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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Arles?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Arles? 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 impressive, spectacular, and iconic destination. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and beaches.

Arles

Arles is a charming, compact, and quaint town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cape Sounion and Arles: 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
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Arles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arles. Although Cape Sounion and Arles are popular destinations, Arles has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arles is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion attracts visitors for its beaches. Cape Sounion is famous for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets. Arles is famous for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. It is also well known for L'Amphithéâtre Romain.

How is Cape Sounion different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arles 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 Arles?

Cape Sounion
Arles

You'll find a number of world-class museums and attractions in both Arles and Cape Sounion.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Cape Sounion has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Arles that are not to be missed. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.


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

Cape Sounion
Arles

Arles 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.

Arles has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

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 Arles Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Arles

Arles 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 Arles. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

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 Arles Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Arles

Cape Sounion is very good for the beach. However, Arles is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Cape Sounion to enjoy the beach. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Arles is not a beach destination.


Is Cape Sounion or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Arles

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

Arles has a world-famous historical area. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Arles?

Cape Sounion
Arles

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

Arles has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Arles Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Arles

Cape Sounion is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.


Is Cape Sounion or Arles Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Arles

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

Arles makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

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 Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Arles

Cape Sounion is very good for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cape Sounion is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

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

Cape Sounion
Arles

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Cape Sounion and Arles.

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 Arles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.


Is Cape Sounion or Arles a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Arles

Arles is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Arles is a very walkable destination. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cape Sounion or Arles to fill your time. In our opinion, Arles has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Arles than Cape Sounion. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


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

One day in Cape Sounion or Arles?

In Cape Sounion, many people enjoy the food and museums that this spectacular destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Arles, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Cape Sounion or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Sounion. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Arles is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Cape Sounion or Arles?

Cape Sounion is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Cape Sounion. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Arles. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Arles?

You'll find museums and food around the spectacular destination of Cape Sounion. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Arles is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Arles 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 Arles is €142. 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 Arles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Arles 71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Arles 142
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Arles

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Arles? 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 Arles


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: Arles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Arles 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arles

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arles:

  • Arles to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Arles?

Prices for flights to both Arles 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
    Arles 52

Typical Food Prices in Arles

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arles:


  • Cooked Clams
    4.50
  • Ice Cream
    1.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Arles 31

Typical Entertainment Prices in Arles

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


  • Castle Entrance Fee
    5.50

Tours and Activities in Arles

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

  • Arles 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $187
  • Arles Private guided walking tour from Marseille: $342
  • Arles, Saint-Rémy & Les Baux De Provence: Guided Tour: $1,176
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $201
  • Art and History Walking Tour: $299
  • City tour 1 hour of the city, its history, its monuments,: $84
  • City tour 45mn of the city, its history, its monuments,: $70
  • From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour: $106
  • Half Day Private Guided Tour of Arles: $202
  • Private Guided Tour of Arles: $218
  • Provence Region Roman Abbey of Montmajour Entrance Ticket: $7.64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Arles 24

Sample the Local Flavors in Arles

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Arles:

  • Lavender Field & Distillery Tour between Nimes & Arles: $6.20


When comparing the travel costs between Cape Sounion and Arles, we can see that Cape Sounion is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Arles Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Arles?

Arles has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Arles, 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 Arles?

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 Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles 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 Arles for the family-friendly experiences.

Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Arles in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Arles, 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 Arles. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in July than Arles. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Arles 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Arles in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Arles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Sounion in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Arles averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Arles during autumn. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Arles receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Arles. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Arles 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Arles in the Winter?

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

In January, Cape Sounion is generally much warmer than Arles. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 10°C (51°F), and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arles. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in January than Arles. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Arles 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles 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 Arles because of the natural beauty.

Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Arles in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Arles. 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 Arles during spring. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Arles. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Arles 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Arles and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Arles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)