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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Nice?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Nice? 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.

Nice

Nice is a beautiful, opulent, and trendy seaside destination. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Cape Sounion and Nice: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to the Temple of Poseidon
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • 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
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Nice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nice. Although Cape Sounion and Nice are both popular with visitors, Nice has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nice is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cape Sounion is known for its museums. Nice is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also home to The Promenade des Anglais. Cape Sounion is popular for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

How is Cape Sounion different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion
Nice

Cape Sounion is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Nice 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cape Sounion
Nice

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

For foodies, Nice is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Nice

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

Nice is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Resorts?

Cape Sounion
Nice

Nice is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Nice is a great choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.


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

Cape Sounion
Nice

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

Nice has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Cape Sounion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Nice Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Nice

Nice is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Nice is considered a top beach destination. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Many people head to Cape Sounion to enjoy the beach. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Is Cape Sounion or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Nice

Nice 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 Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Nice?

Cape Sounion
Nice

Nice 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 Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Nice Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Nice

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

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 Nice. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Cape Sounion or Nice Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Nice

Nice is very popular for couples. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Nice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Nice

Cape Sounion and Nice are both good 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.

Nice is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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

Cape Sounion
Nice

Nice 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 Nice can get you to most places easily. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Nice

Nice 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 Nice. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Nice?

In either Cape Sounion or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than Cape Sounion because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cape Sounion, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cape Sounion or Nice? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Sounion 1-2 
    Nice 3-5

One day in Cape Sounion or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Cape Sounion. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Nice, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this beautiful seaside destination 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 Nice?

Cape Sounion is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nice is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Cape Sounion or Nice?

You'll find museums and food around the iconic destination of Cape Sounion. This destination offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Nice, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this chic 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. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A week in Cape Sounion or Nice?

The spectacular destination of Cape Sounion offers food and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Nice 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Nice 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 Nice is €131. 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 Nice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Nice 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Nice 118
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Nice

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Nice? 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 Nice


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: Nice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Nice 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nice:

  • transfert Nice aéroport vers Isola 2000: $267
  • transfert Nice aéroport /Fréjus /Saint Raphaël: $160
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer-Port de la Santé: Transfer to Nice: $292
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer - Port to Nice hotels- Arrival Transfer: $49
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer - Port de la Santé to Nice hotels- Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer - Port de la Santé to Cannes - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $170
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer - Port de la Santé to Cannes - Arrival Private Transfer: $85
  • Villefranche Port to Nice Intl Airport (NCE) - Departure Transfer: $49
  • Villefranche Port to Cannes Mandelieu Airport Departure Transfer: $87
  • Villefranche Port Round Trip Transfer to Monaco: $158
  • Transfert privé aéroport de Nice-Côte d’Azur - Cannes: $155
  • Transfer from Villefranche-sur-Mer-Port de la Santé to Cannes : $85

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Nice?

Prices for flights to both Nice 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
    Nice 49

Typical Food Prices in Nice

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


  • Slushee
    2.50
  • Strawberries
    4.00
  • Loaf of Bread
    3.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nice

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

  • Nice Small-Group Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties & Wine Tasting: $84
  • Viator Exclusive: Organic French Dinner in the Garden of Nice: $95
  • The Flavors of Nice Food Tour: $103
  • Old Nice Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Nice Evening Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Viator Exclusive: Local Cooking Class & Dinner with View of Nice: $107
  • 3.5-Hour Original Old Town Food Tour: $107
  • Private French Cooking Class with a Fun Local Noel: $112
  • PRIVATE Award-Winning Nice Food Tour: 6 or 10 Tastings: $112
  • Food Tour + Wine Pairing Lunch with a local Sommelier: $133
  • Half Day Afternoon Walking Food Tour with Dinner: $147
  • Dinner in the vineyard French Riviera: $192

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Nice 12

Tours and Activities in Nice

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

  • Half Day Shared Tour in Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo: $65
  • Majestic Christmas tour in French Riviera: $235
  • Monaco, Monte-Carlo and Eze Village Small Group Half-Day Tour: $59
  • 3 Hour Walking Tour with a Local Licensed Guide in Monaco: $60
  • 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Nice with a Licensed Guide: $33
  • 3-Hour Segway Tour to Nice & Villefranche-sur-Mer: $80
  • 7h sightseeing excursion: Visit Saint Paul, Antibes, Cannes.: $104
  • A Guided Walking Tour through the Charming Streets of Nice: $32
  • A walk of wealth – guided tour in Monaco: $251
  • All-Inclusive Food & History Tour in Old Nice with Local Guide: $142
  • Amazing Private Walking Tour of Old Nice between Italy and France: $111
  • Antibes Electric Bike Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Nice 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Nice

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

  • Nice Bar Crawl | Best Bars In 1 Night! VIP + FREE SHOTS: $5.99
  • Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entry and Free Shots: $16
  • Pub Crawl Nice with Drinking Games and Optional Drink special: $17
  • Nice : Guided Pub / Bar Crawl with Shots and Nightclub Entry: $21
  • Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $23
  • Nice Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $45
  • New Year's Eve Pub Crawl with Shots and VIP Club Entry: $52
  • New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl Nice France: $53
  • Provence Organic Wine Tasting Half Day Tour from Nice: $65
  • Wine Tasting: Tour de France in Nice City Centre: $74
  • Half-Day Saint Paul de Vence and Wine Tasting Tour: $82
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting and Saint Paul de Vence Tour from Nice: $84


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

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 Nice Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 340 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Nice. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cape Sounion is generally a little warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 27°C (81°F), and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in July than Nice. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Nice 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Nice in the Autumn?

Both Nice and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Nice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nice. In October, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Nice. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Nice 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Nice in the Winter?

Both Nice and Cape Sounion during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In the winter, Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Nice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Sounion in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Nice averages at about 9°C (48°F).

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Nice 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Nice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Nice. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cape Sounion is generally a little warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 16°C (60°F), and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Nice. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Nice and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Nice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)