A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Cape Sounion vs. Crete for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Crete?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Crete? 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.

Crete

Crete is a breathtaking, world-renowned, and scenic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cape Sounion and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Crete?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Crete. Although Cape Sounion and Crete are popular destinations, Crete has more sights and attractions for tourists. Crete is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion attracts visitors for its museums. Crete is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is popular for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. It is also well known for the Palace of Knossos. Cape Sounion is famous for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

How is Cape Sounion different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion is an amazing destination to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Crete 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.

Many visitors head to Crete specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.

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

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

For foodies, Crete is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.

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 Crete Better for Nightlife?

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

Crete has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

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 Crete Better for Resorts?

Crete is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Crete is a great choice. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.

Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Crete is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Sounion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Crete. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.

Cape Sounion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Crete Better for Beaches?

Crete is very popular for the beach. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Crete. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.

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 Crete Better for Hiking?

Crete is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Cape Sounion is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Crete. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.

Cape Sounion is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Crete?

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

Crete has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Crete Better for Families?

Crete is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Crete is a very family-friendly destination. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, ​​Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.

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 Crete Better for Couples?

Crete is very popular for couples. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Crete makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

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 Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Crete 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 Crete. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.

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 Crete Better for Students?

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

Crete is a very popular island for students and younger travelers. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.

Cape Sounion is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Crete, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

Is Cape Sounion or Crete a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its 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.

Crete is generally not a very walkable destination. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.

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

Should I spend more time in Crete or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Crete?

Both Cape Sounion and Crete have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Crete than in Cape Sounion. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cape Sounion, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

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

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

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

One day in Cape Sounion or Crete?

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

In Crete, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this scenic island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Crete?

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

Crete is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Crete?

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

In Crete, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this breathtaking destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Crete?

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

Crete is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Greece.

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

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 Crete Expensive?.

Which has a larger population, Cape Sounion or Crete?

Crete has a larger population, and is about 600 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Crete, 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.