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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Caltagirone?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Caltagirone? 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.

Caltagirone

Caltagirone is a friendly, charming, and quaint city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Cape Sounion and Caltagirone: 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
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Caltagirone?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Caltagirone. Although Cape Sounion and Caltagirone are popular destinations, Caltagirone has more sights and attractions for tourists. Caltagirone is very popular for its historical sights and shopping, while Cape Sounion attracts visitors for its museums and beaches. Cape Sounion is famous for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets. Caltagirone is famous for its pottery and ceramic industry as well as the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase. It is also well known for The Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte.

How is Cape Sounion different from Caltagirone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion
Caltagirone

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

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Cape Sounion on the map. 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.

Caltagirone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many visitors come to see the famed Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte, which is a 142 step staircase that connects the upper and lower parts of the city. The staircase highlights the city's ceramic and pottery industry, as every step is decorated with tiles.


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

Cape Sounion
Caltagirone

Both Cape Sounion and Caltagirone offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

Cape Sounion is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Caltagirone offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are some great local restaurants that serve seafood and other local specialties.

Is Cape Sounion or Caltagirone Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Caltagirone

Both Cape Sounion and Caltagirone have reasonable vibes after the sun sets.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cape Sounion. 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.

Caltagirone is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Many people visit as a day trip and the town isn't known for its nightlife scene.

Is Cape Sounion or Caltagirone Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Caltagirone

Cape Sounion is a destination with good options for the beach. However, Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cape Sounion. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Caltagirone is not a beach destination.


Is Cape Sounion or Caltagirone Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Caltagirone

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

Caltagirone has an old town worth visiting. It is known for its pottery and ceramics, which have been incorporated into many of the architectural elements around town.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Caltagirone?

Cape Sounion
Caltagirone

Caltagirone is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Caltagirone. Pottery and ceramic shopping is a highlight of a visit to town.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Caltagirone Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Caltagirone

Cape Sounion is a destination with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Caltagirone 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, Caltagirone is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy running up and down the famous Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase. The town also hosts some fun festivals throughout the year, and if you're traveling with kids, these would be the times to visit.


Is Cape Sounion or Caltagirone Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Caltagirone

With fun activities for couples, both Cape Sounion and Caltagirone 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.

Caltagirone is a nice destination for couples. Pottery shopping and exploring the town make this a nice option for a day trip or overnight visit.

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

Cape Sounion
Caltagirone

Cape Sounion is a destination with good options for backpackers. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cape Sounion is a good destination to visit for backpackers. 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.

Caltagirone is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Many people pass in and out of the town on a day trip or stopover, so you won't find many hostels.

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

Cape Sounion
Caltagirone

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

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 Caltagirone, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses travel in and out of town.


Is Cape Sounion or Caltagirone a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Caltagirone

Cape Sounion and Caltagirone are nice 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.

Caltagirone is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are steep, but many people choose to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Caltagirone or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Caltagirone?

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

Families should spend more time in Cape Sounion than Caltagirone. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cape Sounion than Caltagirone 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 Cape Sounion.


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

One day in Cape Sounion or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the spectacular destination of Cape Sounion. Most people visit for the museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this destination has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Caltagirone, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly city offers. 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 Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the spectacular destination of Cape Sounion. This destination offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Caltagirone 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 Caltagirone?

The iconic destination of Cape Sounion offers food and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Caltagirone. 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 Caltagirone?

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Cape Sounion. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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


Which place is cheaper, Caltagirone 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 Caltagirone is €95. 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 Caltagirone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Caltagirone 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Caltagirone 118
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Caltagirone

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Caltagirone? 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 Caltagirone


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: Caltagirone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Caltagirone 8.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Caltagirone

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Caltagirone:

  • Transfer from Taormina and sourrounding villages to Catania Airport: $153
  • Transfer from Syracuse to Catania with driver private: $98
  • Transfer from Palermo airport to solve the expected problem: $58
  • Transfer from Catania airport to Ragusa: $87
  • Transfer from Catania airport to Catania Center: $60
  • Transfer from Catania Ragusa with private driver with car or van: $83
  • Transfer from Catania Airport to Catania city center or vice versa: $41
  • Transfer from Catania / Catania city center to Taormina or vice versa: $99
  • Transfer from Catania (everywhere) to Caltagirone (or viceversa): $95
  • Transfer da aeroporto Trapani a San Vito Lo Capo: $68
  • Transfer Tour from Taormina to Palermo with a stop in Cefalù: $290
  • Transfer Syracuse to Palermo with to visit Agrigento with Van: $168

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Caltagirone?

