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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Malaga?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Malaga? 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.

Malaga

Malaga is a welcoming, historic, and beautiful port city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Cape Sounion and Malaga: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Temple of Poseidon
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Malaga?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Malaga. Although Cape Sounion and Malaga are both popular with visitors, Malaga has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Malaga is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion is known for its museums. Malaga is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also home to The Alcazaba. Cape Sounion is popular for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

How is Cape Sounion different from Malaga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion
Malaga

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

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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cape Sounion
Malaga

Malaga 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.

Malaga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

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 Malaga Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Malaga

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

Malaga is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

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 Malaga Better for Music?

Cape Sounion
Malaga

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Cape Sounion is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Malaga has diverse options. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Cape Sounion is not a live music destination.


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

Cape Sounion
Malaga

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

Malaga has a few good snorkeling spots. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Cape Sounion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Malaga Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Malaga

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Cape Sounion and Malaga are good choices.

Cape Sounion is a good option for a beach vacation. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Many people head to Malaga to enjoy the beach. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Is Cape Sounion or Malaga Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Malaga

Malaga 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 Malaga. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Malaga?

Cape Sounion
Malaga

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

Malaga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Malaga Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Malaga

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

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 Malaga. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Cape Sounion or Malaga Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Malaga

With fun activities for couples, both Cape Sounion and Malaga make for a good place to visit.

Cape Sounion is a good destination for couples to visit. Couples should definitely stay for the stunning sunset which provides dramatic oranges, pinks, and reds at the sun dips below the horizon.

Malaga is a nice destination for couples. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.


Is Cape Sounion or Malaga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Malaga

Malaga 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 Malaga, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

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 Malaga Better for Students?

Cape Sounion
Malaga

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

Malaga is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

Cape Sounion is not popular with students.

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

Cape Sounion
Malaga

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

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 Malaga, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.


Is Cape Sounion or Malaga a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Malaga

Malaga 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.

Malaga is a very walkable destination. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible 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 Malaga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Malaga or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Malaga?

Both Cape Sounion and Malaga have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than in Cape Sounion. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cape Sounion, and 3-7 days is enough time in Malaga.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cape Sounion or Malaga? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Sounion 1-2 
    Malaga 3-7

One day in Cape Sounion or Malaga?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Cape Sounion. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Malaga, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this welcoming port city 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 Malaga?

Cape Sounion is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Malaga is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.


Five days in Cape Sounion or Malaga?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Sounion. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Malaga, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this beautiful destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 nightlife. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Cape Sounion or Malaga?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the iconic destination of Cape Sounion. This destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Malaga is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Malaga 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 Malaga is €140. 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 Malaga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Malaga 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Malaga 150
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Malaga

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Malaga? 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 Malaga


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: Malaga Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Malaga Fuengirola or Marbella: $55
  • Vip Private Transfer from Malaga Airport to Gibraltar Border: $164
  • Transfer from Malaga Airport to Costa del Sol Hotels (Any Hotel): $42
  • TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to ESTEPONA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $125
  • Private Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP): $33
  • Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $230
  • Private Transfer from/to Motril to/from Malaga with private driver: $159
  • Private Transfer from airport to Malaga : $69
  • Private Transfer from Torrequebrada to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $57
  • Private Transfer from Torremuelle to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $57
  • Private Transfer from Torremolinos to Malaga (AGP) airport: $39
  • Private Transfer from Sitio de Calahonda to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Malaga?

Prices for flights to both Malaga 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
    Malaga 35

Typical Food Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    30
  • Dinner for 2
    44
  • Breakfast for 2
    8.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga

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

  • Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
  • Malaga Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $86
  • Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
  • Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Malaga 31

Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:


  • Entrance to Castillos
    7.10
  • Concert
    31

Tours and Activities in Malaga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:

  • Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada: $153
  • Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $240
  • Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $120
  • 1 Hour Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $87
  • 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
  • 1h buggy tour: $115
  • 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $164
  • 2 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $142
  • 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $125
  • 2 Hours Kayak Tour in Cerro Gordo Natural Park, La Herradura: $28
  • 2-Hour French Guided Walking Tour in Malaga: $20

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga

Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
  • Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
  • Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $60
  • Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
  • Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
  • Ronda Tour & Winery Experience with Wine Tasting from Malaga: $109
  • Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $136


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


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Malaga?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 550 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Malaga, 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 Malaga?

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 Malaga in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Malaga. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cape Sounion is generally around the same temperature as Malaga. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 27°C (81°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. 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 Malaga. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun.

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


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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Malaga in the Autumn?

Both Malaga and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Malaga. 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 Malaga during autumn. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Malaga. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Malaga in the Winter?

Both Malaga and Cape Sounion during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Cape Sounion is cooler than Malaga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Sounion in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Malaga averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the winter, Cape Sounion often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Malaga 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Malaga in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Malaga. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga 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 Malaga during spring. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Malaga. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Malaga and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Malaga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in)