SOUNIO – ATHENS/ATTICA RIVIERA IF you choose to join us, we will be at the luxurious Aegeon Beach Hotel situated below the imposing Temple of Poseidon, atop one of the most beautiful spots in Europe – Cape Sounion – as they say ‘Location! Location! Location!’
Begin your day with a soothing morning asana practice, helping to settle your breath into a steady rhythm throughout the day until you rest comfortably at night in your private chamber with a view of the temple or the sea. This will be your daily beat spiced up with solo jogs along the sandy beaches of the Riviera &/or hikes in 2s or 3s inland or along the shore. Other days, you may prefer instead to lounge under an umbrella on your own private sunbed and read the book or novels you’ve been waiting to find time to devour. You will also have plenty of free time for daily dips in the cool Aegean sea.
We will have our own dedicated yoga room in the hotel where you can practice mysore-style-safely-distant, to improve on one sticky pose or other with or without the help of a teacher. There will also be an all-day juice/snack bar available for refreshments, until it’s time for a light supper before our evening practice, restoring our breath and balance before bed.
We will take a day-trip, in small groups, to the temple-site where the ancient Greeks worshipped Poseidon, the Olympian god of the sea. The remains we see of the temple of Poseidon at Sounion today are of the original constructed in 444–440 BCE. This was built on the ruins of a temple dating from the Archaic period (8th -5th BC). The temple site is one of our favourite places in the world, and we are confident that you will agree! The internationally acclaimed fashion designer, Mary Katratzou recently held a resplendent fashion/fundraising gala here too.
However, it is not the only point-of-interest you can explore across the Attica Riviera. Attica is synonymous with Athens – one of the world’s most historically significant cities and a modern metropolis, buzzing with life. The Riviera magic extends far beyond the centre, however, all the way down the Attica peninsula as far as Cape Sounion. Its coastline is filled with beaches, marinas, five-star resorts and smaller hotels, and dozens of restaurants and bars overlooking the sea.
***During this era of Covid19 safety concerns, a visit to Athens can be safely accommodated via private taxi, or your own rental car – which we highly recommend you hire upon arrival at Athens International Airport after you’ve cleared your Covid testing procedure.
The historical and cultural wealth of Athens, combined with its modern and fashionable vibe, is one we highly recommend you take advantage of during one or more of your breaks. [We recognize in this era of Covid19, there are fears with public transportation, but we can assure you that metro-Athens takes the disinfecting of its buses and metro cars *very* seriously].
The city centre is easily accessible via public bus & metro; via taxi or private car – the latter perhaps being preferred at this time during Covid19. However, please be aware the metro-busing system throughout the Attica peninsula is *much more* cost-effective. Alternatively, you can arrange a city staycation, staying closer to the core, either before or after you join us at Cape Sounio. We suggest you talk to our friends at Omega Travel for further recommendations on Covid-free accommodations, including apartment rentals.
All the famous sites, including the iconic Acropolis and its award-winning, world-famous museum , the Ancient Agora, Plaka and the historic centre, are very aware of physical distancing and other Covid19 safety requirements. Face masks are mandatory in public spaces, and we highly recommend you wear a mask even outdoors when you’re in central Athens, or any other area where distance cannot be guaranteed. Remember Athens is an ancient city, so the core doesn’t have many wide boulevards. However, most high-end restaurants, tavernas and sidewalk cafes, offer outdoor dining for your safety and pleasure. All retail, including picturesque markets, galleries with contemporary exhibitions, art and antique shops observe strict hygiene protocols. So whether part of a city break or an add-on to a longer holiday, your stay in Athens offers a plethora of safe, and enjoyable, options.
On the other hand, if visiting a metropolis at this time isn’t for you, feel free to spend your days and nights eating outdoors with views of the sea at seaside tavernas, cafes &/or seafood restaurants along the Athens Riviera which stretches along the southern coastline of Attica, from Paleo Faliro (north of Piraeus) to Sounion on the southeastern peninsula. Many beaches are organized, with sun beds & umbrellas (sanitized in between customers, and thoroughly every night), and lively beach bars or restaurants on the water – although these may be more muted this year, and depending on weather? Life along the Riviera moves to the rhythms of summer all year long, and the vibe will likely be even more chill this year…
Beyond the easily accessible beaches of the Attica Riviera, you can plan further getaways to the easy-to-reach island gems of the Saronic Gulf: From the port of Piraeus, take the hydrofoil or ferry to Aegina, Poros, Hydra or Spetses, with their own rich, cultural, history and unique gorgeous beaches.
Explore accommodations at the Aegeon Beach Hotel in more detail. Select your room and place a deposit to reserve your spot for our Sounio yogadventure on the Attica Riviera today! Dive in, your breath awaits…
