A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Cape Sounion vs. Athens for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Athens?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Athens? 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. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Athens

Athens is a ancient, vibrant, and energetic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cape Sounion and Athens: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Athens?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens. Although Cape Sounion and Athens are popular destinations, Athens has more sights and attractions for tourists. Athens is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Cape Sounion attracts visitors for its beaches. Athens is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis. Cape Sounion is famous for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

The Acropolis
The Acropolis

How is Cape Sounion different from Athens?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion
Athens

You'll find a number of amazing museums and attractions in both Athens 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 Athens that are not to be missed. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.


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

Cape Sounion
Athens

Athens is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Athens is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

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 Athens Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Athens

Athens is very popular for its evening party scene. However, Cape Sounion is lacking in options for nightlife.

Athens is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

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 Athens Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Athens

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

Cape Sounion offers a nice beach destination. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Athens is not a beach destination.


Is Cape Sounion or Athens Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Athens

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

Athens has a world-famous historical area. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Athens?

Cape Sounion
Athens

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

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Athens Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Athens

Athens 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 Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

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 Athens Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Athens

With fun activities for couples, both Cape Sounion and Athens make for a nice place to visit.

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

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

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

Cape Sounion
Athens

Athens is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

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.

Is Cape Sounion or Athens Better for Students?

Cape Sounion
Athens

Athens is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Sounion is not popular with students.

Athens is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Cape Sounion is not popular with students.


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

Cape Sounion
Athens

Athens is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Athens can get you to most places easily. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

You'll find some public transit in Cape Sounion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel from Athens to Cape Sounion and take between 2 and 3 hours.

Is Cape Sounion or Athens a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Athens

Athens 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.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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 Athens Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Athens or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Athens?

Both Cape Sounion and Athens have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Cape Sounion. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cape Sounion, and 3-7 days is enough time in Athens.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens 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 Athens.


  • How many days in Cape Sounion or Athens? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Sounion 1-2 
    Athens 3-7

One day in Cape Sounion or Athens?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Cape Sounion. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Athens?

Cape Sounion is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Athens is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Cape Sounion or Athens?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Sounion. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Cape Sounion or Athens?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the iconic destination of Cape Sounion. This destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Athens is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Which place is cheaper, Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Athens 63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Athens 126
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Athens

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Athens? 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 Athens


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: Athens Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Athens 27

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:


  • Airport Bus for Two
    6.40
  • Metro
    1.50
  • Metro
    2.00
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • VipTransfer From /To Athens Airport - Lavrio Port : $211
  • Vip Transfer From/To Piraeus Port - Athens Airport: $277
  • Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Rafina Port : $222
  • Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $277
  • Vip Transfer From /To Athens Center - Athens Airport : $222
  • VIP VAN Athens Airport Transfer 1 - 8 persons: $144
  • VIP VAN Athens Airport Transfer 1 - 4 persons: $90
  • VIP Transfer services from/to Athens airport : $72
  • VIP High Class Limos & Chauffeurs Transfer to Athens: $67
  • VIP Ferry Ticket from Piraeus Port To Mykonos & Private Transfer included: $254
  • VIP Ferry Ticket From Piraeus Port To Santorini & Private Transfer Included: $254
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Athens HTL-APT (ATH): $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Athens?

Prices for flights to both Athens 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
    Athens 37

Typical Food Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    3.00
  • Souvlaki
    2.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens

For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $25
  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
  • Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $47
  • Greek Street Food Tour: $52
  • Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $53
  • Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $53
  • Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $53
  • Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $58
  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $61
  • Greek Spirits & Meze, Food Tour in Athens: $63
  • Cooking Class on Vegan Moroccan Cuisine with Meal: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Athens 36

Tours and Activities in Athens

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.

  • Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $94
  • Ancient Corinth Canal Epidavrous Nafplio Private Tour 8Hours: $183
  • Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 5Hours: $153
  • Athens Gems & Charms for the First Time Cruiser: $47
  • Athens Private Day Tour Best place to visit: $277
  • DELPHI and THERMOPYLAE: Full Day Private Tour Visit Arachova 8 H: $196
  • DISCOVER ATHENS IN 6HRS Private Tour BEST INTRODUCTION-FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS : $222
  • Delphi full day V.R audio guided tour with entry ticket: $49
  • EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $166
  • Essential Athens Highlights Half-Day Private Tour with Flexible Options: $264
  • Food Experience in Athens including Unlimited Lunch : $64
  • Full Day Tour in Athens with Lunch: $155

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Athens 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

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

  • Polykala Distillery showroom. A125 years of history along with liqueur tasting.: $16
  • Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $18
  • The Original Athens Pub Crawl - Athens Drunk Tour: $21
  • The NightCrawlers | Athens Pub Crawl: $22
  • Greek Wine Tasting: $23
  • Premium Wine Tastings: $36
  • Athens Speakeasy & Alternative Bar Crawl: Discover Hidden Gems: $39
  • Athens Old Town: Wine Tasting based on Ancient Greek Grapes: $40
  • Noble Greeks Acropolis Wine Tasting with Private Sommelier: $43
  • Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $44
  • Organic and Vegan Indigenous Wine Tasting Private Experience: $44
  • Athens Wine Tasting: $44


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Sounion and Athens, we can see that Cape Sounion is more expensive. And not only is Athens much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Athens would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Athens 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 Athens.

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 Athens Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Athens?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 730 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Athens, 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 Athens?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Athens in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Athens. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Athens in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Athens fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Athens during summer. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Athens receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of rain as Athens. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Athens receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Athens 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Athens in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Athens. The autumn months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year.

In the autumn, Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Athens. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Sounion in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Athens averages at about 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Sounion this time of the year. In the autumn, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Athens. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Athens receives 206 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Athens. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Athens receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Athens 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Athens in the Winter?

Both Athens and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Cape Sounion is generally around the same temperature as Athens. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 10°C (51°F), and Athens fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Athens during winter. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Athens receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of rain as Athens. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Athens receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Athens 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Athens in the Spring?

Both Athens and Cape Sounion during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Athens in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Athens fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the spring, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Athens. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Athens receives 226 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Athens. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Athens receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Athens and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Athens
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)