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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Faro?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Faro? 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.

Faro

Faro is a active, popular, and busy resort town. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Cape Sounion and Faro: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Faro?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Faro than Cape Sounion, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Faro is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and shopping, while Cape Sounion is more popular for its museums, food, and impressive beauty. Faro is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is known for its historical sights and rich culture. Also, Faro is famous for The Arco da Vila. Cape Sounion is well known for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

How is Cape Sounion different from Faro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion
Faro

Cape Sounion is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have 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.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cape Sounion
Faro

Cape Sounion is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cape Sounion. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.

Is Cape Sounion or Faro Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Faro

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

Faro has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

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 Faro Better for Resorts?

Cape Sounion
Faro

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Faro is a great choice. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.


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

Cape Sounion
Faro

Faro is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Sounion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Faro has a few good snorkeling spots. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

Cape Sounion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Faro Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Faro

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Cape Sounion and Faro are notable choices.

Cape Sounion is a good option for a beach vacation. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Many people head to Faro to enjoy the beach. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Is Cape Sounion or Faro Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Faro

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

Faro has an old town worth visiting. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Faro?

Cape Sounion
Faro

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

Faro has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Faro Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Faro

Cape Sounion is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Cape Sounion offers lots of family activities. 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.

Faro is not the most family-friendly destination. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Cape Sounion or Faro Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Faro

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

Faro is a nice destination for couples. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.


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

Cape Sounion
Faro

Cape Sounion and Faro are both notable 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.

Faro is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

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

Cape Sounion
Faro

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

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 Faro, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

Is Cape Sounion or Faro a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Faro

Cape Sounion and Faro are notable 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.

Faro is somewhat walkable. The city's old town is particularly walkable.


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

Should I spend more time in Faro or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Faro?

In either Cape Sounion or Faro, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Faro than Cape Sounion because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cape Sounion, and 2-5 days is enough time in Faro.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cape Sounion or Faro? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Sounion 1-2 
    Faro 2-5

One day in Cape Sounion or Faro?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Cape Sounion. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Faro, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this busy resort town offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Faro?

Cape Sounion is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

You'll find museums and food around the impressive destination of Cape Sounion. This destination offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Faro, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this popular destination offers. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Faro?

The iconic destination of Cape Sounion offers food and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Faro is a popular place to visit. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Faro 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 Faro is €133. 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 Faro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Faro 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Faro 150
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Faro

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Faro? 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 Faro


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: Faro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Faro 9.52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Faro HTL-APT (FAO): $36
  • Transfers taxi tours golf wedding: $55
  • Transfers airport Faro X Albufeira: $91
  • Transfers From Faro Airport to Muthu Club Praia da Oura: $71
  • Transfers From Faro Airport to Hotel Paraiso Albufeira: $70
  • Transfers Algarve: Airport Faro - Albufeira, 4 or 8 PAX: $61
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Ponta Grande Resort: $42
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Hotel Vila Recife: $42
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Hotel São Rafael Atlântico: $42
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Almancil: $30
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Algoz: $50
  • Transfer from Faro Airport to Balaia Plaza Hotel: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Faro?

Prices for flights to both Faro 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
    Faro 36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro

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

  • The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $83
  • 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $97
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $162

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Faro 9.41

Tours and Activities in Faro

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

  • Faro to Benagil Hiking Tour and Marinha beach: $60
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
  • 2:30 Hours Tour: $273
  • 3 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $33
  • 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $33
  • 5 hours tour in Ria Formosa: $49
  • 5-hour island hopping tour: $60
  • 6 hour boat tour navegating through the Islands of Ria Formosa National Park : $65
  • A Timeless Private Walking Tour Experience in Tavira: $202
  • Algarve Buggy Tours: $202
  • Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Faro 3.13

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $19
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
  • Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48


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

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 Faro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Faro?

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

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 Faro in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Faro. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Faro in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Faro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Sounion in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Faro averages at about 25°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro 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 Faro during summer. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 374 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Faro 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Faro in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Faro. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Cape Sounion is generally around the same temperature as Faro. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 19°C (67°F), and Faro fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Sounion this time of the year. In the autumn, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Faro. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 222 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in October than Faro. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Faro receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Faro 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Faro in the Winter?

Both Faro 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Cape Sounion is cooler than Faro in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Faro fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Cape Sounion usually receives less sunshine than Faro during winter. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 161 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Faro. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Faro receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Faro 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Faro in the Spring?

Both Faro 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. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Faro this time of year.

In the spring, Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Faro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Sounion in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Faro averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the spring, Cape Sounion often gets less sunshine than Faro. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 248 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in April than Faro. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Faro receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Faro 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Faro and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Faro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)