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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Cagliari?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Cagliari? 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. Visitors also love the beaches, museums, and food.

Cagliari

Cagliari is a relaxed, historic, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cape Sounion and Cagliari: 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 Cagliari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cagliari. Although Cape Sounion and Cagliari are both popular with visitors, Cagliari has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cagliari is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, 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. Cagliari is popular for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also home to Castello.

How is Cape Sounion different from Cagliari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion
Cagliari

Cape Sounion is an amazing destination to visit for its museums and history. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Cape Sounion are world-renowned. 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 Cagliari can be an interesting and educational experience. The Castello district is filled with ancient buildings including Bastione San Remy and the Duomo. Also make sure you check out the Archeology Museum.


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

Cape Sounion
Cagliari

Cagliari 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.

Cagliari has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine mixes the island's sea and mountain settings. You'll find many local pastas, breads, seafood dishes, and cheeses. There's a wealth of diversity in the food and you should definitely step away from the more traditional Italian flavors and try something uniquely Sardinian.

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 Cagliari Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Cagliari

Cagliari is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cape Sounion is lacking in options for nightlife.

Cagliari has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a thriving nightlife scene that is mostly centered around tourists. You'll find a number of the best bars in the Castello district and the atmosphere is usually relaxed and laid back, like the town itself.

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 Cagliari Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Cagliari

Cagliari is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Cagliari is considered a top beach destination. While you'll find some nice beaches in town, if you're willing to head to the surrounding areas just outside of town, you'll be rewarded with amazing beaches. The beaches are enjoyable any time of the year.

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.


Is Cape Sounion or Cagliari Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Cagliari

Cagliari is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Cagliari. The Castello district is the city's old town. It's filled with narrow alleys, historic castles, and a truly unique atmosphere.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Cagliari?

Cape Sounion
Cagliari

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

Cagliari has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the Marina district for some of the city's best shopping opportunities. There are a number of shopping malls to choose from. For souvenirs and other handicrafts, the port area has a few shops.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Cagliari Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Cagliari

Cagliari 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 Cagliari. There are a number of activities for kids to enjoy in the areas surrounding the city. If you're willing to get about an hour out of town, you can check out the Water Park of Pula. In town, there's a little train that young kids will enjoy. And, of course, there are the beaches!

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 Cagliari Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Cagliari

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

Cagliari makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The waterfront setting and nice beaches make this a great place for couples. There's also the Castello district, which is fun to wander through, and many parks and outdoor walking areas.

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 Cagliari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Cagliari

Cape Sounion and Cagliari 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.

Cagliari is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two in the area that offer accommodation that backpackers will appreciate.

Is Cape Sounion or Cagliari Better for Students?

Cape Sounion
Cagliari

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

Plenty of students visit Cagliari. There are some study abroad opportunities in town, and with the nearby beaches and wonderful weather, many international students enjoy their time here.

Cape Sounion is not popular with students.


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

Cape Sounion
Cagliari

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

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 Cagliari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel around town relatively efficiently.

Is Cape Sounion or Cagliari a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Cagliari

Cagliari 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.

Cagliari is a very walkable destination. While the city is very walkable, it is built on a large hill so come prepared for some steep climbs.

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 Cagliari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cagliari or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Cagliari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Sounion and Cagliari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cagliari than in Cape Sounion. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cape Sounion, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cagliari.

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

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

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


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

One day in Cape Sounion or Cagliari?

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 Cagliari, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this relaxed city 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 city.


A weekend in Cape Sounion or Cagliari?

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.

Cagliari is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Cagliari?

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 under-rated destination of Cagliari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Cagliari?

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.

Cagliari 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Cagliari 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 Cagliari is €120. 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 Cagliari in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Cagliari 66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Cagliari 132
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Cagliari

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Cagliari? 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 Cagliari


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: Cagliari Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Cagliari 31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cagliari

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

  • Transfer / taxi Cagliari Airport - Cagliari city: $60
  • Private Transfer from Cagliari hotels to Cagliari Cruise Port: $26
  • Private Transfer Cagliari airport City - Orosei city Marina: $513
  • Cagliari Elmas Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Cagliari: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Cagliari?

Prices for flights to both Cagliari 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
    Cagliari 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cagliari

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

  • Sardinia Cooking Class: Fresh Handmade Pasta: $75
  • Cooking Class and Wine Tasting: $80
  • Homemade fresh pasta cooking: $82
  • Sardinia Traditional Food Tour: $87
  • Sardinian Cooking Class with Meal and Drinks: $96
  • Traditional Sardinian Lunch and Cooking Class In Cagliari: $116
  • Romantic sunset dinner experience with private chef: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Cagliari 17

Tours and Activities in Cagliari

For Cagliari, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hours Guided Tour of San Pancras and Castello: $43
  • 3 Hours Guided Tour of the Historical Cagliari: $64
  • Archaeological tour of Nora: $91
  • Barumini Unesco Site and Giara of Gesturi Tour from Cagliari: $98
  • Beach Tour Porto Pino & Piscinnì from Cagliari: $91
  • Beachtour Marina Rei & Sant'Elmo from Cagliari: $91
  • Beachtour Porto Giunco & Cala Sinzias from Cagliari: $91
  • Beachtour to Chia & Tuerredda from Cagliari: $91
  • Boat Tour at Devil's Saddle: 4 Swim Stops, Snorkeling & Prosecco: $60
  • Boat Tour in the Gulf of Cagliari with aperitif on board: $84
  • Cagliari : Highlights & Hidden gems Private Walking Tour: $70
  • Cagliari : Private Custom Walking Tour with Local Guide: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Cagliari 7.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Cagliari

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

  • Guided Artisanal Food and Wine Tasting Experience: $48
  • WINE TOUR with sommelier in a winery near Cagliari: $66
  • Small-Group Food and Wine Tour from Cagliari: $98
  • Wine Tour Sardinia: $107
  • Wine tour aroud vineyards of Cagliari : $109
  • Wine Tasting & Winery Tour: $266
  • Full-Day Private Wine Tasting with Lunch: $641


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

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 Cagliari Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Cagliari?

Cagliari has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Cagliari, 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 Cagliari?

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 Cagliari in the Summer?

Both Cagliari and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cagliari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cape Sounion is generally a little warmer than Cagliari. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 27°C (81°F), and Cagliari fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Cagliari. 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 Cagliari during summer. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Cagliari receives 337 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cape Sounion usually receives more rain than Cagliari. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Cagliari in the Autumn?

Both Cagliari and Cape Sounion during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cagliari in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Cagliari in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Cagliari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the autumn, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cagliari receives 192 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cagliari. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Cagliari 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Cagliari in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Cagliari. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cagliari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Cagliari. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Sounion in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Cagliari averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Cagliari during winter. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Cagliari receives 131 hours of full sun in the winter.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Cagliari 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Cagliari in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Cagliari. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Cape Sounion is generally a little warmer than Cagliari. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 16°C (60°F), and Cagliari fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cagliari. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Sounion this time of the year. In the spring, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Cagliari. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cagliari receives 202 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in April than Cagliari. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Cagliari 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Cagliari and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Cagliari
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 24°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)