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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Mainz?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Mainz? 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. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and museums.

Mainz

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

Cape Sounion and Mainz: 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 walkable
Pros
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Mainz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mainz than Cape Sounion, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mainz is better known for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and beaches. Mainz is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Also, Mainz is famous for The Mainz Cathedral. Cape Sounion is well known for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

The Mainz Cathedral
The Mainz Cathedral

How is Cape Sounion different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion
Mainz

Cape Sounion is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Cape Sounion from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Mainz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's an old university town with a number of historical sights. Check out the Church of St. Stephan, Mainz Cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum, and the Museum of Ancient Seafaring.


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

Cape Sounion
Mainz

Mainz 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.

Mainz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes that serve local food. There are also wine taverns where you can sample the local wines and dine of regional specialties.

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 Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Mainz

Cape Sounion is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cape Sounion. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Mainz. It's a sleepy little town, so even locals often head to bigger cities for better nightlife.

Is Cape Sounion or Mainz Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Mainz

Cape Sounion is a destination with good options for its beaches. However, Mainz 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.

Mainz is not a beach destination.


Is Cape Sounion or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Mainz

Mainz is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Mainz. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Mainz?

Cape Sounion
Mainz

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

Mainz has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the boulevard of Am Brand near the cathedral for some of the town's best shopping. There are shops that line the street and it's a nice area to walk around.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Mainz Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Mainz

Cape Sounion is a destination with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Mainz doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kids will enjoy the Gutenburg Museum and the outdoor spaces where they can run around. There's also a nice old town that everyone will have fun exploring.


Is Cape Sounion or Mainz Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Mainz

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

Mainz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Located on the Rhine River, this scenic setting is popular for river cruises. The town is nice to explore on its own, or you can hop around and take in several of the German river towns. You can also sit at outdoor cafes and sip 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 Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Mainz

Cape Sounion and Mainz are both notable 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.

Mainz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The town is popular with river cruises but you'll also find a hostel or two where budget travelers can save some money and meet other backpackers.

Is Cape Sounion or Mainz Better for Students?

Cape Sounion
Mainz

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

Mainz is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Cape Sounion is not popular with students.


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

Cape Sounion
Mainz

Mainz 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 Mainz can get you to most places easily. There are regional trains that make it easy to use Mainz as a base to explore the area, or you could visit Mainz as a day trip from another nearby town.

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 Mainz a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Mainz

Mainz is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Mainz. The town is easily 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 Mainz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Mainz?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Cape Sounion or Mainz?

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 Mainz, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Mainz?

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.

Mainz 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 Mainz?

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 food and shopping around the historic destination of Mainz. 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 Mainz?

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.

Mainz 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Mainz 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 Mainz is €142. 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 Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Mainz 74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Mainz 148
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Mainz? 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 Mainz


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: Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Mainz 37

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz 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
    Mainz 41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Mainz 33

Tours and Activities in Mainz

For Mainz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Jewish Mainz: $207
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Cathedral and Diocesan Museum Mainz: $131
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Chagall Windows in Saint Stephan’s Mainz: $131
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Gutenberg Museum Mainz : $131
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $131
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Family Walking Tour in Mainz : $207
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Gentle Walking Tour: Mainz with the Elderly: $207
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $207
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Cathedral and Old Mainz: $207
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Mainz Cathedral : $197
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Old Mainz: $197
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Gutenberg and Mainz Cathedral: $207

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Mainz 22


When comparing the travel costs between Cape Sounion and Mainz, 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 Mainz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Mainz?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Mainz, 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 Mainz?

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 Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Mainz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Sounion in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Mainz averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Mainz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Sounion. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during summer. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Mainz. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Mainz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and Cape Sounion during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Mainz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cape Sounion is generally much warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 19°C (67°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the autumn, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Mainz. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Mainz. The winter months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

It's quite cold in Mainz in the winter. Cape Sounion is much warmer than Mainz in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during winter. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mainz. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Mainz 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Mainz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Mainz. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Mainz for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Mainz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Sounion in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Sounion this time of the year. In the spring, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in April than Mainz. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Mainz and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)


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