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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Nantes?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Nantes? 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.

Nantes

Nantes is a vibrant, welcoming, and friendly city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cape Sounion and Nantes: 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 museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Nantes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantes. Although Cape Sounion and Nantes are popular destinations, Nantes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nantes is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion attracts visitors for its museums and beaches. Cape Sounion is famous for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. It is also well known for The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.

How is Cape Sounion different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion
Nantes

Cape Sounion is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nantes. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.


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

Cape Sounion
Nantes

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

For foodies, Nantes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

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 Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Nantes

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

Nantes has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

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 Nantes Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Nantes

Cape Sounion is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Nantes is not a beach destination.

Cape Sounion has a beach worth visiting. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Nantes is not a beach destination.


Is Cape Sounion or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Nantes

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

Nantes has an old town worth visiting. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Nantes?

Cape Sounion
Nantes

Nantes 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 Nantes. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Nantes Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Nantes

Nantes is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nantes. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

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 Nantes Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Nantes

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

Nantes makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

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 Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Nantes

Cape Sounion is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Cape Sounion or Nantes Better for Students?

Cape Sounion
Nantes

Nantes is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Sounion is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Nantes. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Cape Sounion is not popular with students.


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

Cape Sounion
Nantes

Nantes 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 Nantes can get you to most places easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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 Nantes a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Nantes

Nantes 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.

Nantes is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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 Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Sounion and Nantes. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nantes 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 Nantes.

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

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

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


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

One day in Cape Sounion or Nantes?

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 Nantes, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this vibrant city offers. 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 Nantes?

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.

Nantes is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cape Sounion or Nantes?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Nantes. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Nantes?

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.

Nantes is a popular place to visit. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Nantes 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 Nantes is €108. 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 Nantes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Nantes 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Nantes 120
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Nantes

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Nantes? 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 Nantes


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: Nantes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Nantes 36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nantes

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

  • Private Transfer from Nantes Hotels to La Rochelle Cruise Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Atlantique Airport NTE to Puy du Fou Park: $174
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Airport (NTE) to La Rochelle Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Airports to Nantes: $33
  • Nantes to Nantes Airport (NTE) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes city centre to Nantes Airport: $65
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes Airport to City centre: $65
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Nantes?

Prices for flights to both Nantes 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
    Nantes 27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nantes

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

  • Nantes Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Nantes Old Town with Local Guide: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Nantes 13

Tours and Activities in Nantes

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

  • Exploring London's Natural Marvels: Museum Adventure: $83
  • Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes: $31
  • Half-Day Tour in Nantes: $291
  • Nantes : Must-see Attractions Walking Tour: $75
  • Nantes : Private Walking Tour With A Local : $51
  • Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Nantes Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Nantes Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Panoramic Tour by Electric Bike: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Nantes 6.43

Sample the Local Flavors in Nantes

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

  • Château du Bois-Huaut: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting Class: $35


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

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 Nantes Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Nantes, 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 Nantes?

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 Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes 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 Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Nantes in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Nantes. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Sounion. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during summer. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Nantes. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Nantes 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Nantes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Sounion in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Nantes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the autumn, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in October than Nantes. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Nantes 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Nantes in the Winter?

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

In January, Cape Sounion is generally much warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 10°C (51°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during winter. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Nantes. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Nantes 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Nantes in the Spring?

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

Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Nantes in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Nantes fluctuates around 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 Nantes. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in April than Nantes. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Nantes and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Nantes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 11°C (51°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)


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