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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Marseille?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Marseille? 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. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Cape Sounion and Marseille: 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 popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Marseille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marseille. Although Cape Sounion and Marseille are popular destinations, Marseille has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marseille is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cape Sounion attracts visitors for its museums. Marseille is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is known for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also well known for The Vieux Port. Cape Sounion is famous for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

How is Cape Sounion different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion
Marseille

Cape Sounion is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Cape Sounion has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cape Sounion
Marseille

Marseille is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Marseille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

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 Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Marseille

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

Marseille is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.

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 Marseille Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Marseille

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Cape Sounion and Marseille are nice 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 Marseille to enjoy the beach. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.


Is Cape Sounion or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Marseille

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

Marseille has a world-famous historical area. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Marseille?

Cape Sounion
Marseille

Marseille is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Cape Sounion
Marseille

Marseille is a popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Cape Sounion does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Marseille. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Cape Sounion does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Cape Sounion or Marseille Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Marseille

Cape Sounion is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Marseille is lacking in 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.

Marseille doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Is Cape Sounion or Marseille Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Marseille

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

Marseille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

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 Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Marseille

Cape Sounion and Marseille 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.

Marseille is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.


Is Cape Sounion or Marseille Better for Students?

Cape Sounion
Marseille

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

Marseille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Cape Sounion is not popular with students.

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

Cape Sounion
Marseille

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Cape Sounion and Marseille.

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 Marseille, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Cape Sounion or Marseille a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Marseille

Marseille 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.

Marseille is a very walkable destination. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore 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 Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Sounion and Marseille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marseille than in Cape Sounion. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cape Sounion, and 2-3 days is enough time in Marseille.

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

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


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

One day in Cape Sounion or Marseille?

You'll find food and museums around the destination of Cape Sounion. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cape Sounion has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Marseille, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this energetic 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 Marseille?

You'll find museums and food around the spectacular destination of Cape Sounion. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this destination has to offer. This destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Marseille 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 Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the impressive destination of Cape Sounion. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and food around the vibrant destination of Marseille. 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 Marseille?

Cape Sounion is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Marseille 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 Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille 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 Marseille is €148. 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 Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Marseille 71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Marseille 142
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Marseille? 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 Marseille


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: Marseille Hotel Prices.

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:


  • Metro Pass
    3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille

Also for Marseille, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfert aéroport de Marseille -> Marseille centre/hôtels: $192
  • Transfert Aéroport Marseille vers : $225
  • Transfer from Marseille Provence Airport to Toulon Cruise Port: $117
  • Transfer from Marseille Airport to Train Station / Ports / Hotels: $164
  • Transfer between Marseille airport and Marseille city: $84
  • Transfer Marseille city center to Marseille Airport: $87
  • Transfer Marseille Airport to Marseille city center: $89
  • Transfer : $84
  • Taxi aéroport Marseille cassis transfer port Cruise: $150
  • Private transfer from Marseille Airport to Cavaillon: $279
  • Private transfer by car: Marseille airport to / from Cassis-La Ciotat: $184
  • Private transfer by car: Marseille airport from or to Avignon: $218

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille 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
    Marseille 42

Typical Food Prices in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orangina
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Web-cooking workshop / French cuisine or French pastry: $35
  • No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Marseille! (Cours Julien): $63
  • Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $74
  • Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $93
  • Sunset Apéro Food tour: $95
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $97
  • Marseille Sunset Apéro Food tour: $97
  • Evening Food Tour with Tastings: $102
  • Sunset Sailing Dinner in the Frioul Archipelago: $102
  • Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Marseille 38

Tours and Activities in Marseille

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

  • "Old Marseille" district tour and treasure hunt: $29
  • 2H: City-Tour Marseille: $274
  • 3h Kayak Tour at Calanques National Park: $67
  • A Day in Provence Small Group Tour from Marseille: $180
  • Aix-en-Provence: Half-Day Shore Excursion Tour: $642
  • All Inclusive Food & History Tour of Marseille with Local Guide: $144
  • Beer tasting experience in Marseille: $43
  • Bookbinding experience in the Vieux Port: $93
  • Calanques National Park Guided Hiking Tour: $50
  • Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour: $112
  • Calanques Trilogy Electric Bike Tour from Marseille: $65
  • Canyoning Half Day Tour from La Ciotat : $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Marseille 27

Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille

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

  • Marseille Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $21
  • Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $22
  • Marseille Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $43
  • New Year's Eve Bar Crawl Marseille France: $96
  • Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
  • Bandol and Cassis: Full Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
  • Luberon: Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
  • Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $146
  • Full-Day Wine Tour around Luberon from Marseille: $146
  • Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $164
  • Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $164
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $164


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


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 790 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Marseille, 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 Marseille?

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 Marseille in the Summer?

Both Marseille and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Marseille in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. 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 Marseille during summer. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Marseille. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Marseille 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Marseille in the Autumn?

Both Marseille and Cape Sounion during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Marseille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Sounion in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Marseille averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the autumn, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in October than Marseille. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Marseille 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Marseille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Marseille. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Cape Sounion is generally much warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 10°C (51°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille during winter. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of rain as Marseille. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Marseille 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Marseille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Marseille. The spring months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Marseille in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Sounion this time of the year. In the spring, Cape Sounion often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in April than Marseille. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Marseille 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Marseille and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Marseille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)