A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cape Sounion vs. Ephesus for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Ephesus?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Ephesus? 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.

Where Should I go: Cape Sounion or Ephesus?

Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion encompasses the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula of Greece with views of the sea wherever you go. The land of the mythological god Poseidon, Sounion's striking promontory houses his temple that still stands today. It overlooks the Aegean Sea, which was named for King Aegeus of Athens. Aegeus had leapt off of these very cliffs thinking his son Theseus had been killed by the Minotaur of Crete. The promontory and temple are very significant to Greek mythology and history, and was even referenced in Homer's poem, the Odyssey.

Ephesus

The ancient city of Ephesus was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC). It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple was destroyed in 401 AD and rebuilt by Emperor Constantine I along with new public baths. The town was again partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD. The city's importance as a commercial center declined as the harbor was slowly silted up by the Cayster River (Kucuk Menderes).

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Ephesus 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 Ephesus is €134. 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 Ephesus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Ephesus 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Ephesus 130
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Ephesus

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Ephesus? 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 Ephesus


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: Ephesus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Ephesus 48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • VIP Transfer Kusadasi From/To Bodrum Airport: $128
  • Transfer izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Davutlar: $98
  • Scuba Diving Experience in Kusadasi with Instructor and Transfer: $60
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Town: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Selçuk, Ephesus, Şirince: $131
  • Private Transfers From Kusadasi: $173
  • Private Transfer | KUSADASI - IZMIR Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi hotels: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi Hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Ephesus?

Prices for flights to both Ephesus 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
    Ephesus 31

Typical Food Prices in Ephesus

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


  • Sandwiches
    0.14
  • Dessert
    0.16
  • Lunch at Beach (for 2)
    0.55
  • Snacks
    0.23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus

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

  • Cooking Class in Kusadasi Ephesus: $110
  • Ephesus Tour with Cooking Class in the Village: $149
  • Taste of Traditional Turkish Cuisine | Small Group Kusadasi Food Tour: $211
  • Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $228

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Ephesus 55

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

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

  • Ephesus Half Day Small Group Tour: $40
  • Ephesus Shared Tour from Kuşadası Port: $130
  • Ephesus Tour With Small Group From Kusadasi: $76
  • Ephesus Tour from Kusadası Port: $44
  • Ephesus small groups Tour For Cruisers (skip the line): $100
  • Ephesus tours Sirince Village from Kusadasi Port with lunch: $63
  • Ephesus tours and Virgin Mary's House Temple Artemis tours : $67
  • Private Tour Ephesus for Cruise Guests : $250
  • Private Tour to Ephesus, Virgin Mary, and Artemis Temple From Cruise Ship/Hotel: $120
  • Small Group Pamukkale Day Tour from Selcuk or Kusadası : $93
  • "Ephesus Tours" Port Kusadasi lunch guide bus shopping Caravanserai artemis : $58
  • "No Better Way to Explore History - Affordable Ephesus Tour": $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Ephesus 14

Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:


  • Beer
    0.12

Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus

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

  • Skip-the-line Ephesus & Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi Port: $53
  • Ephesus port tours and Wine Tasting Tours : $70
  • Ephesus&Sirince Village with Wine Tasting Shore Ex: $100
  • Ephesus and Sirince with Wine tasting Private Half Day Shore Excursion: $100
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Wine Tasting in the village and visit to Mother's Mary House: $130
  • Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting: $134
  • Virgin Mary Bread and Wine Tour included Lunch: $300


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

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 Ephesus Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Ephesus?

Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Ephesus, 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 Ephesus?

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 Ephesus in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Ephesus. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cape Sounion is generally around the same temperature as Ephesus. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 27°C (81°F), and Ephesus fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus 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 Ephesus during summer. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Ephesus receives 378 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cape Sounion usually receives more rain than Ephesus. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Ephesus in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Ephesus. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Ephesus in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Ephesus fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Sounion this time of the year. In the autumn, Cape Sounion often gets less sunshine than Ephesus. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ephesus receives 232 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets more rain in October than Ephesus. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Ephesus in the Winter?

Both Ephesus and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

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

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. In January, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Ephesus. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Ephesus in the Spring?

Both Ephesus and Cape Sounion during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cape Sounion is generally around the same temperature as Ephesus. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 16°C (60°F), and Ephesus fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Ephesus, 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 Ephesus. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ephesus receives 231 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in April than Ephesus. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Ephesus and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Ephesus
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)