shine, this might be it!
Some Advice When Planning Your Visit
Alright, now you’re almost certainly considering making a booking, let’s look at some stuff that will allow you to take that awesome tour:
- Best Times: So, when thinking about heading down to Cape Sounion, shoot for the springtime or the fall for the weather. In other words, during these times, it’s neither too hot nor very crowded; the light really looks good for all the shots you will want to capture!
- What to wear: You should put on something light, carry some sunglasses, and use sunscreen; after all, you’re going to remain in the sun almost the whole trip. If you tend to get cold, a light jacket usually helps out.
- What to bring: Bring water to stay hydrated and maybe take some snacks with you, too, right, so you don’t get hungry. And, basically, always have your camera to get all those views you want to keep in pictures!
- Know Your Route: It is wise to verify your meeting spot well ahead of time and confirm the excursion length with the tour people to adjust other plans. That is, knowing this can prevent so much frustration at the last moment!
- Interact with the Local People: Really listen to your driver and the stories being told. When you talk with local residents you will gain so much insight you will miss from a tour book; actually learn something regarding Greece’s past and the local lifestyle.
Little prep will enhance that whole experience from driving down the coast right to seeing the Temple, offering you lots of cherished stories!
FAQs About the Poseidon Temple Sidecar Tour
How Long does the tour last?
Most half-day tours tend to last approximately four to five hours, traveling to and from Athens and providing ample opportunity for exploring at Cape Sounion.
Are there any weight or age restrictions to be on the sidecar?
This tends to vary based upon the tour provider. You can check for those restrictions for age or weight to make sure the tour is a great fit when it comes to who you are traveling alongside!
What should one wear during this sidecar trip?
It’s usually advised to wear many light layers and don’t forget sunblock and sunglasses for sun defense. You can also take a light jacket, so it won’t get too cold.
Will there be any stops to take pictures?
Basically, there sure will! Every tour tends to add some amazing picturesque stops right along the Athenian Riviera for some incredible picture ops.
Is the sidecar trip really safe?
As long as the sidecar rides are given by skilled operators who offer safety equipment and give safety briefings prior to the start of a trip, you can relax. Just make sure to heed those safety instructions to enjoy that excursion with nothing to worry about!
Hopefully, the tips and questions answer pretty much everything needed to start planning the big Sidecar adventure over to the Poseidon Temple!