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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Izmir?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Izmir? 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 Izmir?

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.

Izmir

Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul.


Which place is cheaper, Izmir 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 Izmir is €98. 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 Izmir in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Izmir 57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Izmir 114
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Izmir

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Izmir? 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 Izmir


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: Izmir Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Izmir 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • izmir kusadasi transfer: $82
  • Vip Airport Transfer: $98
  • VIP Private Transfer | Izmir Airport to Kusadasi or Selcuk: $46
  • Transfer İzmir Airport to/from Kusadasi City Center Area: $75
  • Transfer to Kusadasi from Izmir Airport: $75
  • Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $153
  • Transfer From izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Selcuk Ephesus: $82
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
  • Private Transfer: Izmir to Izmir Airport (ADB) : $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Izmir?

Prices for flights to both Izmir 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
    Izmir 23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Izmir 19

Tours and Activities in Izmir

Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Highlights of Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port : $131
  • Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $100
  • Small Group Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $126
  • "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
  • 1 Day Ephesus And Pamukkale Tour From Izmir By A Local Expert: $300
  • 2-Day Small-Group Tour Highlights of Ephesus from Izmir: $169
  • 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,068
  • Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $282
  • Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour from Izmir: $280
  • Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
  • Biblical Ephesus, Mother Mary House, St John Basilica and Temple of Artemis Tour from Izmir with Private Guide: $272
  • Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $174

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Izmir 8.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152


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

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 Izmir Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Izmir?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 2500 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Izmir, 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 Izmir?

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 Izmir in the Summer?

Both Izmir and Cape Sounion during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Izmir. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Sounion in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Izmir averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the summer, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 378 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets more rain in July than Izmir. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Izmir 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Izmir in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Izmir. The autumn months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the natural beauty of the area.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Sounion usually receives less sunshine than Izmir during autumn. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 232 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cape Sounion usually receives more rain than Izmir. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Izmir in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Izmir. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year.

Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Izmir in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Izmir fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Izmir. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 131 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Izmir. Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in January than Izmir. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Izmir 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Izmir in the Spring?

Both Izmir and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Izmir. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Sounion in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Izmir averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Izmir. 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 Izmir during spring. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Izmir. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Izmir 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Izmir and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Izmir
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in)