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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Hvar?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Hvar? 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 iconic, impressive, and spectacular destination. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, museums, and food.

Hvar

Hvar is a party-oriented, historic, and beautiful 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 Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hvar. Although Cape Sounion and Hvar are both popular with visitors, Hvar has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hvar is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion is known for its museums. Hvar is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also home to Hvar Fort. Cape Sounion is popular for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

How is Cape Sounion different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Cape Sounion are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Hvar 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.

Hvar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

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 Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is very popular for its evening party scene. However, Cape Sounion is lacking in options for nightlife.

Hvar is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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 Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Hvar has a few good snorkeling spots. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Cape Sounion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Hvar is considered a top beach destination. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

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 Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Cape Sounion is not a hiking destination.

Hvar is a good destination for hiking. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Cape Sounion is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Hvar?

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

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar 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 Hvar. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Hvar Better for Couples?

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

Hvar makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

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 Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hvar, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cape Sounion and Hvar.

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 Hvar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Cape Sounion or Hvar a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion and Hvar are good 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.

Hvar is somewhat walkable. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Cape Sounion or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar 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 Hvar.

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

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

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

One day in Cape Sounion or Hvar?

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 Hvar, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic island offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Hvar?

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.

Hvar is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cape Sounion or Hvar?

You'll find museums and food around the iconic 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the historic destination of Hvar. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Hvar?

The spectacular 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.

Hvar is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

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 Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Hvar?

Hvar has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Hvar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Hvar. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cape Sounion is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 27°C (81°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Sounion this time of the year. In the summer, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in July than Hvar. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hvar because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Sounion. Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during autumn. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Hvar. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Cape Sounion during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In the winter, Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Hvar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Sounion in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Hvar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Hvar. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Hvar. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar 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 Hvar during spring. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Hvar. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Cape Sounion