A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cape Sounion vs. Alicante for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Alicante?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Alicante? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is a iconic, impressive, and spectacular destination. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, museums, and food.

Alicante

Alicante is a cultural, colorful, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cape Sounion and Alicante: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to the Temple of Poseidon
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Alicante?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Alicante. Although Cape Sounion and Alicante are both popular with visitors, Alicante has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Alicante is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Cape Sounion is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Cape Sounion is popular for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets. Alicante is popular for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants. It is also home to the Castillo de Santa Bárbara.

How is Cape Sounion different from Alicante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alicante and Cape Sounion. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Sounion or Alicante?

Cape Sounion
Alicante

Cape Sounion is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Cape Sounion are among the most recognizable in the world. The Temple of Poseidon is the main attraction here, but also nearby you'll find the Temple of Athena. The views, history, and connection to mythology fascinates most visitors who consider this to be a spectacular sight.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Alicante can be an interesting and educational experience. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.


Is the Food Better in Cape Sounion or Alicante? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Sounion
Alicante

Alicante is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Alicante has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

Cape Sounion offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are cafes as well as fine dining restaurants which are mostly located in hotels. Seafood is the cuisine of choice with many delicious Greek dishes available.

Is Cape Sounion or Alicante Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Alicante

Alicante is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cape Sounion is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Alicante. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

Cape Sounion is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are some bars and lounges that are connected to hotels. If you're spending the night, these are nice places to enjoy a drink in a beautiful setting.

Is Cape Sounion or Alicante Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Alicante

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Cape Sounion and Alicante are good choices.

Cape Sounion is a good option for a beach vacation. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Many people head to Alicante to enjoy the beach. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.


Is Cape Sounion or Alicante Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Alicante

Alicante is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Alicante has an old town worth visiting. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Alicante?

Cape Sounion
Alicante

Alicante is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Alicante has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Alicante Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Alicante

Alicante is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Alicante. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cape Sounion. Kids who like mythology will appreciated a trip to the famed Temple of Poseidon. It dates back to the 5th century and is dedicated to the God of the Sea. Also nearby is the Temple of Athena.


Is Cape Sounion or Alicante Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Alicante

Alicante is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Alicante makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Cape Sounion is a nice destination for couples. Couples should definitely stay for the stunning sunset which provides dramatic oranges, pinks, and reds at the sun dips below the horizon.

Is Cape Sounion or Alicante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Alicante

Cape Sounion and Alicante are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cape Sounion. The Temple of Poseidon is an iconic site about an hour and a half outside of Athens. It appeals to all types of travelers, including backpackers and budget travelers.

Alicante is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

Is Cape Sounion or Alicante Better for Students?

Cape Sounion
Alicante

Alicante is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Sounion is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Alicante. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

Cape Sounion is not popular with students.


Is Cape Sounion or Alicante Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cape Sounion
Alicante

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cape Sounion and Alicante.

Cape Sounion has some public transit options. There are local buses that travel from Athens to Cape Sounion and take between 2 and 3 hours.

You'll find some public transit in Alicante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

Is Cape Sounion or Alicante a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Alicante

Cape Sounion and Alicante are good when it comes to walkability.

Cape Sounion is a somewhat walkable destination. You can walk around the archeological site and the bus stops close enough that it is accessible.

Alicante is somewhat walkable. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Cape Sounion Worth Visiting? and Is Alicante Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alicante or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Alicante?

It's fun to spend time in either Cape Sounion or Alicante. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alicante due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cape Sounion, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alicante.

Families should spend more time in Alicante than Cape Sounion. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Alicante, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Alicante than Cape Sounion. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Alicante that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alicante than Cape Sounion if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Alicante.


  • How many days in Cape Sounion or Alicante? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Sounion 1-2 
    Alicante 2-4

One day in Cape Sounion or Alicante?

The destination of Cape Sounion offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Alicante, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this vibrant city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.


A weekend in Cape Sounion or Alicante?

Cape Sounion is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this destination makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cape Sounion, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Alicante is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cape Sounion or Alicante?

Cape Sounion is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Alicante. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Cape Sounion or Alicante?

Cape Sounion is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This destination offers something for everyone.

