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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Genoa?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Genoa? 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. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Genoa

Genoa is a vibrant, colorful, and energetic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cape Sounion and Genoa: 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
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Genoa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Genoa. Although Cape Sounion and Genoa are popular destinations, Genoa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Genoa is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Cape Sounion attracts visitors for its museums and beaches. Genoa is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is known for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. It is also well known for The Via Garibaldi Palaces. Cape Sounion is famous for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

How is Cape Sounion different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion
Genoa

Cape Sounion is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Cape Sounion has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Genoa. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.


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

Cape Sounion
Genoa

Genoa 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.

Genoa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

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 Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Genoa

Genoa is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cape Sounion is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

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 Genoa Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Genoa

Cape Sounion is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Genoa is not a good destination for its beaches.

Cape Sounion has a beach worth visiting. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Genoa is a good spot to see the beach. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.


Is Cape Sounion or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Genoa

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

Genoa has an old town worth visiting. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Genoa?

Cape Sounion
Genoa

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

Genoa has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Genoa Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Genoa

Genoa is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Genoa. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

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 Genoa Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Genoa

Genoa is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Genoa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

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 Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Genoa

Genoa 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 Genoa. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

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 Genoa Better for Students?

Cape Sounion
Genoa

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

Genoa is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

Cape Sounion is not popular with students.


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

Cape Sounion
Genoa

Genoa is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Genoa can get you to most places easily. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

You'll find some public transit in Cape Sounion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel from Athens to Cape Sounion and take between 2 and 3 hours.

Is Cape Sounion or Genoa a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Genoa

Genoa is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Genoa is a very walkable destination. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy 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 Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Cape Sounion or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Genoa due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cape Sounion, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cape Sounion or Genoa? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Sounion 1-2 
    Genoa 2-4

One day in Cape Sounion or Genoa?

In Cape Sounion, many people enjoy the food and museums that this spectacular 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 Genoa, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this colorful port city offers. 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 Genoa?

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.

Genoa 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 Genoa?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the energetic destination of Genoa. 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 Genoa?

You'll find museums and food around the iconic 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.

Genoa 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Genoa 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 Genoa is €150. 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 Genoa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Genoa 88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Genoa 176
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Genoa

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Genoa? 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 Genoa


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: Genoa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Genoa 8.69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Genoa

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

  • Savona Cruise Port to Genoa hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
  • Savona Cruise Port to Genoa hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • Private transfer from Genoa to Portofino with Hotel or Cruise Port pick-up: $120
  • Private Transfer: Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa City in Minivan: $65
  • Private Transfer from/to Genoa to/from Portofino: $123
  • Private Transfer from/to Genoa Airport: $71
  • Private Transfer from Genoa, Savona or Portofino to Genoa Port by Luxury Vehicle: $66
  • Private Transfer from Genoa Port to Genoa, Savona or Portofino by luxury vehicle: $66
  • Private Transfer from Genoa Cruise Port to Milan city: $107
  • Private Transfer from Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa hotels: $26
  • Private Transfer from Genoa Airport(GOA) to Portofino Cruise Port: $49
  • Private Transfer from Genoa Airport GOA to Santa Margherita Port: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Genoa?

Prices for flights to both Genoa 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
    Genoa 51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Genoa

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

  • Genoese cooking lesson in the garden with lunch: $68
  • Genoa Old town Food Tour: $74
  • Itinerant dinner in the old town: $75
  • Street Food Tour: $84
  • Do Eat Better Experience - Food Tours in Genoa: $86
  • Traditional Food Tour: $91
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Camogli: $93
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Savona: $93
  • Dining experience with cooking demo and wines in Rapallo: $93
  • Traditional Home Cooking Class in Genoa: $93
  • Tour of Genoa historic center and wine tasting with dinner: $93
  • Small-group Street food tour in Savona: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Genoa 20

Tours and Activities in Genoa

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

  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour from Via Del Campo 29 Rosso: $82
  • 2 Hours Private Historical Tour in Genoa: $104
  • 3 Hours Private Walking Tour of Genoa from the Cruise Terminal: $240
  • Aquarium of Genoa + Panera Ice Cream Taste experience: $32
  • Aquarium of Genoa Ticket and Whale Watching Cruise: $70
  • Aquarium of Entry Ticket and Aperitif: $31
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Genoa: $152
  • Cesarine: Small Group Market tour and Dining Experience in Genoa: $141
  • City Sightseeing Genoa Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $27
  • Departure by Private Car from Genoa City to Genoa Cruise Port: $44
  • Discover Genoa, old town walking tour: $131
  • E-bike tour in Genova: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Genoa 10

Sample the Local Flavors in Genoa

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

  • Guided Eco Hiking and Sea View Wine Tasting in Portofino Park: $75
  • 3 Hour Pesto Making and Wine Tasting Activity in Campetto Genoa: $105
  • CAMOGLI: PRIVATE Ligurian Wine Tasting Experience and walking on National Park: $125


When comparing the travel costs between Cape Sounion and Genoa, we can see that Cape Sounion is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Genoa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Genoa?

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

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 Genoa in the Summer?

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

Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Genoa in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Genoa fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Genoa this time of the year. In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Genoa during summer. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Genoa. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Genoa 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Genoa in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Genoa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Sounion in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Genoa averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Sounion this time of the year. In the autumn, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Genoa. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in October than Genoa. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Genoa in the Winter?

Both Genoa 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 Genoa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Cape Sounion is generally around the same temperature as Genoa. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 10°C (51°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Genoa during winter. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Genoa. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Genoa 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Genoa in the Spring?

Both Genoa 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 and the natural beauty are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the spring, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Genoa. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in April than Genoa. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Genoa and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Genoa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)