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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Carcassonne?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Carcassonne? 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 spectacular, iconic, and impressive destination. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and museums.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a fairytale, medieval, and historical town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Cape Sounion and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • 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 walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Carcassonne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cape Sounion than Carcassonne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cape Sounion is better known for its museums, nightlife, and beaches, while Carcassonne is more popular for its food, historical sights, and small town charm. Carcassonne is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is known for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Cape Sounion is well known for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets. Also, Cape Sounion is famous for The Temple of Poseidon.

How is Cape Sounion different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion
Carcassonne

Cape Sounion is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Cape Sounion from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Carcassonne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.


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

Cape Sounion
Carcassonne

Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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 Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Carcassonne

Cape Sounion is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Cape Sounion or Carcassonne Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Carcassonne

Cape Sounion is a good destination for its beaches. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not a beach destination.


Is Cape Sounion or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Carcassonne

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

Carcassonne has an old town worth visiting. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is Cape Sounion or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Carcassonne

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cape Sounion or Carcassonne.

Cape Sounion is a family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Cape Sounion or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Carcassonne

With fun activities for couples, both Cape Sounion and Carcassonne make for a notable 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.

Carcassonne is a nice destination for couples. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.


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

Cape Sounion
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Carcassonne. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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 Carcassonne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cape Sounion
Carcassonne

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Cape Sounion and Carcassonne.

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 Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Cape Sounion or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Carcassonne. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Carcassonne?

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

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

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


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

One day in Cape Sounion or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the impressive 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 Carcassonne, many people enjoy the museums and food that this medieval town offers. 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 Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the iconic 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.

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne?

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 museums and food around the fairytale destination of Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne?

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.

Carcassonne 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne is €106. 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 Carcassonne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Carcassonne 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Carcassonne 122
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Carcassonne

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Carcassonne? 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 Carcassonne


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: Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Carcassonne 7.14

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne 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
    Carcassonne 39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Carcassonne 14

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

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

  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Best of Cathar Country: Full-Day Private Tour.: $207
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour : $201
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Fortress Walking Tour: $171
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Photoshoot Experience: $160
  • Private Walking Tour with Cité de Carcassonne: $187

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


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

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 Carcassonne Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Carcassonne?

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

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

Both Carcassonne and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Carcassonne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Sounion in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Carcassonne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Sounion. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

Both Carcassonne and Cape Sounion during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

In October, Cape Sounion is generally a little warmer than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 19°C (67°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the autumn, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in October than Carcassonne. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Carcassonne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Carcassonne. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the museums and the cuisine.

Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Carcassonne in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Carcassonne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Carcassonne. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Carcassonne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Sounion in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

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 Carcassonne. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in April than Carcassonne. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)