Prices for flights to both Caltagirone 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
    Caltagirone 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Caltagirone

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

  • Palermo Street Food Tour including Market and City Centre: $21
  • Palermo Street Food tour: art, history and ancient markets: $49
  • Walking Tour and street food Tour Palermo: $49
  • Gastronomic Street Food Tour of Catania: $53
  • Catania Patisserie Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $60
  • Classic Palermo Street Food Tour: $60
  • Dinner in the Madonie Mountains : $65
  • Catania Street Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $67
  • Palermo Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $69
  • Vegan Street Food Tour: $71
  • Street Food Tour in Ortigia Syracuse: $75
  • Italian Bread and Pizza Making Experience in Palermo: $76

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Caltagirone 5.71

Tours and Activities in Caltagirone

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

  • Boat Tour in Syracuse with Aperitif 1 hour and a half: $55
  • Daily Boat Tour to the Egadi Islands: $76
  • Guided tour of Villa Romana del Casale with skip the line: $43
  • Taormina Sunset Tour with Aperitif on Roof-Top Terrace: $153
  • 1 hour Calessino Tour in Syracuse: $131
  • 2 Hour Private Tour to Agrigento Valley of the Temples: $206
  • 2 Hour Walking Tour in Ortigia: $22
  • 2 Hours Guided Group Tour in Catania: $37
  • 2 Hours and a Half Private Guided Tour of Catania: $27
  • 2-hour private tour of Ortigia by bike: $115
  • 3 Hours Guided Tour of the Archaeological Park of Neàpolis and Ortigia: $136
  • 3 hours in Syracuse Boat Tour and Tuk tuk Tourist Tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Caltagirone 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Caltagirone

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

  • Organic wine tasting at our historic cantina: $33
  • Etna DOC & Organic Wine tasting and tour of the 1815 historic winery: $35
  • Di Giovanna Winery Tour & 3 Wine Tasting: $37
  • Marsala wine tasting in historic winery: $38
  • Wine Tasting in a group with other travelers: $41
  • Wine Tasting Experience Etna Nord: $41
  • Wine Tasting in Panoramic Winery on Mount Etna: $41
  • From Marzamemi: 2-Hour Authentic Wine Tasting in Val di Noto: $48
  • Natural wine tasting in Palermo: $49
  • Wine tasting of the Mazara del Vallo nature reserve: $49
  • Wine tasting on the southern slope of Etna: $51
  • Di Giovanna Winery Tour & 5 Wine Tasting: $52


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

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 Caltagirone Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Caltagirone?

Caltagirone has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Caltagirone, 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 Caltagirone?

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 Caltagirone in the Summer?

Both Caltagirone and Cape Sounion during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Caltagirone for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Caltagirone in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Caltagirone fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Caltagirone, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the summer, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Caltagirone. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caltagirone receives 325 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets more rain in July than Caltagirone. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Caltagirone 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Caltagirone in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Caltagirone. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Caltagirone because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Caltagirone during autumn. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Caltagirone receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Caltagirone. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Caltagirone in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Caltagirone. The winter months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Caltagirone this time of year.

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

In the winter, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Caltagirone. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caltagirone receives 153 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in January than Caltagirone. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Caltagirone in the Spring?

Both Caltagirone and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caltagirone for the natural beauty.

Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Caltagirone in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Caltagirone fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Caltagirone. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Sounion. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Caltagirone during spring. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Caltagirone receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Caltagirone. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Caltagirone 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Caltagirone and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Caltagirone
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)


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