A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cape Sounion vs. Lagos for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Lagos?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Lagos? 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. It's also known for food, beaches, and museums.

Lagos

Lagos is a beautiful, scenic, and adventure-filled resort town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Cape Sounion and Lagos: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Very walkable
  • Home to the Temple of Poseidon
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Lagos?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lagos than Cape Sounion, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lagos is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion is more popular for its museums. Lagos is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Also, Lagos is famous for Ponta da Piedade. Cape Sounion is well known for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

How is Cape Sounion different from Lagos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion
Lagos

Cape Sounion is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Cape Sounion that are not to be missed. 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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cape Sounion
Lagos

Lagos 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.

Lagos has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

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 Lagos Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Lagos

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

Lagos has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

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 Lagos Better for Resorts?

Cape Sounion
Lagos

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Lagos is a great choice. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.


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

Cape Sounion
Lagos

Lagos is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Sounion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Cape Sounion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Lagos Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Lagos

Lagos is very popular for the beach. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Lagos. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

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 Lagos Better for Hiking?

Cape Sounion
Lagos

Lagos is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Cape Sounion is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Lagos. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Cape Sounion is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Lagos?

Cape Sounion
Lagos

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

Lagos has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Lagos Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Lagos

Lagos is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Lagos is a very family-friendly destination. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

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 Lagos Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Lagos

Lagos is very popular for couples. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Lagos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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 Lagos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Lagos

Lagos 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 Lagos, as it is a very popular resort town for budget travelers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

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

Cape Sounion
Lagos

Cape Sounion is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Cape Sounion or Lagos a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Lagos

Cape Sounion is a good destination for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Cape Sounion is somewhat walkable. You can walk around the archeological site and the bus stops close enough that it is accessible.

Lagos is not a very walkable destination. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.


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

Should I spend more time in Lagos or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Lagos?

In either Cape Sounion or Lagos, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lagos 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 3-5 days is enough time in Lagos.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cape Sounion or Lagos? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Sounion 1-2 
    Lagos 3-5

One day in Cape Sounion or Lagos?

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 Lagos, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this beautiful resort town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Lagos?

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.

Lagos is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Cape Sounion or Lagos?

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.

In Lagos, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this dramatic destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A week in Cape Sounion or Lagos?

You'll find museums and food around the impressive 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.

Lagos is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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, Lagos 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 Lagos is €118. 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 Lagos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Lagos 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Lagos 122
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Lagos

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Lagos? 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 Lagos


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: Lagos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Lagos 31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lagos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:

  • Transfer Praia da Luz - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $58
  • Transfer Burgau - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $54
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Lisbon: $613
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Lagos: $373
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Algarve (Faro district): $373
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Seville: $373
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Lisbon: $427
  • Private Transfer: Faro/Lagos to Porto: $800
  • Private Transfer: Faro/FAO to Seville: $352
  • Private Transfer: Faro to Lisbon: $426
  • Private Transfer: Albufeira to Seville: $320
  • Private Transfer: Albufeira to Lisbon: $394

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Lagos?

Prices for flights to both Lagos 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
    Lagos 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lagos

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lagos.

  • Classic Food Tour - Lagos: $97
  • Full-Day West Coast Adventure with Hiking, Sunset, Dinner & Wine : $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Lagos 26

Tours and Activities in Lagos

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

  • Ponta da Piedade Costal cruise and Caves-2h: $29
  • 2-hour Kayak Tour of Ponta da Piedade Caves and Beaches: $37
  • 4x4 Off-road Algarve Natural Park West Coast Tour : $58
  • Adventure to the Benagil Caves on a Family Friendly Catamaran - Start at Lagos: $43
  • Algarve Private Tour: Sagres and Benagil from Lisbon: $832
  • Algarve: Aljezur, Arrifana, and Costa Vicentina Private Tour: $144
  • Algarve: Family photoshoot experience: $213
  • Algarve: Lagos Sightseeing guided Tour with e-bikes: $62
  • Algarve: Lagos sightseeing guided tour with E-bikes: $71
  • Amado Beach Walking Tour: $55
  • Benagil Caves- Speed Boat Tour: $44
  • Benagil and Dolphin Wacthing Boat Tour with Marine Biologists: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Lagos 6.79

Sample the Local Flavors in Lagos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lagos:

  • Lagos Wine Tasting and Tapas: $44
  • Small group Wine Tasting Tour from Lagos: $65
  • Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting: $86
  • Benagil Secrets: Jeep and Boat Tour with Wine Tasting: $104


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

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 Lagos Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Lagos?

Lagos has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Lagos, 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 Lagos?

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 Lagos in the Summer?

Both Lagos 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. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Lagos. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Sounion in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Lagos averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in July than Lagos. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Lagos 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Lagos in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Lagos. The autumn months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lagos this time of year.

In October, Cape Sounion is generally cooler than Lagos. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 19°C (67°F), and Lagos fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Lagos. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Lagos 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Lagos in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Lagos. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Cape Sounion is much colder than Lagos in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Lagos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Cape Sounion usually gets more rain in January than Lagos. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Lagos 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Lagos in the Spring?

Both Lagos 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. Also, many visitors come to Lagos in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cape Sounion is much colder than Lagos. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Sounion in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Lagos averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. In April, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Lagos. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Lagos 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Lagos and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Lagos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 316 mm (12.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 243 mm (9.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)