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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Lucca?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Lucca? 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. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and beaches.

Lucca

Lucca is a charming, quaint, and popular city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cape Sounion and Lucca: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • 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
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Lucca?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lucca. Although Cape Sounion and Lucca are popular destinations, Lucca has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucca is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion attracts visitors for its museums and beaches. Lucca is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is popular for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings. It is also well known for The Guinigi Tower. Cape Sounion is famous for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

How is Cape Sounion different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion
Lucca

Cape Sounion is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Cape Sounion on the map. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Lucca. There are many interesting historic sights and buildings around this charming town. You can climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower or visit the Roman Amphitheater. Many visitors enjoy walking or biking around the city walls as well. Also make sure you visit the cathedral.


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

Cape Sounion
Lucca

Lucca 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.

Lucca has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many great Tuscan restaurants inside the city walls. Perhaps the most popular local dish is tordelli Lucchesi. Its a meat filled pasta that has a beef ragu sauce. There are also other Tuscan recipes that include steak, boar, or rabbit.

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 Lucca Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Lucca

Lucca 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 Lucca. The nightlife scene is most lively during the spring and summer months when tourists crowd into the city. For the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and lounges, head to Piazza Amfiteatro, Piazza San Michele and Via Fillungo.

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 Lucca Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Lucca

Cape Sounion is a destination with good options for the beach. However, Lucca is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cape Sounion. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Lucca is not a beach destination.


Is Cape Sounion or Lucca Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Lucca

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

Lucca has a world-famous historical area. The historic city is surrounded by city walls, which you can walk around. Within the walls there are cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Lucca?

Cape Sounion
Lucca

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

Lucca has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is filled with a mix of tourist shops and more authentic local vendors. If you look hard, you can still find some interesting local items that make for a more unique and personal shopping experience.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Lucca Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Lucca

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cape Sounion or Lucca.

Cape Sounion is a family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Lucca. You can pass through town in a day or two, or stay longer and use it as a base for exploring Tuscany. There are playgrounds for the kids as well as some fun activities like cycling the city walls and climbing towers.


Is Cape Sounion or Lucca Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Lucca

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

Lucca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful city with good restaurants and access to nice countryside. Couples who want to explore Tuscany can use this town as a base to take in much of the region.

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 Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Lucca

Cape Sounion and Lucca are both nice 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.

Lucca is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.

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

Cape Sounion
Lucca

Cape Sounion is a destination with good options for its public transit. However, Lucca 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 quite limited in Lucca. There's no public transit within the city so if you can't walk somewhere, you'll want to take a taxi. In general, walking is the best option though.


Is Cape Sounion or Lucca a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Lucca

Lucca 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.

Lucca is a very walkable destination. Much of the city can be explored 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 Lucca Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucca or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Lucca?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cape Sounion or Lucca to fill your time. In our opinion, Lucca has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lucca than Cape Sounion. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


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

One day in Cape Sounion or Lucca?

In Cape Sounion, many people enjoy the food and museums that this impressive 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 Lucca, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this charming city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Cape Sounion or Lucca?

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.

Lucca is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Lucca?

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 popular destination of Lucca. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Lucca?

You'll find museums and food around the spectacular 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.

Lucca is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Lucca 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 Lucca is €106. 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 Lucca in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Lucca? 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 Lucca


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: Lucca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Lucca 4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucca

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lucca:

  • Tasting in a Tuscan Vineyard with transfer from Lucca: $86
  • Private Transfer from Lido di Camaiore to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Lucca?

Prices for flights to both Lucca 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
    Lucca 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lucca

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

  • Flavors of Lucca Food Tour with Local Guide: $75
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Capannori with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Gaiole in Chianti with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in San Miniato with Show Cooking: $93
  • Lucca Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $99
  • Traditional-Traditional Cooking Class cuisine course: $123
  • Pasta Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $149
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Gaiole in Chianti: $158
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pistoia: $158
  • Lucca Home Cooking Class: $191
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $202
  • 5 Hours Private Activity - Truffle Hunting with Dinner in San Miniato: $207

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Lucca 5.68

Tours and Activities in Lucca

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

  • Wine and olive oil tasting & farm tour: $39
  • 2 Hour Walking Tour at Lucca : $142
  • 2-Hours Relax Walking Tour Through Lucca: $158
  • BOOK YOUR PRIVATE WINE OR BEER AMAZING EXPERIENCE IN LUCCA: $123
  • Bike Self-Tour in the Lucca Countryside and Green Landscapes: $70
  • Carrara Marble Tour by shuttle from Lucca, Pisa or La Spezia port: $163
  • Carriage tour in the historic center of Lucca: $84
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Typical Dining at a Local's Home in Lucca: $206
  • Chianti Wine and Vinci half day Small Group Tour from Lucca: $119
  • Cinque Terre Tour Small Group Tour from Lucca: $179
  • Complete tour of the city and walls: $210
  • Discover Lucca’s Secrets on a Guided Walking Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Lucca 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Lucca

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

  • Wine tasting in the historical Cantalici winery: $12
  • Wine Tasting Experience - Tenuta Adamo Winery: $16
  • Guided Winery Tour with Wine Tasting: $21
  • Aperitivo Evening Food and Wine Tour: $80
  • Private wine tasting in Versilia - 5 wines and a taste of local products: $82
  • Chianti Half-Day Wine Tour in the Tuscan Hills Small Group from Lucca: $97
  • Guided E-Bike and Wine Tour: $117
  • Guided E-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Lucca: $119
  • Bike Ride & WIne Tasting: $131
  • Tuscan Wine Tour by shuttle from Pisa: $149
  • Tuscan Wine Tour by shuttle from Lucca: $149
  • Tuscan Wine Tour in Lucca by shuttle: $152


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

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 Lucca Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Lucca?

Lucca has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Lucca, 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.

Related Articles for Cape Sounion
Related Articles for Lucca