Alicante is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Alicante or Cape Sounion?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Sounion is €158, while the average daily cost in Alicante is €127. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cape Sounion and Alicante in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Alicante 42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Alicante 84
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Alicante

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Alicante? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cape Sounion


Hotels in Alicante


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Alicante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Alicante -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alicante

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alicante:

  • Transfer from Alicante city to Alicante airport in private Minivan max. 6 passengers: $73
  • Transfer from Alicante airport to Albir in private Sedan car max. 3 passengers: $85
  • Transfer Airport / Renfe Alicante - Alcoy: $92
  • Roundtrip Transfer Airport-Hotel in Alicante cars of up to 8 passengers: $55
  • Private Transfer: Alicante Airport (ALC) to Alicante: $47
  • Private Transfer from Elche to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $82
  • Private Transfer from El Plantio Golf Resort to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $63
  • Private Transfer from Castell de Castells to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $183
  • Private Transfer from Camping Marjal Costa Blanca to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airpor: $73
  • Private Transfer from Campello to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $73
  • Private Transfer from Campello Pueblo Acantilado to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $82
  • Private Transfer from Campello / Coveta Fuma to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $82

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Alicante?

Prices for flights to both Alicante and Cape Sounion change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cape Sounion 41
    Alicante 72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alicante

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alicante.

  • Secret Flavors Food Tour: $31
  • Paella and Sangria Cooking Workshop: $60
  • Paella and Sangría Cooking Workshop: $64
  • Central Market Guided Food Tour with Tapas Bars: $70
  • Alicante Food Tour: $71
  • Fuse Spanish With Italian For Dinner In Mutxamel: $89
  • Alicante PRIVATE Food Tour With Locals: 10 Food & Drink Tastings Included: $136
  • Cooking Class with Private Chef and Local Wine: $176
  • Alicante cooking class with a private chef: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Alicante 53

Typical Entertainment Prices in Alicante

Here are a few typical costs in Alicante for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Food and Tapas Tour (for 2)
    54
  • Catamaran Cruise (for 2)
    67
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
    120
  • Walking Tour (for 2)
    60

Tours and Activities in Alicante

Here are a few actual costs in Alicante for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Alcoy Walking Tour on the Modernist Route: $202
  • Alicante - Old Town Private Walking Tour: $385
  • Alicante : E-Bike Coast Tour, Román Fishpond and Snorkeling: $37
  • Alicante : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
  • Alicante Charming Villages Tour: Villajoyosa and Altea: $75
  • Alicante City & Beach Bike Tour : $33
  • Alicante Discovery Tour from Benidorm: $28
  • Alicante Evening Tapas tour: $82
  • Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide : $32
  • Alicante Highlights Bike Tour(min 2p) MEDIUM CYCLE LEVEL REQUIRED: $35
  • Alicante Highlights Private Tour with Castle : $76
  • Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Alicante -

Sample the Local Flavors in Alicante

Also in Alicante, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Santa Bárbara Castle Wine Tasting with Cold Cuts: $28
  • Vineyards of Wine Tasting Tour: $73
  • Alicante Wine Tour with Wine Tasting : $74
  • Private Tour of Vinalopó Castles and Wine Tasting: $82
  • Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $144
  • Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies: $147
  • Total Alicante walking tour, tapas and wine tasting: $267


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Sounion and Alicante, we can see that Cape Sounion is more expensive. And not only is Alicante much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alicante would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alicante and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cape Sounion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Sounion than you might in Alicante.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cape Sounion Expensive? and Is Alicante Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Alicante?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 320 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Alicante, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Cape Sounion or Alicante?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Alicante in the Summer?

Both Alicante and Cape Sounion during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cape Sounion is generally around the same temperature as Alicante. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 27°C (81°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the summer, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 341 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets more rain in July than Alicante. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Alicante 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Alicante in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Alicante. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Alicante in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Alicante in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Alicante fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Sounion usually receives less sunshine than Alicante during autumn. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 225 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Alicante. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Alicante 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Alicante in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Alicante. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Sounion in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Alicante averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the winter, Cape Sounion often gets less sunshine than Alicante. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 178 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets more rain in January than Alicante. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Alicante 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Alicante in the Spring?

Both Alicante and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches.

In April, Cape Sounion is generally around the same temperature as Alicante. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 16°C (60°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Sounion. Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante during spring. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Alicante. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Alicante 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Alicante and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Alicante
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 16°C (60°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)


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