📷 Photo by Omri Yamin on UnsplashAttica’s coast: Lake Vouliagmeni, Sounion, Brauron and Marathon
A two-day drive around Athens’ coast, from the thermal waters of Lake Vouliagmeni to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, the sanctuary at Brauron and the plain of Marathon.
- Distance
- 99 km (62 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 22 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 4
- Countries
- Greece
- Updated
- May 15, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 99 km (62 mi) with 4 stops, from Lake Vouliagmeni to Marathon Battlefield and Tomb. About 1 h 22 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Greece · More road trips from Athens
Route description
Start at Lake Vouliagmeni, a brackish lake fed by underground channels through Mount Hymettus and used as a thermal spa since the late 19th century. Its temperature never falls below 18 °C, so it suits any season, and its flooded caves have never been fully explored. It is an easy first stop on the southern Athens riviera.
From here follow the coast road south-east towards Cape Sounion, with its temple of Poseidon above the sea; allow roughly an hour for the drive. Sunset is a popular time to visit, so arrive early in summer. Parking near the cape fills up quickly, which is worth knowing if you travel in a motorhome.
Next cross the Attic plain to Brauron (Vravrona) on the east coast. This sanctuary of Artemis, where girls took part in the Arkteia, has a temple and a pi-shaped stoa with nine dining rooms. The archaeological museum stands 330 metres to the east-southeast, so you can combine both on foot.
Finish at Marathon, about 27 km north-east of Athens, where the Soros mound, roughly 12 metres high, holds the ashes of 192 Athenians who fell in 490 BC. It stands in a park on the plain near a replica of the victory column. From here the return to Athens is straightforward.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Lake Vouliagmeni
NatureVouliagmeni, GreeceA brackish lake fed by underground channels through Mount Hymettus, used as a thermal spa since the late 19th century. Its temperature never drops below 18 °C, so it suits any season, and its flooded caves have never been fully explored.
- 234 km
Temple of Poseidon, Sounion
HistorySounion, GreeceA 5th-century BC marble temple on the cliff at the southern tip of Attica, about 70 km from central Athens along the coast road. Sunset is popular but crowded; arrive early to find parking.
- 339 km
Brauron (Vravrona) Sanctuary of Artemis
HistoryVravrona, GreeceA sanctuary of Artemis on Attica's east coast, where girls took part in the Arkteia, with a temple and a pi-shaped stoa containing nine dining rooms. The archaeological museum stands 330 metres to the east-southeast, so combine both on foot.
- 427 km
Marathon Battlefield and Tomb
HistoryMarathon, GreeceThe Soros, a mound about 12 metres high, holds the ashes of 192 Athenians who fell at Marathon in 490 BC. It stands in a park on the plain, about 27 km northeast of Athens, near a replica of the victory column.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Lake Vouliagmeni → Temple of Poseidon, Sounion · 34 km · 0 h 28 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Bacchus (4 km); Ξένιαστο μελίσσι (5 km).
- Day 2: Temple of Poseidon, Sounion → Marathon Battlefield and Tomb · 65 km · 0 h 54 minOn the way: Brauron (Vravrona) Sanctuary of Artemis.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Nea Makri (3 km); Octopus (3 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June and September. Hot in June–August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Greece: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Attica’s coast: Lake Vouliagmeni, Sounion, Brauron and Marathon?
2-day road trip of about 99 km (62 mi) with 4 stops, from Lake Vouliagmeni to Marathon Battlefield and Tomb. About 1 h 22 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Attica’s coast: Lake Vouliagmeni, Sounion, Brauron and Marathon?
We suggest 2 days: about 1 h 22 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Attica’s coast: Lake Vouliagmeni, Sounion, Brauron and Marathon start and end?
It starts in Lake Vouliagmeni and ends in Marathon Battlefield and Tomb.
Which countries does Attica’s coast: Lake Vouliagmeni, Sounion, Brauron and Marathon pass through?
Greece.
Where can you camp along Attica’s coast: Lake Vouliagmeni, Sounion, Brauron and Marathon?
OpenStreetMap lists 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Bacchus, Dionissotis and Camping Nea Makri.
When is the best time for Attica’s coast: Lake Vouliagmeni, Sounion, Brauron and Marathon?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
